Petroglyphs, river access, and proximity to some of the Colorado Plateau's most visited archaeological sites make Sand Island Recreation Area a practical base camp for a stretch of southeastern Utah that rewards exploration. The campground sits on the north bank of the San Juan River about three miles west of Bluff, tucked into cottonwood trees that provide shade and some shelter from the wind that sweeps the surrounding mesa country. Sites are dirt and gravel, each with a fire grate and picnic table. The setting is dusty and open in spots, with red rock views in most directions.
The campground runs two loops with distinct characters. Loop A is quieter, farthest from the Highway 191 bridge, and restricted to vehicles no longer than 22 feet with no trailers. Loop B accommodates larger rigs and has hookups for water and sewer, though it picks up more road noise from truck traffic on the bridge overhead. The site fills up, especially in October when cottonwood color peaks, and reviewers note that late arrivals on busy weekends sometimes find the campground full. First come, first served, self-register at the pay station.
A petroglyph panel runs along the river just a short walk from the loops, and a boat ramp at the entrance sees regular use from river expeditions launching or finishing on the San Juan. Anglers work the banks as well. The Butler Wash Dispersed area down the road provides a no-fee alternative for those who don't need facilities, and nearby ruins are accessible within a short walk from the road. The Sand Island BLM Campground Group sites Boat Launch is just west for larger parties needing group sites.
As Leesa put it, Loop A is "quieter as it's farthest from the bridge/highway above Loop B." Cell coverage is unreliable, with Verizon users reporting spotty signal. Water is available seasonally, and there is no trash service, so pack everything out. At $15 a night with toilets and water on-site, the campground draws visitors using it as a hub for day trips to Valley of the Gods, Monument Valley, Hovenweep, and Shiprock. It suits paddlers, anglers, history-focused travelers, and RV campers who want hookups without paying resort prices.
Description
Overview
Sand Island Recreation Area is a good camping option for visitors launching San Juan River float trips, or wishing to camp close to the town of Bluff or the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument. The campground provides 21 campsites that each feature a tent/trailer space, a picnic table, a fire ring, and vault toilets. Drinking water is available seasonally (typically March through October). Each campsite can hold 8 people and 2 vehicles. Reservations are not available for camping at this location. Individual campsites are available on a first come, first served basis upon arrival at the self-register kiosk at the site. The Sand Island Group Sites are available for larger groups, and may be reserved here.
Recreation
Sand Island is the primary launch point for multi-day San Juan River float trips. San Juan River trips provide boaters with access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, geology, archeology, history and wildlife. A river permit is required in advance. The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel site is located on the sandstone walls on the north side of the recreation area. There are many nearby hiking and scenic driving opportuites in the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument.
Natural Features
Sand Island is located along the San Juan River. Cottonwood trees line the banks of the river and are scattered throughout the campground, providing shade at many of the sites. The north side of the campground is lined with red sandstone walls.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (435) 587-1500.
Nearby Attractions
Bears Ears National Monument San Juan River Cedar Mesa Valley of the Gods Goosenecks State Park
Charges & Cancellations
No refunds are available.
Fee Info
The campground at Sand Island Recreation Area is first come, first served and payment must be made upon arrival at the self-register kiosk at the campground using cash, check, or the Scan & Pay feature on the Recreation.gov mobile app. You must have the Recreation.gov app installed on your mobile device to use the Scan & Pay payment method. There is no fee for day use.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Beginning 6/26/2026, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect on all BLM-managed lands in Utah. Burning of wood or charcoal is prohibited. Fireworks are prohibited. Gas and propane stoves are permitted at least 3 feet from any flammable vegetation. For questions, please contact the Monticello Field Office: 435-587-1500
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSand Island Recreation Area is located in Utah near Bluff
Directions
The recreation area is located off U.S. Route 191 approximately three miles west of Bluff, UT and approximately one mile east of the junction of U.S. Routes 163 and 191. It is accessible by all passenger vehicles.
Address
BLM Monticello Field Office
365 N Main St
Monticello, UT 84535
Coordinates
37.262559 N
109.610336 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/22/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 38 usersLast on 7/22/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/22/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/22/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 38 usersLast on 7/22/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 47 min from Farmington, NM
- 3 hrs 13 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 18 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs 56 min from St. George, UT
