Sand Island Group Sites
4.3150 reviewsBLM MONTICELLO FIELD OFFICE, PO BOX 7, Monticello, UT 84535, USA
Sand Island Group Sites
$65.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$65.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The fee for group sites at Sand Island Campground is $65 per night, applicable to both Group Site A and Group Site B. Additional fees may apply for reservation services and late cancellations.
About this campground
Nestled along the winding banks of the San Juan River near Bluff, Utah, Sand Island Campground beckons groups seeking adventure in the heart of canyon country. Two spacious group sites provide the perfect basecamp for extended families and friends gathering under the vast desert sky. From your shaded picnic area, you'll have front-row access to world-class river floats, mesmerizing scenic drives through red rock canyons, and mysterious ancient petroglyphs that whisper stories from centuries past. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with sturdy picnic tables, fire grates for evening gatherings, and welcome shade structures that offer respite from the desert sun.
Sand Island Group Sites is designed for group camping, with options for primitive setups and no availability for individual or luxury accommodations.
Historical SignificanceSand Island stands as a sacred gallery of ancient Native American artistry, where weathered sandstone walls display an extraordinary collection of petroglyphs and pictographs spanning thousands of years. These intricate rock art panels offer visitors a profound connection to the Ancestral Puebloan and other indigenous peoples who called these canyons home. Beyond its role as an outdoor museum, Sand Island serves as the gateway for river runners embarking on journeys through the San Juan's archaeological wonderland, where every bend reveals new glimpses into the rich tapestry of human history woven into these canyon walls.
Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate here dances through dramatic seasonal changes that shape each visit differently. Summer days blaze with intense sunshine, occasionally punctuated by afternoon thunderstorms that roll through the canyons with spectacular displays of lightning and gusty winds. As autumn arrives, the temperature swings become more pronounced – warm days give way to crisp, star-filled nights that may require an extra layer or two. Spring and fall offer the most temperate conditions for exploring. Water taps flow reliably from March through October, after which winter visitors should come prepared with their own supply.
ElevationTucked into the embrace of the San Juan River canyon, the campground rests at the river's edge where ancient waters have carved their patient path through layers of geological time. This riverside setting places you at the heart of the Colorado Plateau's canyon country, where the interplay of water and stone creates an ever-changing landscape of shadows and light.
Natural Features and SceneryThe San Juan River serves as your constant companion at Sand Island, its muddy waters telling tales of distant mountain snowmelt as it winds through towering canyon walls. Majestic cottonwood trees line the riverbank, their leaves rustling with desert breezes and providing pools of shade that shift throughout the day. The true stars of the show, however, are the remarkable petroglyph panels etched into nearby cliff faces – an outdoor art gallery where bighorn sheep, spirals, and human figures dance across the rock, preserved by the dry desert air for modern eyes to marvel at. The surrounding canyon landscape paints a masterpiece of red rock formations, creating a natural amphitheater that glows golden at sunrise and sunset.
Geological RegionSand Island Campground sits within one of the Southwest's most geologically fascinating corridors, where the San Juan River has sculpted a masterpiece through millions of years of patient erosion. This archaeological treasure trove showcases the Colorado Plateau's signature red rock formations, while the river canyon walls reveal layer upon layer of Earth's ancient history. The region's unique combination of exposed sandstone cliffs and riverside terraces has created the perfect canvas for both natural beauty and human expression, making it a crossroads where geological wonders meet cultural heritage in spectacular fashion.
Campsite details
AccessibilityBasic accessibility features include flat terrain and proximity to facilities like vault toilets and picnic areas. However, accessibility details for individuals with disabilities are limited.
Sites SizeGroup Site A accommodates 10-20 people, while Group Site B allows 15-40 people.
Sites PrivacyThe sites provide moderate privacy, with Group Site A located near the boat ramp and Group Site B set back from the entry road, offering slightly less exposure to traffic.
Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor easy river access and rigging rafts, choose Group Site A. Group Site B is better for larger gatherings and offers convenient amenities like a nearby vault toilet.
Best CampsitesGroup Site A is praised for its proximity to the boat ramp, while Group Site B offers more spacious accommodations and direct river access.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is typically at 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out is typically at 11:00 AM local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights per stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group Site A allows 10–20 guests, while Group Site B allows 15–40 guests.
