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Sand Hollow vs Quail Creek: Which Reservoir Should You Pick?
Sand Hollow and Quail Creek sit just a few miles apart near Hurricane, Utah, about 20 to 25 minutes from St. George. Both are state parks with boat ramps, beaches and camping, but they feel very different. Here is how to choose.
Planning a Sand Hollow day? We bring UTVs, ATVs, Sea-Doo jet skis and surf boats right to the park, so there is nothing to tow. Open every day, 7am to 10pm.
Sand Hollow and Quail Creek side by side
| Sand Hollow | Quail Creek | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | About 1,300 acres of water, nearly twice the size of Quail Creek | About 600 acres of water |
| Water | Warm and inviting all summer | Warm on top, much colder below; up to about 120 feet deep |
| Beaches | Wide red-sand beaches with gentle entries | Smaller beaches and rocky coves under red cliffs |
| Fishing | Bass and bluegill | Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish |
| Off-road riding | Sand Mountain’s dunes and slickrock, through the park’s OHV tunnel | No riding area in the park |
| Camping | Five campground options, from full hookups to beach sites | One campground with standard and partial-hookup sites |
| From I-15 exit 16 | 5 miles east on State Road 9, then 3 miles south on Sand Hollow Road | About 3 miles east on State Road 9 |
Pick Sand Hollow if…
- You want sandy beaches and warm water for swimming and tubing.
- You want to ride the dunes and get on the water in the same day.
- You are camping with RVs, toys or a big group and want full hookups or beach sites.
Pick Quail Creek if…
- You want to fish for trout as well as bass.
- You like dramatic red cliffs, coves and calm early-morning water.
- You want a quick stop right off the freeway.
Why not both?
The two parks are close enough to visit in one trip. Ride Sand Mountain in the morning, then spend the afternoon on whichever reservoir suits your group. We set up Sea-Doo jet skis, surf and wake boats and water toys at both, with nothing for you to tow.
Learn more on our Sand Hollow and Quail Creek pages, or plan with the Sand Hollow State Park guide and Sand Hollow camping guide.