Southern Utah area guide
Sand Hollow State Park: Plan Your Adventure
Red sand, blue water and big dunes, about 4 minutes from our base. Make Jellystone Park™ Zion your Sand Hollow home base.
Sand Hollow is the kind of place kids talk about for years. A 1,322-acre reservoir of blue water sits among red sandstone and sand, with beaches for swimming, coves for paddling and a boat ramp with floating docks. Right next to it, Sand Mountain's dunes draw off-highway riders from all over the West. Utah State Parks calls it "Utah's most popular state park," and once you see the color of that water against the sand, it is easy to see why.
It sits in Hurricane, in Washington County, about 15 miles east of St. George, in the same corner of Utah as Zion National Park. That puts it in the middle of one of the best family road-trip regions in the country. This guide covers what to do, what the official rules say, when to go, how to keep kids safe, and how to choose between camping in the park and staying nearby. It ends with sample itineraries you can steal.
Beaches, paddling & boating
Swimming and beaches
Swimming is one of the park's listed activities, and the sandy shoreline is the main event for families: room to spread out a shade tent, build a sandcastle, and that famous red-sand-and-blue-water contrast. A few things the park asks you to plan for:
- Hot sand. The park warns that summer beach sand can reach 100 degrees. Water shoes for everyone, and watch little feet and paws.
- No glass. Glass is banned on the sandy beaches and cliff-jumping rocks. Pack cans and plastic.
- Rock jumping is at your own risk. The park calls climbing, jumping and diving from rocks hazardous.
- Algae updates. Utah DEQ posts recreational water monitoring for the reservoir. Check the latest advisory before swimming.
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Calm mornings on Sand Hollow are made for paddleboards and kayaks. Glide along the red rock shoreline before the motorboats wake up. Don't own a board? The park's concessionaire, Sand Hollow Rentals, rents kayaks and paddleboards at the south end of the park (rentals & food).
Before you launch, know the two rules that catch visitors out:
- Mussel-Aware Boater Course, every year. Utah requires all boaters, including kayak, canoe and paddleboard users, to complete the free course annually and carry proof (printed or in the DWR app). Take the course.
- Life jackets for kids. Per Utah law, children under 13 must wear a life jacket while a vessel is underway, and the park says that includes paddleboards and kayaks. Every person on board needs a properly fitted jacket.
Boating, waterskiing and jet skis
Sand Hollow has a boat ramp with floating docks and plenty of open water for skiing and tubing. On October 22, 2026, the park reported the main ramp open with good launching conditions; check current conditions before you tow in.
Boat checklist
- Inspection first. Out-of-state boats are inspected before launching, and some watercraft need decontamination. Wake boats with ballast need a 30-day dry period or a decon wash. Park boating & decontamination rules.
- Pull the plug. Utah law requires the drain plug out when moving between waters.
- Motorized fee. Motorized vessels pay an annual aquatic invasive species fee ($20 Utah resident, $25 non-resident), on top of the course.
- Wakeless within 150 feet of other boats, swimmers, docks, ramps and shore anglers.
- Jet skis run between sunrise and sunset, and every rider wears a life jacket (park brochure).
- No refueling on the water.
Scuba and snorkeling
Diving is a listed activity, and the park's dive concessionaire runs classes, gear and rentals from May to October. It's a fun surprise for teens who think a desert trip can't include a dive.
Fishing
Sand Hollow Reservoir is a bass fishery. The 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook sets a limit of 8 largemouth bass of any size and no limit on smallmouth bass. Anglers must not release any smallmouth they catch; all smallmouth must be immediately killed. The park brochure also lists bluegill. Spearfishing isn't allowed on the reservoir.
Anglers 12 and older need a Utah fishing license; kids under 12 fish free. Short-term non-resident licenses are available. Read the current DWR guidebook for licenses and any rule changes.
