Visiting Sand Hollow State Park
Located in the southwestern part of Utah, Sand Hollow State Park is a popular attraction that features red rock formations, red sand beaches, and 1,322-acre reservoir.
This Utah State Park features a variety of activities including camping, picnicking, boating, swimming, fishing, and OHV riding. Visitors can explore the area by foot, bike, boat, or horseback while taking in the park’s stunning views.
The 15,000-acre park is a popular location to explore the off-road trails on your ATV or take a guided tour in a jeep for an unforgettable experience.
You can also go sandboarding down the dunes or paddleboard across Sand Hollow Reservoir.
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Visiting Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow State Park is 13 miles east of St. George and nine miles southwest of Hurricane. It’s about 132 miles from Las Vegas and 303 miles from Salt Lake City.
Despite its year-round accessibility, the park’s hours vary from season to season. The park is open from 6 am to 10 am from April through September. The park is open from 7 am to 9 pm from October through March.
Due to Snow Canyon’s desert environment, you’ll find moderate temperatures in the spring, fall, and winter. It doesn’t usually snow here, but when it does, it’s a fun treat to see the contrast of the colorful rocks with the white snow!
From May to September, the reservoir’s water is delightfully warm, making it a great place to swim. But summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees F! You can beat the heat by planning your outdoor activities in the cooler mornings or evenings.
It’s important to stay hydrated and use sun protection any time year when visiting Snow Canyon State Park!
Pets are allowed in outdoor areas, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Things To Do at Sand Hollow State Park
You’ll love the blue waters and red sandstone landscape at Sand Hollow State Park. It’s one of Utah’s newer state parks that offers a variety of recreational activities you can do year-round!
OHV Riding at Sand Hollow
In Sand Hollow State Park, Sand Mountain is managed by the BLM. Sand Mountain has 16,000 acres of canyons, ravines, sand dunes, and buttes for off-highway vehicles (OHV).
You can ride your own OHV vehicle, rent OHV vehicles or ATVS, or book a variety of guided tours:
Water Sports at Sand Hollow
You can’t beat the views of red rock and red sand while enjoying water sports at Sand Hollow. There are all types of water activities you can enjoy, or rent Sand Hollow water toys at the reservoir:
- Wakefoil and wakesurf boards
- Water skis
- Wakeboards
- Tubes for tubing
- Kneeboards
- Flyboards
- Water trampolines
There are guided water sport lessons available from local outfitters as well!
Paddle Boarding and Kayaking at Sand Hollow
Sand Hollow State Park is an ideal place to experience this amazing natural landscape. You can rent single or tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) to explore the numerous bays and coves along the water’s edge.
Sand Hollow Rentals, located at the south end of the park, is the park’s private rental shop. There are many places to rent equipment in Hurricane and St. George as well.
Swimming at Sand Hollow
Can you swim at Sand Hollow? Yes! The clear blue water is ideal for swimming in the warmer months. There are designated swim areas with sandy beaches and shallow waters for children and non-swimmers.
However, it is essential to note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so it is important to exercise caution and stay safe while swimming. Additionally, visitors should check for any safety guidelines or restrictions posted at the park before entering the water.
The Swimmer’s Itch parasite is a big problem at Sand Hollow when the water reaches a certain temperature. It’s an allergic reaction to a microscopic parasite.
It’s best to avoid getting in the water when the parasite is present. The Sand Hollow State Park website or Facebook page should be updated when Swimmer’s Itch has been found in the water.
Cliff Jumping at Sand Hollow
The northwest shore of Sand Hollow has a rocky section of small cliffs perfect for cliff jumping. You can also swim out to Desert Pearl Island in the middle of the reservoir.
Water level determines how high the cliffs are, but they usually have at least 20 feet of free fall before they reach the water.
Scuba Diving at Sand Hollow
Sand Hollow will give you a great scuba diving experience, whether getting your certification or going for a deep dive. The underwater visibility is superb, and the water temperature is ideal for diving.
Divers enjoy looking for the old bus, skeleton, and plane in the waters at Sand Hollow!
The Dive Shack at Sand Hollow offers scuba and snorkeling classes, gear, and rentals. Small class size allows you to learn all the skills needed to get certified!
Camping at Sand Hollow
Sand Hollow State Park offers several camping options for visitors, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping.
Tent Camping: Sand Hollow has two tent camping areas, Westside and Sandpit, which offer 28 campsites. The campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, and shade shelters near restrooms and showers. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 16 weeks in advance.
RV Camping: Sand Hollow State Park has two RV camping areas, Westside and Sandpit, which offer 73 campsites with full hookups, including water, sewer, and electrical connections. The RV campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, and shade shelters near restrooms and showers. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 16 weeks in advance.
Group Camping: You’ll find two group camping areas at Sand Hollow, Sandpit and Quail Run, ideal for larger groups. The Sandpit group camping area can accommodate up to 25 people, while the Quail Run can accommodate up to 50. The group campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, and shade shelters near restrooms and showers. Reservations are required and can be made up to 16 weeks in advance.
Additionally, the park offers several amenities for campers, including a dump station, potable water, and a boat ramp.
It is important to note that fires are only allowed in designated fire rings and grills. Visitors should follow all park rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
More Things To Do Near Sand Hollow
- Zion National Park Activities
- Things to Do Near Zion National Park
- Grafton Ghost Town
- Places to Stay Near Zion National Park
- Glamping Near Zion National Park
Utah Bucket List
To help make your trip planning easier, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of must-do activities that belong on every Utah Bucket List: things to see, do and taste all around the state! Grab the free download by clicking the graphic below!
