Sand Island BLM Campground Group sites Boat Launch
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Reviewed Jun. 11, 2017

Can Be Warm, but Fabulous Petroglyphs

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!

SiteOn far west end, no number
Month of VisitSeptember