Deep red rocks and clear blue waters are the hallmarks of Sand Hollow State Park. Not many places in the middle of the desert can boast a refreshing reservoir surrounded by mountains, canyons, and miles of trails. Located right on the edge of Hurricane, Utah, this 20,000-acre state park is mostly within Bureau of Land Management property. One of Utah’s newest and most visited parks, you are just minutes from the famed Zion National Park, Utah’s first national park. Sand Hollow State Park is an exciting outdoor hub to set up your RV camp and explore. Whether it’s fishing, boating, hiking, biking, swimming, or paddling you desire, this park has it all.
If you’re feeling like a morning hike, Sand Mountain and the surrounding area offer an extensive trail system to dust your boots. Naturalists will enjoy Sand Hollow as home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including rabbits, foxes, lizards, and snakes. For those of you feeling the need for speed and adventure, make your way to the beach at Sand Hollow where you can rent ATVs and OHVs to tear up the sand dunes. The store there has all the concessions you require, and a full-service restaurant with great eats. From May through October, visit the Dive Shack at Sand Hollow to scuba dive at the reservoir, which is a unique experience. Two hours from Las Vegas, four hours from the Grand Canyon, and right near the city of St. George, Sand Hollow State Park is sure to be a dream location for your next RV location.
Sand Hollow State Park is easy to access as it's only seven miles off of I-15. Just under 300 miles south of Salt Lake City, you are not far from the city but the rugged wildness of the surrounding area makes you think you are thousands of miles from civilization. Open year-round and without driving restrictions, Sand Hollow allows for unrestricted movement whether you are in your RV or another vehicle. Road systems within the park are straightforward and easy to follow, as there are not too many routes to get turned around on.
The main road in the park circles the 1,322-acre Sand Hollow Lake, offering an unparalleled opportunity to take a scenic drive while surrounded by the red rocks of the desert. A simple GPS search or glance at the atlas will get you to the neighboring Hurricane City, St. George, or Zion National Park without much hassle.
You can park in the campground if you are staying overnight, or at any of the designated areas around the park. If you are driving a large motorhome or pulling a popup or trailer, it is best to park the rig and either walk or have another form of transportation to get around the park. The three main parking lots are near the campground and close to picnic areas and restrooms for your convenience. You can also cruise around on off-highway vehicles if you prefer. If you want to stretch your legs, you can hike on any of the nature trails.
Located right near the water’s edge within Sand Hollow State Park and south of Westside Campground, Sand Pit Campground provides a welcomed respite after a day of fun in the sun. This pet-friendly campground offers 30 campsites, six of which offer water and electric hookups. Each site features a grill for cooking, covered picnic table, firepits, and a cabana for shade. The parking pads here are all 60-foot-long pull-throughs. There are also five large group sites available. Restrooms and showers are located nearby.
The campground is adjacent to the off-highway vehicle sand dune recreation area and is mostly geared towards off-highway vehicle riders. It is one of the state’s most popular places for OHV riding with more than 6,000 acres of dunes and technical trails to explore and enjoy. There is easy access off the park road encompassing the Sand Hollow Reservoir. This 1,322-acre lake is warm and inviting any time of the year, so make sure you pack your swimsuit and floaties in the RV before coming. You can make a reservation four months in advance.
Geared toward the general public, this is one of two campgrounds in Sand Hollow State Park. At the Westside Campground, there are 50 full hook-up sites for RV campers to enjoy year-round. This pet-friendly campground is located near the main entrance on the western side of the reservoir. The parking pads here range from 25 to 40 feet in length so make sure you reserve the right size spot for your rig. There are full modern bathrooms with hot showers, as well as sewage disposal and comfort stations on-site. Each site features a grill for cooking, covered picnic table, fire pits, and a cabana for shade.
No matter where you choose to set up your camp, you will enjoy gorgeous views of the red rocks and mountains all around you. You will be a stone’s throw from a boat launch area too, so you are close to all the aquatic action at the 1,322-acre lake where you can swim, fish, go boating, or just relax on the shore and watch the water. You can make a reservation four months in advance.
While you may not think of the desert has an active ecosystem, it is actually teeming with wildlife. You can spot all kinds of desert creatures among the sand dunes including foxes, coyotes, and rabbits. This area is home to a plethora of reptiles too including lizards, scorpions, and desert snakes. If you head out of the camper and go exploring, make sure to use caution so you do not step on any unsuspecting critters. Don't forget to pack your binoculars in your rig because you will have over 20,000 acres open for wildlife viewing.