Groups
Group Site A accommodates 10-20 people and Group Site B accommodates 15-40 people. Both sites have picnic tables, fire grates, and shade structures.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into two loops: Loop A features Group Site A near the boat ramp, while Loop B hosts Group Site B with larger accommodations.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; water is seasonal and generally available March through October.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is mentioned for non-group sites in user reviews, but group sites must be reserved in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made in advance; a $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night’s recreation fee for late cancellations. Changes to reservations may incur a $10 fee if entirely outside the original dates.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sand Island Group Sites offers a variety of activities centered around the San Juan River's natural and cultural features. Popular activities include river floating, bird watching, rock art viewing, and hiking to nearby petroglyph sites.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include trails leading to petroglyphs and pictographs on nearby ledges. Visitors can access these by walking east past the ranger station and towards the river.Boating
The campground serves as a primary put-in point for a 102-mile stretch of the San Juan River between Montezuma Creek and Clay Hills Crossing, providing access to scenic canyons and historical sites.Wildlife viewing
The area is popular for bird watching and wildlife observation. Visitors have reported sightings of wild horses, lizards, and other regional fauna.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are detailed, but seasonal considerations include the unavailability of water from November to February.Water Sports
River floating and paddling are popular water-based activities here.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire grates. Gusty winds may affect fire safety.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are abundant in summer near the river. Gusty winds and flash flooding are possible during thunderstorms. Wildlife, including fire ants and scorpions, may pose additional challenges.
Active alertsWater is typically unavailable November through February, and gusty winds can occur year-round.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in Bluff, UT (3 miles away), which includes basic medical facilities and police support. For more advanced care, Monticello, UT is approximately 40 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are located at the campground entrance. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located adjacent to the San Juan River, providing opportunities for river floats and paddling.
Common complaintsHighway noise is frequently mentioned in user reviews, along with mosquito infestations during summer months.
HostBLM rangers are noted for being friendly and helpful. Contact the Monticello Field Office for inquiries.
Campground Map
BLM MONTICELLO FIELD OFFICE, PO BOX 7, Monticello, UT 84535, USA
Driving directionsSand Island Campground is located on the north bank of the San Juan River about 3 miles west of Bluff, Utah, on the south side of Highway 191.
The campground is accessible from Highway 191, with paved road access leading directly to the site. However, user reviews and authoritative sources mention proximity to the highway, which leads to occasional noise from large trucks during the night.Nearby places
Bluff, UT (3 miles
approximately 7-minute drive)
Monticello, UT (approximately 40 miles away
estimated 45-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Bluff, UT, located 3 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.3
50 reviews
Sand Island Group Sites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently highlight the natural beauty of the campground, its proximity to the San Juan River, and the cultural significance of nearby petroglyphs. However, there are frequent mentions of highway noise, mosquitoes, and limited facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 50 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's scenic location along the San Juan River and access to petroglyphs are frequently praised. Visitors appreciate the clean and functional vault toilets, spacious group sites, and the...
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Common Concerns
Common issues include mosquitoes, occasional unclean restrooms during peak times, and noise from the nearby highway. Some visitors also reported encounters with ants and challenging weather...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing bug spray and securing tents due to frequent gusty winds. They suggest visiting during cooler months to avoid oppressive heat and mosquitoes. Early reservations are advised...
Based on 50 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are noted for high mosquito activity and extreme heat, while fall offers more pleasant weather but colder nights. Winter camping is limited due to the unavailability of water.
Based on 50 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great campsite near the banks of the San Juan River. Quiet evening and close to one of the most underrated rock art panels in the Southwest." - Ken and Alicia Lund. "Clean, quiet, and...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Group Site A is highlighted for its proximity to the boat ramp, making it convenient for river activities. Group Site B is praised for its spacious layout and shade but criticized for highway noise.
Based on 50 reviewsAccessibility Features
Limited specific feedback on accessibility features, though flat terrain and proximity to restrooms are noted as helpful for general access.
Based on 50 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
User mentions include the need to watch for fire ants, particularly for dog owners. No other detailed pet-related reviews are available.
Based on 50 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025