Sand Island BLM Campground Group sites Boat Launch

Great trail to the river and petroglyphs. I came in January, so it was virtually empty, but quite spacious and spread out even for a busy season. waterfront sites too.

Kind of a neat place to stay for a few days. Not too many sites for large rigs but we found one and got in ok. Loop B is dedicated to sizes over 26' as they are not allowed in Loop A. They are all "first come- first serve"... Some are near the water and others are away. It's a wonderful place to stay, providing you get a spot. 

We had a great time hiking near the large rock formations looking at all the Petroglyphs! There are 2 areas that they are found. One area on the North side of Loop B and the other following a trail near the end of Loop A. 

We saw many groups of people launching rafts and kayaks down the San Juan River, so if in the area for sometime, maybe contact one of the services and go float the river! Or, bring your own and have a blast! You might have to look into a service that would pick you up and bring you back, unless you have two vehicles.

This CG is not just group sites, it has loop A for renters/vans with a length restriction..no trailers. Loop B is the larger loop for TT and RVs. Two groups sites ( A n B) in between by the heavily used boat ramp area. Trash, toilets, water available. Cell signal is marginal. The west end of loop B gets some hwy noise from the jct going south over the river.

I stayed in this campground once in August when the Pecos Conference was in Bluff, Utah. Compared to other campgrounds in the area, it is a little low (4300 feet), which means it can be very warm during the day. However, on that visit it was pleasant, especially at night. Great star viewing! It is spacious and can support groups. It also is flat and next to the San Juan River.

The main attraction is the wonderful Sand Island petroglyphs, one of the best panels in the Southwest. They line a cliff on the north side of the campground. The site seems to have been very popular in prehistoric times, because the petroglyphs go on for about 100 yards. There is even one wonderful visual joke involving a bunch of kokopellis, then a group of big-horn sheep, then .... (I won't give away the punch line). You will want a photo. And DON'T TOUCH any petroglyph. The pressure and the oils of your hand can be very damaging.

Photographing any petroglyph can be tricky, because they can be faded. In early morning, the sun shines directly on the cliff here, which brings out some details but washes out others. In the evening, it is in shadow, but you have more control over lighting. Experiment and good luck!