Sand Hollow camping guide
Best Campgrounds Near Sand Hollow State Park (and the Best Base Camp)
Lakeside loops, free dune camping, a second state park and a full family resort, all compared honestly. Jellystone Park™ Zion sits on Sand Hollow Road, about 4 minutes from the gate.
"Where should we stay for Sand Hollow?" is one of the questions we hear most at the Ranger Station. The honest answer depends on what you're coming for. If you want to fall asleep beside the reservoir or ride onto the dunes straight from camp, nothing beats the state park's own campgrounds. If you want free and rugged, the BLM land next door is open. And if you want full hookups for a big rig, a cabin with real beds, a heated pool and a base for Zion too, that's where we come in.
Below you'll find every realistic option side by side, what each is best for, a simple plan for doing Sand Hollow from our park, and booking tips. For the reservoir, fishing and OHV rules themselves, see our full Sand Hollow State Park guide.
Where can you camp near Sand Hollow State Park?
Six real options, from the beach to the city. Distances are to the Sand Hollow State Park entrance and are approximate.
| Option | Where | Ways to stay | Hookups | Booking | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sand Hollow State Park campgrounds | Inside the park, on the reservoir and by the dunes | RV and tent sites, group sites, primitive beach camping, 2 cottages | Full, partial or none, depending on the campground | ReserveAmerica, 4-month rolling window | Waking up on the water, or riding straight from camp |
| BLM Sand Mountain (dispersed) | Public land next to the park; Waddy's Corral trailhead off Sand Hollow Rd | Dispersed camping, self-contained | None; BLM lists no facilities | No reservations; 14 days in any 28 | Self-sufficient riders on a budget |
| Quail Creek State Park | About 8 miles north (roughly 14 minutes, approximate) | RV and tent sites | Power and water on partial-hookup sites; no sewer listed | ReserveAmerica; 3 walk-up sites | A second, smaller lake with power-and-water sites |
| Private RV parks in Hurricane | In and around town, a short drive north | Varies by park | Varies by park | Each park's own site | Town convenience; check each park's details |
| St. George | About 15 miles west of the park | RV parks, hotels and rentals | Varies | Each property | The widest choice of lodging, dining and shopping |
| Jellystone Park™ Zion | 505 S Sand Hollow Rd: about 3.5 miles north, roughly 4 minutes | RV sites to 75 ft, 5 cabin types, tent sites | Full hookups (water, sewer, 30/50 amp) on every RV site | Online any time, or call the office | Families, big rigs, cabins, and trips that also include Zion |
Not sure yet? Our camp-in-the-park or stay-nearby comparison goes deeper on the state park versus a nearby base.
What are the campgrounds inside Sand Hollow State Park like?
Utah State Parks runs five camping areas and two cottages at Sand Hollow. They're open year-round, the park says reservations are highly recommended, and everything bookable goes through ReserveAmerica. On October 27, 2026, the official fee page listed nightly camping from $30 (primitive) to $55 (Beachside), and $200 for a cottage. See current fees.
Westside Campground
Every site has water, 30/50 amp electric and sewer, plus covered shade cabanas, fire rings with grill tops, paved pads, flush toilets and hot showers. Close to the boat ramp and the main day-use beach.
Best for: Standard RVs and trailers who want full hookups by the water.
Lakeview Campground
The park's newest loop, built for larger RVs, toy haulers and long boat or OHV trailers. 8 full-hookup and 22 partial (water and 30/50 amp) sites, shade cabanas, restrooms and hot showers, with views of the reservoir and Sand Mountain.
Best for: Big rigs and trailers that want a pull-through inside the park.
Sandpit Campground
Dry, partial-hookup and group sites with fire rings and picnic tables, and restrooms and showers nearby. The draw is direct ride-in, ride-out access to Sand Mountain through the tunnel, no trailer needed.
Best for: Riders and groups who want to ride from camp.
Primitive Beach Camping
Dispersed shoreline camping for 40-plus vehicles depending on water level, with vault restrooms and central dumpsters. No tables or shade, and propane fires only.
