Sand Hollow is where southern Utah goes to cool off. The state park, at 3351 Sand Hollow Road in Hurricane, is built around a reservoir set among red sandstone and a field of coral-colored dunes called Sand Mountain. On the water you can boat, fish, swim, kayak, paddleboard, waterski and dive, and the park includes a dive park and rocks used for cliff jumping. The dunes are open to off-highway vehicles, and the park also offers camping for every style: RV sites, tent sites, primitive sites, group camping, beach camping and rental cottages, with some sites offering full or partial hookups. A visitor center and gift shop, restrooms, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, shade shelters, fire pits, grills and a ranger station make it an easy place for a family day. The park is open year round. Its hours run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. during daylight saving time and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. during standard time, with shortened hours on some holidays. Boaters use a ramp with floating docks and a decontamination station, which helps keep invasive species out of Utah's waters. Day-use and camping fees apply, so check the park's fee page or buy a day pass in advance. Water levels and algae advisories change through the year, so check the park's notices before you swim, particularly with children or dogs.
What to do with a day. In summer, plan the water first: swim off the beach in the morning, rent a kayak or paddleboard if you did not bring one, and keep the afternoon for shade. Children under 13 must wear a lifejacket on any vessel that is underway, and cliff jumping should be left to those who have checked the water depth and conditions first.
In spring and fall, when Zion is busiest and the weather is mild, the dunes are a good playground, and the sunsets across the reservoir are some of the best in the St. George area. Winter is quiet, with cooler water but pleasant walking weather.
Rules worth knowing. Pets must be leashed at all times and must not be left in vehicles. Drones, metal detecting, commercial activity and large events require a permit, and wood and charcoal are not allowed in the primitive campground except at certain events. Off-highway vehicles share the dunes, so expect noise near Sand Mountain, and keep walkers and kids away from active riding areas. Bring sunscreen, plenty of water and shoes you can wear in sand, and remember that shade is limited away from the park's shelters.
Fitting it into a Zion trip. The park is about 20 minutes from St. George and well under an hour from Springdale, so it works best as a stop on the way in from Las Vegas or Salt Lake or as a recovery day after big hikes.
Pair it with Snow Canyon State Park for red-rock hiking, the dinosaur museum for a rainy-day option, or an evening show in Ivins. Families with teenagers, groups who want something other than trails, and anyone arriving in the heat of July will appreciate how much a day here resets a road trip.
What to expect
The experience
A state park built around a red-rock reservoir and the Sand Mountain dunes, with beaches, boating, diving, camping and an off-highway vehicle area.
Best time
Summer for swimming and paddling; spring and fall for mild weather and dune sunsets.
How long
Three to six hours, or overnight if you camp.
Tips
Check algae and water-level notices, bring lifejackets for children, keep pets leashed and buy a day pass or confirm fees before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and groups who want water and sand play between hiking days.
- Families
- Beach, shallow-water play and dunes make this an easy crowd-pleaser.
- Couples
- A sunset paddle or beach camping night away from the park crowds.
- Pair with
- Snow Canyon State Park or the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site.
- Time needed
- Half a day or more.
Good questions
What can I do at Sand Hollow?+
Boat, fish, swim, kayak, paddleboard, waterski and dive in the reservoir, ride off-highway vehicles on Sand Mountain's dunes, or camp in RV, tent, primitive, beach or cottage options.
When is the park open?+
Year round. Hours run 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in daylight saving time and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in standard time, with some holiday changes.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes, on a leash at all times. They must not be left in vehicles, and they are not allowed in one of the cottages.
Do children need lifejackets?+
Children under 13 must wear a lifejacket on any vessel while it is underway.
Is there an entrance fee?+
Yes, day-use and camping fees apply. Check the park's fee page or day-pass purchase page for current amounts.
