Get Away From It All at This Remote and Beautiful Campground in Utah

Sometimes the most memorable adventures require a little extra effort to experience. That’s the case at Sand Island Campground and Recreation Area in southeastern Utah. This beautiful desert campground is just a few miles from the small town of Bluff and sits right along the north bank of the San Juan River. Here, you'll find a handful of amenities to make your time outdoors delightful and the area is one you must explore at least once. Continue reading to learn more about one of the best remote campgrounds in Utah.

Where This Secluded Campground Is Located

Sand Island Campground is located in southeastern Utah, inside Bears Ears National Monument. It is one of the newer national monuments in the state, having been established in December 2016 by President Barack Obama. While this area is known for its unique geological features and landscapes, it also has a rich history dating back thousands of years. While there are many things to do in Bears Ears National Monument, such as driving the Indian Creek Scenic Byway or visiting Newspaper Rock, we highly recommend a camping trip.

What Makes This One of Utah’s Most Beautiful Campgrounds

This remote campground is one where natural beauty is everywhere you look. It is located on the north bank of the San Juan River with desert views all around. We particularly love the sunrises and sunsets you can experience in this area — they are unforgettable. Given that the campground is tucked away on the riverbank, the setting feels especially vibrant. In the spring and early summer, expect to see lovely green foliage and even a few wildflowers in bloom.

Things to Know About Sand Island Campground

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Sand Island Campground features 27 campsites. The campsites are based on a first-come, first-served basis, and no reservations are allowed for single sites. However, there are two group campsites where reservations are available and highly encouraged. Campsites begin at $15 per night, with a 14-day stay limit. Sand Island Campground is unique because it is open year-round, whereas many of Utah’s campgrounds are seasonal. At this campground, you will find vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and a day-use picnic area. Drinking water is available from March through October. Note that due to the campground's remote location, cell service is limited, so please plan accordingly, especially if you're relying on maps to get there.

Things to Do Near the Campground

While you can always spend time at your campsite, we recommend you head to the water for a little bit of fun. The campsite does offer a boat launch, but keep in mind that permits are required. If you love to hike, we suggest the River House Ruins Trail, which follows the San Juan River, and the trailhead is just a short drive from Bluff.

You may need to drive several hours to reach Sand Island Campground in southeastern Utah, but it’s a destination that you’ll quickly love. It’s full of history, unique beauty, and so much more. It’s an unforgettable outdoor escape. For more information on the Sand Island Campground near Bluff, visit the Bureau of Land Management website. Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at this list of the best campgrounds in Utah.