Best for: Tents and self-contained RVs that want to sleep on the sand.
Beachside Campground
A small loop with 30/50 amp electric, fire rings and picnic tables, and reservoir views. No restrooms or showers. The official fee page lists it as non-reservable.
Best for: Self-contained campers who can arrive and take what's open.
Beachside Cottages
Each has a queen bed, a bunk bed, a queen sofa sleeper, a kitchenette, heat and AC, a full bathroom and its own full-hookup RV site. Two-night minimum; bring your own bedding, towels and dishes. Pets in Cottage 1 only.
Best for: A roof and a bathroom without leaving the park.
Check-in is 2 p.m. and check-out is 12 p.m., strictly enforced; early arrivals and late departures pay day-use fees. Details: camping & lodging · reservations · current conditions.
What are the best options outside the park?
When the park is full, or you want something different, these are the realistic alternatives.
Quail Creek State Park
A Utah state park with a reservoir of about 600 surface acres, a beach, boating, fishing and kayaking, open year-round. Its ReserveAmerica listing shows 44 sites: 30 partial hookup (30/50 amp and water on many, electric only on some), 13 standard and a day-use pavilion. Showers, restrooms and a dump station are listed; no sewer hookups are.
Fees on October 27, 2026: $40 power and water, $28 primitive, per night. Check-in 3 p.m.
BLM Sand Mountain
The Bureau of Land Management's Sand Mountain Open OHV Area sits right beside the state park, with its main trailhead at Waddy's Corral, half a mile south of the Southern Parkway on Sand Hollow Road. Dispersed camping is generally allowed for up to 14 days in any 28-day period.
BLM lists no fees and no accessible facilities. Bring water, shade and a way to pack out trash.
Private RV parks in Hurricane
Hurricane is home to privately run RV parks and campgrounds. Sizes, hookups, amenities and pet rules vary from park to park, so compare each one on its own website before you book.
Ask about pull-through length, 50 amp service and trailer parking if you're bringing toys.
St. George
Utah State Parks places Sand Hollow about 15 miles east of St. George, which has the biggest choice of RV parks, hotels, restaurants and shopping in the area. It's a fine pick if Sand Hollow is one stop on a city-based trip.
Plan on driving to the reservoir each day, plus the state park day-use fee.
Quail Creek details: ReserveAmerica listing · fees. Drive times from Quail Creek and our park were estimated with OpenStreetMap routing and are approximate.
Your Sand Hollow home base
Why make Jellystone Park™ Zion your Sand Hollow base camp?
We're on Sand Hollow Road, about 3.5 miles and roughly 4 minutes north of the state park gate. Spend the morning on red sand and blue water, then come back to full hookups, a real bed, a hot shower and a pool, with Zion, Snow Canyon and St. George all within easy reach.
-
RV Sites
- 45 to 75 ft
- Full hookups, 30/50 amp
- Pull-through & back-in
Water, sewer and 30/50 amp power, a picnic table, grill and fire ring, and free fast internet on every site. Pets welcome. From $49/night (booking fee not included; price covers 2 guests).
See rv sites › -
Cabins
- 5 cabin & bunkhouse types
- Sleep 5 to 9
- Linens in Yogi Bear™ cabins
Yogi Bear™ and Cindy Bear™ glamping cabins with kitchens, decks and fire pits, an accessible two-bedroom, and the budget-friendly Ranger Smith™ Bunkhouse. From $89/night.
See cabins › -
Tent Sites
- Designated tent sites
- Hot showers nearby
- Fire pit & grill
Pitch a tent on a designated sleeping-tent site, close to air-conditioned comfort stations with restrooms and clean, hot showers.
See tent sites ›
What you get that a lakeside loop can't offer
- Big-rig friendly. Pull-through sites up to 75 feet and back-ins up to 70, all with full hookups. Personal golf carts and ATVs are allowed in the park with proof of insurance (form at check-in).
