Exploring the Stunning Sand Hollow State Park in Utah

Sand Hollow State Park sits just outside Hurricane, about 15 miles east of St. George, where a blue reservoir meets red sandstone and the orange dunes of Sand Mountain. Utah State Parks calls it the most visited park in the state system, and for people who live on the east side of the valley, it's a weekend backyard for boating, off-roading, fishing and camping. Here's what to know before going, and why the park shapes life in nearby neighborhoods. When you're ready to look at homes, view active Hurricane listings.

Sand Hollow at a Glance

• Opened: as a state park in 2003, mostly on Bureau of Land Management land.
• Size: about 20,000 acres, including the reservoir and Sand Mountain.
• Reservoir: roughly 1,322 surface acres, nearly twice the size of nearby Quail Creek Reservoir.
• Sand Mountain: about 15,000 acres of dunes and slickrock open to off-highway vehicles.
• Elevation: about 3,000 feet.

Fees

Day use is $25 per vehicle for Utah residents, $10 for Utah residents 65 and older, $35 for non-residents and $5 per person on foot. Utah residents who visit often can buy a park annual pass. Current fees and conditions are on the Utah State Parks Sand Hollow page.

On the Water

The reservoir is open to powerboats, personal watercraft, waterskiing and wakeboarding, plus kayaks and paddleboards. The park has a boat ramp with floating docks, a dive park for scuba divers, and good fishing for largemouth bass. A few rules to know:

• Boat decontamination: boats must go through the park's decontamination process to prevent the spread of invasive quagga mussels.
• Life jackets: every person on a vessel, including paddleboards and kayaks, needs a properly fitted life jacket, and children under 13 must wear one whenever the vessel is underway.
• Algae advisories: check current advisories before swimming, especially in late summer.

Rentals and food are available through the park's concession.

Sand Mountain Off-Highway Vehicle Area

Sand Mountain is one of the region's best-known places to ride, with dunes, slickrock and technical trails rated from beginner-friendly to extreme. UTVs and side-by-sides are the most common machines, and rentals and guided tours operate nearby. Ride only on open routes, carry plenty of water, and follow Utah's off-highway vehicle registration and safety rules, published by Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. Large events such as the annual fall UTV gathering can restrict access to some campgrounds and the staging area for several days.

Camping and Cottages

Sand Hollow has several campgrounds, including Westside, Lakeview, Beachside, Sandpit and a primitive area, with sites from about $30 for primitive camping to $55 for full hookups by the beach. The park also rents cottages with air conditioning and kitchenettes. Popular weekends book early, so reserve ahead in spring and fall.

When to Go

Spring and fall are ideal for riding and hiking. Summer is peak season on the water, with hot afternoons, so boaters head out early. Winter is quiet and mild, a good time for fishing and dune riding without the crowds.

Living Near Sand Hollow

Much of Hurricane's newest housing sits within a few minutes of the park, and many homes are built with oversized garages and RV parking for boats, trailers and side-by-sides. Communities near the reservoir include Dixie Springs and Sand Hollow Resort, which has its own golf course. Browse Hurricane homes with RV garages, or read the pros and cons of living in Hurricane.

Bottom Line

Sand Hollow combines a big boating reservoir, a dive park and 15,000 acres of off-road terrain in one park, minutes from Hurricane. For buyers who want that lifestyle close to home, the nearby neighborhoods are built for it. For help finding the right home, contact Best Utah Real Estate.