If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, there is nothing like cliff jumping at Sand Hollow State Park. With soaring cliffs that tower above the reservoir, you can take a dive into the glistening blue waters. Make sure you stay safe by getting advice from the rangers for the best areas for your thrilling dive. Plus, you should always check the depth of the water before you take the plunge.
With sunny days and warm weather most of the year, you can enjoy a picnic in the fall, winter, and spring. There are several picnic areas dotted around the lake, so you can enjoy a relaxing meal while enjoying spectacular views of the water, sand dunes, and mountains. Most of the picnic areas are near restrooms and playgrounds and some have water and electric available for public usage. There is no better way to experience the amazing scenery Utah has to offer than enjoying the serenity of a picnic in the midst of its natural beauty.
Be sure to attach your mountain bikes to the rig before heading to the park because Utah’s mountains are famous for both hiking and biking. The Bearclaw Poppy Trail is fun for everyone and can be done as a one and done trek after work or an all-day adventure with friends. The trail has lots of drops, berms, and rollers as well as technical aspects to enjoy while you catch a view of the gorgeous mountains of Utah. Hurricane Rim is 20 miles of rollercoaster track for hours of fun. With the wind whipping your face and dust on your tires, you will not forget this trip, but, just in case, wear a sports camera and document it to share with friends on social media.
If you are in the mood for a more rustic experience you can park your camper along the east or south shore and enjoy primitive camping. Up to eight people are allowed per vehicle in the primitive camping areas. This is an undeveloped area, so there are no hookups. However, pit toilets and picnic tables are available. Plus, you will still get to enjoy breathtaking views of the reservoir right from your camp. These spots are all along the banks of the lake, so you can see and hear the water from your campsite. In fact, you will be so close that you can just about go fishing from your tent. If you are hauling a big rig, make sure you don’t park too close to the water, so your tires do not get stuck. Primitive camping is a great option, especially if you plan on taking your off-highway vehicle out into the dunes.
With large sand dunes and open spaces, this state park is an ideal playground for off-highway vehicles (OHVs). As you’re traveling in your rig you may feel the need for speed and tight corners, so stop into the store and rent one of their OHVs and you will be tearing up the trails in no time. You can stay safe with ease since helmets are provided for riders and required to be worn. Both two-person and four-person OHVs are available. Access from the store straight to the dunes means you don’t have to worry about hauling. Just hop on and head out onto the trail. If you prefer to be a bit more pragmatic, you can tag along with experienced guides for a tour of the area and learn more about proper vehicle operation and safety. Either way, sun and sand are sure to make for a peak experience and highlight of your stay.
Take a trip to the 7.47-mile Hurricane Canal Trail and muster up the energy for a moderately challenging, medium-length hike. Hurricane City, next door to Sand Hollow State Park, was originally formed in 1896. As an agricultural town in the south end of Utah, it was essential to get water from the Virgin River up to the fields for farmers to water the crops. The problem was that water was in a deep ravine, so the ingenious settlers created a canal to facilitate the process. Since the canal is no longer in use, there is a hiking trail where it used to run, which is popular and accessible trail for visitors like you. With many miles of trail across the vast state park lands, you will have no trouble finding one that suits your needs.
Didn’t haul your 18-foot motorboat? Not to worry. At Sand Hollow State Park, they’ve got you covered. You can pop into the beach at Sand Hollow and rent a rig for the water. The family will enjoy cannonballs off the bow as you cast a line into the reservoir while waiting for this evening’s dinner to take the bait. You’ll have the chance to catch several fish species such as bluegill and bass.
Feeling a bit more high octane? Also not a problem. You can enjoy all the thrills water skiing, surfing, knee boarding, or tubing have to offer. If you’re looking to travel lightly, rent a jet ski and buzz around. Also, if you're in the mood for the pace of a man-powered unit, the store offers kayak and paddle board rentals as well. There is even a 6-person stand-up paddle board available. While you’re in the desert, take advantage of this stunning oasis. Lay back and float as you catch the sunset view over Sand Mountain.
The Sand Hollow Golf Course is a premier golfing experience for all golfers from beginners to experts. This course offers 27 holes rather than the typical 18 and they span over two large and beautiful courses. It may seem strange to see so much green in Utah where it is mostly desert, but this golf course keeps their greens manicured and healthy for its golf lovers. The courses offer red rock outcrops and threatening ridge lines that can tax your skills, but you will love visiting the course while you are staying at the RV campground at Sand Hollow State Park.
