Sand Hollow State Park Guide

Sand Hollow State Park is where Southern Utah’s red sand meets warm blue water. In a single day you can swim off a red-sand beach, ride a jet ski across the reservoir and climb the dunes of Sand Mountain in a Can-Am, all about 20 minutes from St. George. This guide covers what visitors ask us most: park fees, swimming, camping, riding rules and the best time to come.

Sand Hollow at a glance

What makes Sand Hollow different

Most parks give you water or dunes. Sand Hollow gives you both, side by side. The reservoir was finished in 2003 by the Washington County Water Conservancy District to store water for Southern Utah, and it has grown into one of the most visited state parks in Utah.

The south and east sides of the park open onto Sand Mountain, a huge riding area of red dunes, sandy washes and sandstone ledges, reached through a tunnel from the park’s OHV staging area. That mix is why so many of our customers plan a split day: the dunes in the cool morning, then the water in the afternoon heat.

Sand Hollow State Park fees

Fees are paid at the entrance and cover the beaches, boat ramps and OHV access. For 2026 the park lists:

• Utah residents: $25 per vehicle per day, seniors (65+) $10, walk-ins $5 per person, annual pass $125 (seniors $65)
• Non-residents: $35 per vehicle per day
• Campers: your campsite fee covers park entry for that vehicle

Fees change from time to time, so check Utah State Parks before your trip.

Can you swim at Sand Hollow?

Yes. Through the summer the reservoir is one of the most popular swimming spots in Southern Utah, and the red-sand beaches slope gently into the water, which makes it a favorite for families. A few beach rules to know before you go: no glass on the beach, no fires or charcoal on the sand, and dogs must stay on a leash.

Bring life jackets for the kids and plenty of shade, because summer afternoons are hot. We can provide life jackets with any jet ski or boat rental.

Boating and jet skis on the reservoir

The reservoir is big enough for a full day of tubing, wakesurfing and jet skiing, with red-rock coves and small islands to explore. Keep to wakeless speed within 150 feet of other boats, the shore, swimmers and paddlers.

Here’s what we can have waiting for you at the water:

• Sea-Doo jet skis for two or three riders
• MasterCraft surf and wake boats, with a guide if you’d like one
• Water toys: tubes, wakeboards, wakesurfers and paddle boards
• Electric eFoil boards and flyboarding

Riding Sand Mountain

Sand Mountain is the reason riders come from all over the West. From the park’s OHV staging area, a tunnel takes you straight out onto the dunes, where you’ll find bowls and ridges of soft red sand, sandy washes and slickrock climbs, from easy cruising to technical lines.

These rules apply to every rider:

• Whip flag: every OHV needs a red or orange flag, at least 6 by 12 inches, on a whip that reaches 8 feet off the ground. It’s how other riders see you coming over the crest of a dune. Need flags for your own machine?
• Helmets: DOT-approved helmets are required for riders under 18 and strongly recommended for everyone.
• Registration: every machine must be currently registered. Ours are.
• OHV education: Utah requires every OHV operator to complete the state’s online OHV Education Course.

Our Sand Hollow fleet is all Can-Am: the Maverick X3 Turbo in 2, 4 and 5 seats, the Maverick R, the Defender Max for up to 6 riders, plus the Commander, Maverick Sport, Trail and the Outlander ATV. See side-by-side rentals and ATV rentals. Want someone who knows the dunes? Add a guide to any rental, book a guided tour, or catch the colors on a sunset tour.

Camping at Sand Hollow

The park’s campgrounds are open all year, and reservations are highly recommended, especially on spring weekends and holidays.

• Westside Campground: full hookups close to the water
• Sandpit Campground: next to the dunes, so you can ride from your campsite
• Lakeview and Beachside: camping close to the shoreline
• Primitive camping: along the south and east shores

For 2026, nightly fees run $50 for full hookups, $45 for partial hookups and $30 for primitive sites. Showers and the dump station are included for campers in the developed campgrounds. Staying in camp? We can have jet skis, boats and UTVs ready for you there. Between trips, keep your toys at our RV and toy storage.

Best time to visit Sand Hollow

• March to May: warm days and cool nights, great riding, and the water starts warming up. Spring break and holiday weekends are the busiest of the year.
• June to September: water season. Ride early in the morning or at sunset, because midday on the dunes is very hot.
• October and November: some of the best riding weather of the year, with quieter weekdays.
• December to February: mild, sunny riding days. The water is too cold for most swimmers.

Getting to Sand Hollow

From I-15, take Exit 16 toward Hurricane and drive about 5 miles east on State Road 9. Turn right on Sand Hollow Road and continue about 3 miles to the park entrance. Zion National Park is about 45 minutes away, so many visitors pair the two in one trip. Nearby, you’ll also find Sand Hollow Resort, Quail Creek and Coral Pink Sand Dunes.

Plan your Sand Hollow day with us

Tell us your group size and what you want to do, and we’ll put the day together: UTVs or ATVs for the dunes, a Sea-Doo or surf boat for the water, sandboards for the kids, and a guide if you want one. Everything arrives ready to go, with nothing to tow.