Sand Mountain & OHV riding
Sand Mountain is the big red dune area beside the reservoir, and it's why so many trailers roll into Hurricane. There are two different ways in, run by two different agencies:
Inside the state park
OHV riding is allowed on the south and east sides of the reservoir. Sand Mountain is reached through a tunnel south of the park's OHV staging area, and the Sandpit Campground has direct trail and tunnel access. Park entry fees apply.
BLM Sand Mountain
The Bureau of Land Management manages the adjacent Sand Mountain Open OHV Area. Its main trailhead is Waddy's Corral, off Sand Hollow Road near the Southern Parkway. BLM lists no fee there. BLM area page.
Before you ride
- OHV education for everyone. Utah Code 41-22-31 requires riders under 18 to complete the youth OHV course, and riders 18 and older to complete a one-time adult course, before operating on public lands (statute).
- Registration. OHVs must display current Utah registration. Out-of-state machines need a Utah non-resident OHV permit. See the Utah OHV Program for current requirements and costs.
- Helmets. Required for riders under 18 and strongly recommended for everyone, per the park.
- Whip flags. The park requires whip flags on all motorized vehicles in the dunes.
- Stay on the riding areas. OHVs aren't allowed on vegetation or dirt in the campgrounds, or on some beaches.
- No machine of your own? The park concessionaire rents ATVs and UTVs at the south end of the park.
When to visit
The park is open all year, and each season plays differently. Hours follow daylight saving time (later evenings in summer), and the boat decontamination station keeps shorter hours from October to April.
| Season | What it's like | Plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Comfortable air and the start of beach season; the water warms over the season. | Desert wind can build quickly on open water, so check the forecast before paddling. |
| Summer | Peak water season. Hot days, warm water and the longest hours. | Water play early, shade at midday. Beach sand can reach 100°F. Book lodging early. |
| Fall | Warm days, cooler nights, great dune riding. Busy event weekends. | Check the park's alerts: big events can restrict campgrounds and OHV parking. |
| Winter | Quiet and mild by northern standards. Good for fishing, sightseeing and riding. | Shorter hours (7 a.m.–9 p.m.) and holiday closures; dress for cold mornings. |
Weekends, holidays and event dates bring the biggest crowds. Arrive early for beach parking, and check current conditions for closures before you drive over.
Family planning & safety
A great Sand Hollow day with kids comes down to water, shade and a plan for the hottest hours. Utah State Parks' heat guidance suggests about a liter of water per person per hour of activity, SPF 30+ sunscreen, light loose clothing and regular rest in the shade.
Pack list
- More water than you think, plus electrolyte drinks
- Shade: canopy, umbrella or beach tent
- Water shoes for hot sand and rocks
- Properly fitted, USCG-approved life jackets for every child
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+), hats, sunglasses
- Cans and plastic only (no glass)
- Proof of your Mussel-Aware course if you're bringing boards or boats
Safety rules that matter
- Keep young swimmers within arm's reach. Life jackets save lives.
- Children under 13 wear life jackets on any vessel underway, boards and kayaks included.
- Rock jumping and diving are hazardous and at your own risk.
- Pets on a leash (6 ft max) at all times; never leave them in a vehicle.
- Fires only in designated rings; primitive beach camping allows propane only.
- Fireworks and exploding targets are banned.
Choose activities by age: little ones love the shallow beach and a short paddle on a calm morning; tweens and teens are ready for a full paddleboard loop, snorkeling or a guided ride; and everyone needs a break from the midday sun. That break is where a pool, a lazy river and an air-conditioned cabin earn their keep. See staying at Jellystone Park™ Zion. For more, read the official water safety and heat safety pages.
Camp in the park or stay nearby?
