Sand Hollow State Park

Red Sand Beaches and Desert Adventures

Sand Hollow State Park can be found covering a large part of the sprawling desert landscape just 15 miles east of St. George. As you approach it, you’ll find southern Utah’s vibrant red rock landscapes suddenly broken up by the large blue shimmering lake.

Actually, it’s another man-made reservoir but it is a welcome relief amidst the stark, parched … although beautiful … topography of southern Utah. Sand Hollow is another favorite destination for Utah’s … and out-of-state … outdoor lovers.

What a relief it is to see the inviting waters appear in the middle of this desert terrain. It is easily accessible from anywhere in the Washington County area. It combines scenic beauty, aquatic recreation and thrilling off-road adventures to provide something for almost anyone.

Whether you’re splashing in the refreshing waters, hiking among sandstone cliffs or exploring miles of ATV trails, Sand Hollow State Park delivers a unique blend of recreation and relaxation. Its proximity to 200,000 people and its year-round accessibility has made it Utah’s most popular state park.

Sand Hollow State Park continues to be the Utah’s most visited state park with 1.53 million visits last year in 2024. Its surge in visitors was more than just an 8% increase from 2023. It attracted more visits than Arches, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks.

Those visitors are not just coming from Utah. According to the Utah Division of State Parks, a large number of visitors to the St. George area parks, especially Sand Hollow, are coming from out of state. They are driving from Las Vegas, Mesquite (Nevada), Arizona and sometimes Southern California. A lot of them are return visitors. Why? Because they enjoyed their visit so much the first time they came.

A Reservoir in the Desert

Sand Hollow Reservoir, the sparkling centerpiece of the park, covers more than 1,300 acres of the landscape. This puts it in the top 20 in size of all the lakes and reservoirs in Utah. What a welcome site as you come over the hill towards its shimmering waters as you navigate the stark desert landscape.

It offers visitors a welcome oasis against the backdrop of sun-soaked sandstone cliffs and expansive network of sand dunes. The reservoir’s clear, deep-blue waters draw well over a million visitors each year who come to swim, boat, paddle, fish, sun bathe and dive.

Swimming beaches made up of soft, red sand provide safe, family-friendly areas ideal for cooling off during hot days. Down here … I live in Salt Lake City … it gets hot early in the year and the heat stays late. The gently sloping shorelines allow for easy water access making it a perfect spot for families and visitors of all ages.

We visited on a mid-April day and it was still almost 90º F. It didn’t seem that hot though. A dry heat as they say. It also seemed to us that this would be an awesome place to spend scorching, 100º+ summer days.

There is plenty of space to explore for both motorized and non-motorized boaters. Jet skiing, wakeboarding and water skiing are particularly popular here thanks to wide-open stretches of calm water.

Kayakers and paddle boarders can enjoy tranquil mornings and spectacular sunsets reflecting off the reservoir’s mirrored surface in some of the more sheltered bays. In April, on a mid-week less-crowded day, they were there in mid-afternoon.

Fishing and Diving Opportunities

Anglers flock to Sand Hollow Reservoir for some of the best bass fishing in southern Utah. The reservoir is home to thriving populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. With year-round fishing opportunities, the lake provides great fishing in every season making it a favored destination.

The parking area for trucks and boat trailer is huge offering easy access to the lake. I can imagine, though, the boat ramps would get extremely congested at peak times.

Sand Hollow has two boat ramps: a main ramp and a smaller southern ramp. The main ramp is usually the primary launch point. The southern ramp can be used with caution during certain events or when the main ramp is closed. They use it for the Ironman swim/bike/run event. The one coming up in May is apparently the last one.

Divers have developed an appreciation for Sand Hollow’s uniquely clear waters also. Divers can explore submerged cliffs, sandstone rock formations and even intentionally placed attractions.

These include a small plane and boat wreck. Such fascinating underwater features attract divers from across the state and beyond eager to experience a rare freshwater diving adventure.

Off-Road Adventures: Sand Mountain

Adjacent to the reservoir, you’ll find Sand Mountain. It is an extensive, 6,000-acre area of open sand dunes, trails and sandstone formations. It is one of Utah’s premier destinations for off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation attracting enthusiasts who come to ride ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes and dune buggies.

The vibrant red sand dunes range from gentle slopes perfect for beginners and families to steep hills and challenging rock-crawling terrain for seasoned riders. Trails wind through the dunes providing boundless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Visitors without their own vehicles can rent them from numerous outfitters nearby making Sand Mountain accessible to everyone.

Hiking and Exploring

For visitors looking for quieter experiences, Sand Hollow State Park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, photography and wildlife viewing. Numerous trails traverse the sandstone hills and dunes offering panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding desert landscape. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially scenic with stunning displays of color as sunlight reflects off the red rocks and crystal-clear waters.

Bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s diverse ecosystem. Sightings of hawks, eagles, quail, rabbits and even desert foxes are common. This just adds another layer to one of Utah’s most popular playgrounds.

Camping and Amenities

Sand Hollow State Park provides comfortable camping facilities with well-maintained sites for tents and RVs. You’ll find them equipped with full hookups and convenient amenities.

The Westside Campground features modern restrooms, showers and easy beach access. Primitive camping is also available on the Eastside catering to those seeking a quieter, more secluded experience.

Picnic areas, shaded pavilions, boat ramps and rentals try to help visitors with everything they need for a comfortable, convenient stay. Whether visiting for a day or camping overnight, Sand Hollow offers an accommodating environment. We can easily see why it is so popular and we definitely want to come back and spend more time.

I can see, though, that at certain times, it would become extremely crowded despite its large size. It certainly wasn’t crowded in mid-April on a mid-week day.

Entrance Fees and Information

• Park Size: Over 20,000 acres (reservoir, dunes, and surrounding area)
• Operating Hours: Open year-round, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (reservoir hours vary seasonally)
• Day-Use Fee: $15 per vehicle (up to 8 occupants); senior discounts available (fees subject to change, verify before visiting)
• Camping Fees: Vary by site and amenities; reservations recommended.
• Yearly senior pass to get into all Utah State Parks costs $65

Location and Directions

Sand Hollow State Park is easily accessible off Highway 9 near Hurricane. From Interstate 15, take Exit 16 toward Hurricane. Then follow Highway 9 east approximately four miles. Signs clearly indicate how to get to the entrance. We drove there from southwest St. George through much of the city and it took us less than 30 minutes.

Sand Hollow State Park
3351 South Sand Hollow Road
Hurricane, UT 84737
Phone: (435) 680-0715
Website: stateparks.utah.gov

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