Sand Hollow State Park

Utah’s most-visited state park, Sand Hollow, earns its popularity with a warm-water reservoir and access to miles of desert landscape prime for off-roading adventure.

Red sandstone cliffs rise from the beach, the reservoir glows emerald green against the red shore, and Sand Mountain’s dunes stretch south across the horizon. On any given summer day, you’ll see boats, paddleboards, jet skis, and ATVs all working the same park, without any of them crowding each other out.

What you’ll find onshore: roadrunners, quail, lizards, and the occasional snake sunning on the rocks. 

What you’ll find in the reservoir: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and a Cessna 320 twin-engine airplane. 

When to Visit

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Things to Do

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Scuba Diving

Yes, really. Sand Hollow has an on-site dive shack and clear enough water for certification dives. Call ahead for lessons and rentals. You’ll be able to see the famous Cessna 320 twin-engine airplane and a VW bus, among other oddities. 

For boat launch hours, decontamination requirements, and rental information, visit Sand Hollow State Park.

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Ride the Dunes

The terrain ranges from wide-open bowls for beginners to technical hill climbs that draw riders from across the country. Bring your own rig or rent from a local outfitter. Guided tours are available and highly recommended if it’s your first time on the dunes.

Sand Hollow is the only Utah state park with direct OHV access to Sand Mountain, a 15,000-acre stretch of dunes, ravines, and slickrock ridges just south of the reservoir. A tunnel beneath SR-7 connects the park to the riding area, so you can stage at your campsite and ride straight onto the sand.

Greater Zion offers a broad network of off-highway riding across the region. Explore more routes here.

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Tee Off Next Door

Orange sand traps cut through green fairways against a backdrop of red cliffs and the reservoir beyond. Repeatedly included in GolfWeek’s Top 100 Resort Courses, it’s a bucket-list round for any serious golfer and a scenic one for anyone who likes walking a beautiful course. Sand Hollow Resort is equally as beautiful, offering a variety of rooms, suites, condominiums, and vacation homes.

Explore more golf in Greater Zion.

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Camp at the Water’s Edge

Sand Hollow has five campgrounds, each with its own personality:

• Westside Campground has 50 full-hookup sites closest to the boat ramp and day-use beach. It’s the go-to for boaters.
• Lakeview Campground offers a mix of full and partial hookups on the east shore. Newer, quieter, and spaced for privacy.
• Sandpit Campground sits nearest the Sand Mountain tunnel, with a mix of partial hookups, dry sites, and large group sites that hold up to a dozen vehicles. This is OHV headquarters.
• Beachside Campground has three walk-in sites and two reservable cottages — one pet-friendly, one ADA accessible. Cottages sleep up to six and book up to four months in advance.
• Primitive Campground runs along the east and south shores for dispersed dry camping. No hookups, one vault toilet, and some of the best stargazing in the park.

Campsites book quickly in spring and fall — reserve well in advance through the state park website.

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Know Before You Go

Purchase day-use passes online or at the gate. Or get an annual pass and visit all four state parks in Greater Zion.

• Glass is not allowed in the park.  
• Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times and are not allowed on designated swimming beaches.
• The park may temporarily close when it reaches capacity — arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Bring plenty of water. Experts recommend one gallon per person per day in summer heat.
• Boats and gear must be decontaminated before launch to protect the reservoir from invasive species.
• Drone use requires a permit.
• OHVs are not allowed in the water. 

For real-time conditions, campground reservations, and boating information, click here.

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Plan to Stay Awhile

Sand Hollow anchors a day on the water, but the surrounding area fills out a full trip. Nearby Hurricane and La Verkin offer lodging and small-town charm. Zion National Park is a 35-mile drive east. And Greater Zion’s accommodations, restaurants, and additional state parks — Quail Creek, Snow Canyon, and Gunlock — are all within a short drive.