Both are great options, and they suit different trips. The state park runs several campgrounds right on the water and by the dunes, plus two cottages. They're open all year, reservations are highly recommended, and bookings go through ReserveAmerica. Staying nearby trades lakeside sleeping for family amenities and a wider choice of lodging. Here's a factual side-by-side:
| Camping inside Sand Hollow State Park | Jellystone Park™ Zion | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | On the reservoir and beside the OHV area | About 3.5 miles north on Sand Hollow Road (about a 4-minute drive) |
| RV hookups | Full, partial and no-hookup sites, depending on campground (Westside, Lakeview, Sandpit, Beachside, primitive beach) | Full hookups (water, sewer, 30/50 amp) on RV sites up to 75 ft |
| Cabins | Two Beachside Cottages, each sleeping up to 6; bring your own bedding, towels and dishes; 2-night minimum | Five cabin and bunkhouse types sleeping 5 to 9; linens provided in Yogi Bear™ cabins |
| Tents | Campground and primitive beach sites (primitive beach: propane fires only) | Designated sleeping-tent sites near comfort stations |
| Water play | The reservoir itself | Yogi Bear™ Water Zone and floating obstacle course included for everyone on your reservation in season; heated pool and hot tub the rest of the year |
| Booking | ReserveAmerica; $8 reservation fee; individual sites open on a 4-month rolling window | Online through our booking page, or call the office |
| State park fees | Camping fees as listed on the official fee page | Not included in your Jellystone Park™ stay; pay the state park day-use fee when you visit |
Choose the park if waking up on the beach or riding straight from camp is the whole point. Choose a nearby base if you want kid-friendly amenities, a cabin with real beds, or plans that also include Zion and St. George. Details: state park camping & lodging, state park reservations.
Your Sand Hollow home base
Stay at Jellystone Park™ Zion
Spend the morning on Sand Hollow's red-sand beaches, then come back to slides, a lazy river and a cabin with real beds. We're on Sand Hollow Road, about 4 minutes from the state park gate, with room for every kind of camper.
-
Glamping Cabins
- Five cabin & bunkhouse types
- Sleep 5 to 9
- Linens in Yogi Bear™ cabins
Yogi Bear™ and Cindy Bear™ glamping cabins with decks, fire pits and room for the whole crew, plus the budget-friendly Ranger Smith™ Bunkhouse.
See glamping cabins › -
RV Sites
- Up to 75 ft
- Full hookups, 30/50 amp
- Pull-through & back-in
Big-rig-friendly sites with water, sewer and 30/50 amp power, a picnic table, grill and fire ring. Bring the boat trailer or toy hauler.
See rv sites › -
Tent Sites
- Designated tent sites
- Near restrooms & showers
- Water Zone included
Pitch a tent on a designated sleeping-tent site, a short walk from showers and the Water Zone.
See tent sites ›
Why it works for a Sand Hollow trip
- Close, without the sand in your bed. About 3.5 miles to the state park entrance, straight down Sand Hollow Road.
- A midday escape built in. The Yogi Bear™ Water Zone and our floating obstacle course on the park lake are included for everyone on your reservation during the Water Zone season, with the heated pool and hot tub the rest of the year.
- Room for the toys. Pull-through RV sites up to 75 feet with full hookups, for the boat trailer or toy hauler.
- Easy family logistics. Laundry, comfort stations (restrooms and hot showers) and the Ranger Station camp store on site. Pets are welcome on RV sites.
- A base for the whole region. You're about 35 minutes to Zion National Park's Kolob Canyons entrance and about 45 minutes to the South Entrance in Springdale, and St. George is about 25 minutes away (approximate drive times).
- No RV? No problem. Glampers RV can deliver and set up a rental RV on your site.
Make Jellystone Park™ Zion your Sand Hollow home base.
Your Jellystone Park™ reservation does not include Sand Hollow State Park admission; the park's day-use fee is paid separately.
Sand Hollow State Park, Sand Hollow Resort or Jellystone Park™?