- Cabins with linens. Five cabin and bunkhouse types sleeping 5 to 9, with kitchens and decks in the glamping cabins and an accessible two-bedroom.
- Warm water all winter. Our 100-foot heated lap pool and a hot tub are open for campers all winter. The Yogi Bear™ Water Zone, reopens March 13, 2027, and is included for everyone on your reservation when it's open (hours).
- Easy logistics. Comfort stations (restrooms and hot showers), guest laundry, free park-wide WiFi and the Ranger Station camp store, where staff share tips on nearby UTV riding, hiking and kayaking. Pets are welcome on RV sites.
- A base for the whole region. About 35 minutes to Zion's Kolob Canyons entrance, about 45 minutes to the South Entrance in Springdale, about 25 minutes to St. George and about 28 minutes to Snow Canyon (approximate). See our Zion guide.
- Staying a while? We offer long-term RV stays of 45 days or more, and Glampers RV can deliver and set up a rental RV on your site if you don't own one.
How do you do Sand Hollow from Jellystone Park™ Zion?
Because the gate is about 4 minutes away, you can split the day: out early, back for the hot part, out again for the evening light. Here's how the main activities fit.
1. The reservoir
Beaches, paddleboarding, kayaking, boating and bass fishing. Buy a day pass at the gate or online, and if you're bringing a board or boat, finish the free Mussel-Aware Boater Course first. Our guide covers beaches, paddling & boating rules and fishing.
2. Sand Mountain OHV
Ride in through the state park's OHV staging area and tunnel (park entry fee applies), or use the free BLM Waddy's Corral trailhead, about 5 miles south of us on Sand Hollow Road. Utah requires OHV education for operators on public lands, machines need Utah registration or a non-resident permit, and the park requires whip flags in the dunes. Read Sand Mountain & OHV rules before you go.
3. Top of the World viewpoint
Greater Zion lists the Top of the World sign at Sand Hollow as an off-road stop, reached by 4x4 or ATV rather than a passenger car, with views over red dunes toward Pine Valley Mountain. Plan the vehicle and route before the photo, and check current access. It's one of our owner's picks.
4. Rentals and guided rides
No machine of your own? Sand Hollow 4x4 offers guided tours, ride-alongs and Jeep rentals, and Southern Utah Adventure Center rents UTVs and dirt bikes and runs UTV tours. Booking links are on our rentals page. Please note that each of these providers is independently owned and operated and is not associated with Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts. Inside the state park, its concessionaire also rents ATVs, UTVs, kayaks and paddleboards (rentals & food).
A sample three-day plan
Water, then dunes
- Day 1 morning: Drive 4 minutes to the gate, claim a beach spot and paddle while the water is calm.
- Day 1 afternoon: Back to camp for lunch, shade and the pool; return for an evening swim or a little fishing.
- Day 2 morning: Sand Mountain on your own machine, a rental or a guided ride, with Top of the World if your vehicle and route allow.
- Day 2 evening: Hot tub, campfire and s'mores at your site.
Canyons or city
- Zion: About 35 minutes to Kolob Canyons or 45 minutes to the South Entrance (approximate; peak-season lines add time). Start with our Zion guide.
- Snow Canyon: About 28 minutes to lava tubes and petrified dunes. See our Snow Canyon guide.
- St. George: About 25 minutes for an easy day of food and shopping, or a show at Tuacahn.
When and how should you book?
Inside the state park
- Four months out. Individual sites open on a four-month rolling window; group sites on 11 months.
- Fees. $8 reservation fee per booking. Extra vehicles pay at the entrance.
- Phone option. 800-322-3770, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
- Stay limit. Generally 14 days within any 30-day period.
- Events. Big events can restrict campgrounds and OHV parking. Check current conditions and park alerts for your dates.
At Jellystone Park™ Zion
- Book online any time on our booking page, or call (435) 359-9970.
- Check-in and out. RV sites 1 p.m. / 11 a.m.; cabins and tent sites 4 p.m. / 10 a.m.
