Key Takeaways

• Sand Hollow State Park in southern Utah combines a warm water reservoir, red sand beaches, and over 15,000 acres of sand dunes on Sand Mountain.
• The park operates daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM in summer and 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM in winter, but always confirm current park hours before you go.
• Top activities include boating, water skiing, tubing, paddleboarding, scuba diving, fishing, camping, cliff jumping, and riding ATVs or UTVs.
• Nearby attractions like Quail Creek, Snow Canyon, Zion National Park, Hurricane, UT, and St. George offer even more outdoor activities and attractions in Southern Utah, making Sand Hollow State Park a strong base for a longer trip.
• Plan around the park gate, camping fee, park entry rules, aquatic invasive species checks, heat, wind, and OHV access requirements.

Introduction to Sand Hollow State Park

Sand Hollow State Park is where red sand beaches meet the blue-green Sand Hollow Reservoir, with Sand Mountain rising behind the water in a red sandstone landscape. The contrast of red sandstone cliffs, warm blue waters, and emerald green water gives the park one of the most recognizable scenes in Utah State Parks.

Opened in the early 2000s, sand hollow state quickly became one of Utah’s busiest playgrounds. Sand Hollow State Park spans 20,000 acres and is located in Hurricane, Utah, approximately 15 miles east of St. George. It is also about 15 minutes from Hurricane, 25–30 minutes from St. George, and roughly 35-40 miles west of Zion National Park.

The main areas are simple to understand: Sand Hollow Reservoir, the day-use beach zones, Sand Mountain’s sand dunes, and campgrounds near the water. If you see people write hollow state park, hollow state, or sand hollow, they are usually referring to this same state park.

Park Hours, Fees & Essential Visitor Info

Sand Hollow State Park is open year-round, with seasonal park hours and changing access rules at the park entrance.

• Summer hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Winter hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Confirm current hours on the official Utah State Parks page before visiting.

The park gate closes overnight, which matters for late arrivals, early boaters, and anyone not registered as a camper. Day visitors usually pay at the park entrance or self-pay station, subject to capacity.

Entry fees to the park are approximately $15 per vehicle, though rates can change. Camping, second vehicles, OHVs, and special facilities may add separate charges.

Boaters need to plan around aquatic invasive species rules. Sand Hollow Reservoir is monitored to remain free of invasive mussels, and boats, jet skis, paddle boards, and other watercraft may require inspection or decontamination before launch. Check station hours before hauling gear to the boat ramp.

For directions, many visitors use the hurricane exit, travel south toward Sand Hollow, then follow Sand Hollow Road. Depending on your approach, you may travel east on Hollow Road toward the park entry.

Sand Hollow Reservoir & Red Sand Beaches

Sand Hollow State Park features a 1,322-acre reservoir that is popular for recreational boating, water skiing, and tubing. The hollow reservoir is also popular for fishing, paddleboarding, and scuba diving, making it one of the most flexible water destinations in southern Utah.

Water temperatures commonly climb into the low to mid-80s° F from late spring through early fall, similar to the comfortable seasons RV travelers look for when choosing the best month to visit Zion. That warm water makes the reservoir ideal for swimming, floating, and long beach days.

The west side has the easiest beach access, with red sand, shallow entries, nearby parking, picnic tables, covered picnic tables, and restroom access in developed areas. Families use these red sand beaches for wading, inflatables, sandcastles, and shaded picnics.

Stay in designated swim areas and away from the boat ramp, docks, wake zones, and high-traffic lanes. Swimmer’s itch, caused by microscopic parasites, can sometimes occur in shallow waters during the summer months, so towel off and shower after swimming when possible.

Boating, Watersports & Cliff Jumping

Sand Hollow Reservoir is one of southern Utah’s premier boating lakes. Boating activities at Sand Hollow include wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing, with a boat ramp and dock available for access.

Popular water sports include:

• Wakeboarding, wake surfing, tubing, and scenic cruising.
• Personal watercraft and jet skis in open-water zones.
• Kayaking and paddleboarding in calmer coves.
• Paddle boards and canoes during low-wind mornings.

The park allows cliff jumping and scuba diving, featuring underwater attractions like submerged vehicles. Cliff jumping happens from natural rock ledges around sections of the hollow reservoir, but water levels change. Check depth, avoid crowds, never dive headfirst, and remember that jumping is at your own risk.

Boaters should follow Utah life jacket rules, no-wake zones, and registration requirements. The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation is the best place to confirm current boating and OHV rules.

Sand Dunes & OHV/ATV Riding on Sand Mountain

Sand Hollow State Park is known for its extensive off-road vehicle recreation area, with over 15,000 acres of terrain available for ATV and UTV riding. Sand Hollow State Park is home to Sand Mountain, which features over 15,000 acres of sand dunes, providing a unique landscape for off-highway vehicle recreation and exploration.

This is the only Utah state park with direct access to Sand Mountain, which includes a mix of dunes, ravines, and slickrock ridges. The park provides direct OHV access to Sand Mountain via a tunnel beneath SR-7, allowing riders to stage at their campsite and ride straight onto the dunes.

Expect perfectly sculpted dunes, steep bowls, slickrock, ridgelines, and technical obstacles. Riders use all terrain vehicles, UTVs, dirt bikes, dune buggies, and 4x4s designed for sand. Rentals and guided tours may be available in Hurricane or St. George.

Follow Utah OHV laws: machines need registration or permits, youth riders need proper safety credentials, helmets are required for youth, and riders must stay in designated areas. Bring water, tools, recovery gear, navigation, and a required dune flag. Summer sand can be extremely hot, and wind can reduce visibility fast.