The names overlap, so here's the short version: these are three separate places run by three separate operators.
| Sand Hollow State Park | Sand Hollow Resort | Jellystone Park™ Zion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A Utah state park: the reservoir, beaches and Sand Mountain OHV access | A private golf resort with rental homes, condos, villa suites and a restaurant | A private family camp-resort with cabins, RV and tent sites, and the Yogi Bear™ Water Zone |
| Run by | Utah State Parks | Sand Hollow Resort | Jellystone Park™ Zion |
| Address | 3351 S Sand Hollow Rd, Hurricane | 5662 W Clubhouse Dr, Hurricane | 505 S Sand Hollow Rd, Hurricane |
| Great for | Swimming, paddling, boating, fishing, dune riding, lakeside camping | Golf trips and condo-style stays | Family vacations, camping and RV trips with a Water Zone on site |
Sample itineraries
The lake-and-slides day
- Early: Drive 4 minutes to the state park as the gate opens and claim a spot on the beach before the heat builds.
- Morning: Paddleboard or kayak while the water is calm (rent on site, or bring your own with your Mussel-Aware proof).
- Midday: Head back to camp for lunch, shade and the Water Zone's slides and lazy river (in season).
- Late afternoon: Return for a swim, a little fishing and the red rock glowing in evening light.
- Evening: Campfire and s'mores back at your site.
Water, dunes and canyons
- Day 1, the reservoir: A beach morning, a boating or tubing afternoon, and a pool evening back at Jellystone Park™.
- Day 2, Sand Mountain: Riders with OHV education, registration and whip flags head into the dunes; others snorkel, fish or take a camp day at the Water Zone.
- Day 3, Zion or St. George: About 35 minutes to Zion National Park's Kolob Canyons entrance and about 45 minutes to the South Entrance in Springdale (approximate; peak-season parking and entrance lines add time), or spend an easy day in St. George, about 25 minutes away.
Questions
Is Jellystone Park™ Zion inside Sand Hollow State Park?
No. Jellystone Park™ Zion is a separate, privately run camp-resort at 505 S Sand Hollow Rd in Hurricane. The state park entrance is about 3.5 miles south on the same road, about a 4-minute drive.
Does a Jellystone Park™ stay include Sand Hollow State Park admission?
No. Utah State Parks charges its own day-use fee at the park entrance or online. Your Jellystone Park™ stay includes our Yogi Bear™ Water Zone and floating obstacle course during the Water Zone season, and the heated pool and hot tub the rest of the year.
How much is day use at Sand Hollow State Park?
When we checked on October 22, 2026, the official fee page listed $35 per vehicle for non-residents, $25 per vehicle for Utah residents and $5 per person for walk-ins. Fees can change, so confirm on the Utah State Parks fee page before you go.
Do I need anything before I launch a kayak or paddleboard?
Yes. Utah requires every boater, including kayak, canoe and paddleboard users, to complete the free Mussel-Aware Boater Course each year and carry proof. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while a vessel is underway, and that includes paddleboards and kayaks.
Do adults need an OHV course to ride Sand Mountain?
Under Utah Code 41-22-31, riders 18 and older need a one-time OHV education course to operate on public lands, and riders under 18 need the youth course. OHVs also need current Utah registration or a non-resident permit, and the park requires whip flags in the dunes. Check the Utah OHV Program for current details.
Is Sand Hollow Resort part of the state park?
No. Sand Hollow Resort is a separate private golf resort with its own lodging and restaurant. Sand Hollow State Park is run by Utah State Parks. Jellystone Park™ Zion is a third, separate business.
Official links
- Sand Hollow State Park (Utah State Parks)
- Current conditions & alerts
- Park fees · Buy a day pass online
- Camping & lodging · Reservations
- Boating & decontamination · Mussel-Aware Boater Course (DWR)
- Utah Fishing Guidebook (DWR)
- Utah OHV Program · BLM Sand Mountain OHV Area
- Water safety · Heat safety · Water quality monitoring (DEQ)
- Zion National Park directions (NPS)
Fees, hours and conditions in this guide were checked on October 22, 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 Sand Hollow Resort. More area guides: Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, Tuacahn.