- Rates. Rates include 2 guests. From March 1 to October 31, each additional guest is $10 per day for the entire stay; from November 1 to February 28 there’s no charge for additional guests, and kids 2 and under are always free. Everyone on the reservation gets Water Zone passes; and the booking fee is added at checkout. Kids 2 and under stay free.
- Pets. Welcome on RV sites; cabins and tent sites are pet-free.
- Pick your site. Waterfront sites face Samson Lake; the 75-foot pull-throughs suit the biggest rigs. Browse the park map.
Wherever you stay, buy your Sand Hollow day pass ahead online to skip the wait at the gate, and check the state park's fire and boating rules before you pack.
What else do campers ask about Sand Hollow?
What is the closest place to stay to Sand Hollow State Park?
The closest beds are inside the park: its own campgrounds and two Beachside Cottages, booked through ReserveAmerica. Outside the gate, Jellystone Park™ Zion is on the same road at 505 S Sand Hollow Rd in Hurricane, about 3.5 miles north of the state park entrance, roughly a 4-minute drive.
Does Sand Hollow State Park have full-hookup RV sites?
Yes. When we checked on October 27, 2026, Utah State Parks listed full hookups (water, 30/50 amp electric and sewer) at all 50 Westside Campground sites and at 8 of the 30 pull-through Lakeview sites. The other Lakeview sites and the Sandpit partial sites have water and electric only.
Can you camp on the beach at Sand Hollow?
Yes. The park offers primitive beach camping on Eastside Beach, with dispersed shoreline spots, vault restrooms nearby and no hookups, tables or shade. Only propane fires and propane grills are allowed there. The official fee page listed $30 per vehicle per night when we checked.
Is there free camping near Sand Hollow?
The BLM manages the Sand Mountain Open OHV Area next to the state park. Its page says dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for up to 14 days in any 28-day period and lists no fees. It also lists no accessible facilities, so come fully self-contained and pack everything out.
How far ahead can I book a Sand Hollow campsite?
Utah State Parks opens individual campsites on a four-month rolling window and group sites on an 11-month window, with an $8 reservation fee per booking. The park says reservations are highly recommended. Book at Utah State Parks' ReserveAmerica site or call 800-322-3770 (weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time).
Can I bring my toy hauler, ATV or UTV to Jellystone Park™ Zion?
Our pull-through RV sites run up to 75 feet with full hookups, built for big rigs and tow vehicles. Personal golf carts and ATVs are allowed in the park with proof of insurance; you fill out a form at check-in. Each site allows up to two vehicles with a parking pass, and extra vehicles pay a fee and use the overflow lot.
Is the Water Zone open in winter?
No. The Yogi Bear™ Water Zone is closed until the 2027 season, which runs March 13 to October 16, 2027. Campers still get the heated lap pool and hot tub all winter. When the Water Zone is in season, admission and the floating obstacle course on Samson Lake are included for everyone on your reservation.
Does a Jellystone Park™ Zion stay include Sand Hollow State Park admission?
No. Utah State Parks charges its own day-use fee at the gate or online. Your stay with us covers your site or cabin and our on-site amenities, not state park entry.
Where do these facts come from?
- Sand Hollow State Park (Utah State Parks) · Current conditions
- Sand Hollow camping & lodging · Park fees · Reservations
- Utah State Parks rules & FAQ (reservation windows and fees)
- Quail Creek State Park · Fees · Campground listing
- BLM Sand Mountain Open OHV Area · Utah OHV Program
- Greater Zion: views and vistas (Top of the World)
- Sand Hollow 4x4 · Our rentals page
- Jellystone Park™ Zion: RV sites · cabins · ways to stay · long-term stays · hours · park policies
Checked on October 27, 2026. Drive times are approximate and assume no traffic. This guide is published by Jellystone Park™ Zion and is not affiliated with Utah State Parks, the Bureau of Land Management or any other business named here. More area guides: Sand Hollow State Park, Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, Owner's Tips.