Fishing & Underwater Adventures

Sand Hollow State Park offers fishing opportunities for species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, with a Utah fishing license required. The reservoir is home to species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, making it a great fishing destination.

Anglers fish from boats, kayaks, rocky points, and shoreline access. Channel catfish are also commonly targeted. Check the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for current limits and seasonal updates.

For underwater recreation, scuba diving is a major draw. Clear conditions, submerged vehicles, rocky shelves, and training-friendly depths make Sand Hollow a popular certification site. Snorkelers should stay near coves and away from motorized routes.

Camping & Places to Stay Near Sand Hollow

If you’re planning a trip to Sand Hollow State Park, staying at Gateway RV Resort offers a comfortable and convenient home base just minutes from the water, sand dunes, and OHV trails. Instead of dealing with crowded campgrounds and limited availability inside the park, Gateway RV Resort provides spacious RV accommodations with modern amenities while keeping you close to all the outdoor adventure Southern Utah has to offer.

Sand Hollow State Park is one of Utah’s most popular recreation destinations, and campsites inside the park often book quickly, especially during spring, summer, and holiday weekends. The park offers several camping options, including full hook-up RV sites, dry camping, beach camping, and primitive camping areas. Campgrounds such as Westside Campground are popular for their proximity to the reservoir and boat access, while Sandpit Campground is favored by off-road enthusiasts for its easy access to the dunes and OHV staging areas.

For travelers who want more comfort, convenience, and reliable amenities, Gateway RV Resort is an ideal alternative. Guests can enjoy full hook-up RV sites, clean facilities, and easy access to nearby attractions including Sand Hollow Reservoir, Zion National Park, Quail Creek State Park, and the surrounding red rock landscapes.

The nearby communities of Hurricane, La Verkin, and St. George also offer restaurants, shopping, golf, and family activities. Golfers visiting the area can experience the award-winning Sand Hollow Golf Course, known for its stunning red rock scenery and nationally recognized championship layout.

Whether you’re visiting for boating, ATV riding, camping, hiking, or golf, Gateway RV Resort provides a relaxing and centrally located place to stay while exploring everything the Sand Hollow area has to offer.

Weather, Best Time to Visit & Safety Tips

Sand Hollow sits in a hot desert climate. The park is subject to high summer temperatures, often exceeding 100°F, and sand surfaces can become dangerous by midday.

Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons, with warm days and cooler nights. Late May through September is best for warm water swimming and boating, while winter is quieter for fishing, camping, and riding atv trails.

Bring more water than you think you need. In hot weather, plan for around a gallon per person per day. Wear sunscreen, a hat, UV clothing, and sandals on the red sand.

Wind matters. Sudden gusts can create rough water on the reservoir and dust in the sand dunes. Families should ride ATVs, use hiking trails, and try mountain biking trail hubs in southern Utah in the morning or evening, saving midday for the water.

Light pollution is lower than in big cities but still noticeable near St. George. For better stargazing, choose quieter primitive areas and avoid busy weekends, and use broader travel tips and insights for exploring southern Utah to round out your trip.

Nearby Attractions & Trip Planning Ideas

Sand Hollow is part of the Greater Zion region, where the surrounding area makes it easy to combine water, dunes, and red rock hikes.

Quail Creek is a smaller reservoir located nearby, with cooler water temperatures, fishing, and paddling. Snow Canyon offers lava flows, red rock trails, scenic views, mountain biking, hiking trails, and additional trails for a land-based day, and it’s just one of several hidden gems of southern Utah worth adding to your itinerary. Gunlock State Park is another reservoir option after seasonal storms.

Zion National Park is the headline day trip, with some of the best hikes in the region, canyon hikes and scenic drives about 35–40 miles away. Bryce Canyon National Park is farther, but bryce canyon can be added to a longer Utah road trip, just as quieter areas like Kolob Canyons offer a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path Zion experience.

A simple long weekend works well: one day riding sand mountain, one day boating on sand hollow reservoir, and one day exploring zion national park or snow canyon, plus a bonus day on top southern Utah hikes for every kind of adventurer. The park offers enough variety that you can stay active without driving far.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sand Hollow State Park open year-round?

Yes. Sand Hollow State Park is generally open in every season, with summer hours from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM and winter hours from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Services, rentals, and decontamination hours can shift seasonally, so check current alerts before traveling.

Do I need a reservation to visit Sand Hollow for the day?

Day-use visitors usually do not need reservations and can pay at the park gate, subject to capacity. Arrive early on holiday weekends, spring break, and summer Saturdays if you want parking, beach space, or boat ramp access.

Are pets allowed in Sand Hollow State Park?

Leashed pets are generally allowed in many areas, but rules can differ for beaches, campgrounds, and swim zones. Keep dogs leashed, clean up waste, and follow posted signs.

Can I use my own ATV or UTV on the sand dunes?

Yes, if your machine is properly registered or permitted and meets Utah OHV requirements. You can ride ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and other OHVs in designated areas with required safety gear and legal equipment, and experienced drivers sometimes extend their trip into overlanding in southern Utah’s iconic trails.

Is Sand Hollow suitable for first-time boaters or families?

Yes, but choose calmer weekday mornings and stay within your ability. Use properly fitted life jackets, learn basic navigation rules, avoid crowded wake zones, and consider reputable rentals or experienced friends for a first outing; some families also enjoy seeing the region from above on Utah helicopter tours of Zion National Park.