Sand Hollow State Park
4.6(6.9K)google
3.8(147)yelp
LakeWater ActivitySwimmingBoatingKayakingCampingOutdoor
Overview
This high-energy recreational destination seamlessly pairs a massive warm freshwater lake with thousands of acres of rolling red sand dunes. Adventure tourists can ride powerful off-road vehicles on sand ridges and boat on turquoise waters.
Practical Info
Every day6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeSummer (May to August) is unmatched for jet-skiing and scaling the massive red sand dunes on off-road UTVs. The premier hour of day is late afternoon from 3:50 PM to sunset; facing due west, the low evening sun paints the vast mirror-clear reservoir against the backdrop of the blazing orange Sand Mountain sand dunes beautifully, projecting a breathtaking visual contrast for high-speed extreme watersports.
Getting ThereLocated in Hurricane at 3350 Sand Hollow Road, just southeast of St. George. Driving a capable vehicle is the only choice: take I-15 to Exit 16 for UT-9 East toward Hurricane, drive east for 4 miles, and make a sharp right south onto Sand Hollow Road straight into the park gatehouse. The multi-zone aquatic and off-road facility features an immense, free paved asphalt surface parking plaza.
Travel Tips
- High-Speed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Dune Slices Warning: The massive red dunes of Sand Mountain flanking the lake are open to high-speed ATV and dune buggy driving. Hikers must yield immediately and avoid standard blind crest pockets to prevent life-threatening vehicle impacts.
- Summer Reservoir Swimmer’s Itch Microbe Vectors: Warm mid-summer lake basin waters sustain safe-level micro-parasites that cause an allergic rash known as swimmer's itch. Prevent outbreaks by immediately showering at fresh-water stations and vigorously towel-drying skin.
- State Fee Tiers & Early Gridlock Curfews: Federal Interagency passes are invalid here; entry runs $20 per out-of-state vehicle. Weekend watercraft crowds pack boat launch bays by 10 AM, inducing severe one-in, one-out entrance bottlenecks.
Reviews
Positive
- Vibrant red dunes contrasting with a crystal blue reservoir create a premium vista; driving OHVs straight into the sand is top-tier thrill fun.
- A true paradise for boating and camping; the beach rest zone is massive with excellent pavement, accessible ramps, and active lifeguard safety.
- Admission pricing is fair, and boat/UTV rental extras are clearly marked with high value; service staff are warm and manage lines in great order.
- Visiting on weekday sunrises skips crowds, letting you enjoy the vast empty shore and absorb pristine red-sand serenity and absolute peace.
Heads up
- Holiday long weekends trigger terrifyingly chaotic crowd density; blaring speakers, jeep engine noise, and fuel smoke kill any peaceful lake aura.
- Beach restrooms and outdoor showers get heavily swamped with mud and sand by afternoon; overflowing bins show an environment upkeep deficit.
- Riding off-road rigs on loose dunes carries high vehicle rollover risks, while emergency rescue deep in the sands is far away; high self-risk.
- In-park concession shacks leverage location monopoly to markup greasy fast foods, lacking healthy or diverse culinary dining alternatives.