Sand Hollow State Park
Picture turquoise water surrounded by red sand dunes and desert cliffs—a scene that feels more like the Sahara than Utah. Sand Hollow State Park delivers exactly this: a 1,322-acre warm-water reservoir where the water temperature hits 86°F in summer, set against a backdrop of 15,000 acres of pristine sand dunes ready for OHV exploration.
Located just 13 miles east of St. George and 45 minutes from Zion National Park, Sand Hollow is one of Utah’s newest and most popular state parks. It’s the official swim location for IRONMAN 70.3 St. George, a mecca for ATV riders, and—here’s what the other guides don’t tell you—home to underwater scuba sites including a sunken Cessna 320 airplane and a Volkswagen bus. Whether you’re wakeboarding, cliff jumping, or camping on the beach under the stars, Sand Hollow delivers desert water adventures unlike anywhere else in Utah.
What Makes Sand Hollow Special
Warm Water Reservoir
1,322 acres at 81-86°F—one of Utah’s warmest lakes.
15,000 Acres OHV
Sand dunes, canyons, technical trails—ATV/UTV paradise.
Scuba Diving
Sunken airplane, VW bus, obstacle course—unique!
Beach Camping
120 campsites including primitive beach spots.
Sand Hollow Reservoir
The heart of the park is the 1,322-acre reservoir—and unlike most Utah lakes, the water is genuinely warm. From May through September, temperatures hover between 81-86°F, making it perfect for swimming without a wetsuit.
| Water Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏊 Swimming | Multiple beach areas; 81-86°F in summer |
| 🚤 Boating/Jet Ski | Boat ramp, marina, rentals available |
| 🏄 Wakeboarding | Popular—plenty of room on 1,322 acres |
| 🛶 Paddleboarding/Kayaking | Rentals at Sand Hollow Rentals on south shore |
| 🎣 Fishing | Bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, catfish |
| 🪂 Cliff Jumping | 20+ ft jumps at northwest shore and Desert Pearl Island |
IRONMAN 70.3 Swim Location
Sand Hollow Reservoir is the official swim venue for the IRONMAN 70.3 St. George triathlon and associated world championships. The warm, clear water and scenic desert backdrop make it one of the most unique triathlon swim courses in the world.
Scuba Diving (Hidden Gem!)
Here’s what most guides don’t mention: Sand Hollow has some of Utah’s most unique scuba diving. Submerged in the reservoir are:
| Underwater Feature | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Cessna 320 Airplane | ~40 ft | Twin-engine aircraft—unique dive experience |
| 🚌 Volkswagen Bus | Varies | Classic VW van submerged for divers |
| 🎯 Obstacle Course | Various | Training structures for dive practice |
🤿 Dive Info
Visibility is best in spring/fall (30-50 ft). Several St. George dive shops offer certifications and guided dives at Sand Hollow. Water temps make this one of the most comfortable freshwater dives in the region.
OHV & ATV Trails
Adjacent to the reservoir, Sand Mountain offers 15,000 acres of BLM-managed OHV terrain—one of Utah’s premier destinations for ATV, UTV, and dirt bike riding. Stage your vehicle at the park and access the dunes via a tunnel.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏍️ Sand Hollow Reservoir OHV Trail | 12 mi | Easy | Point-to-point; good for all skill levels |
| 🔄 Milt’s Mile Extended Loop | 4.6 mi | Moderate | Technical sections; 639 ft elevation gain |
| ⚠️ The Maze OHV Trail | 11.5 mi | Hard | Expert only—cliff exposure, steep climbs |
Rentals: ATV/UTV rentals available on-site through the park concessionaire. Guided tours also available through local outfitters.
Camping
Sand Hollow offers 120 campsites across two campgrounds plus primitive beach camping:
| Campground | Sites | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏕️ Westside Campground | 50 | Full hookups | Covered tables, fire rings, showers |
| 🏍️ Sandpit Campground | 30 | Dry/Power | OHV access, ATV drive-in allowed |
| 🏖️ Beach Primitive | 40+ | Primitive | Self-contained only (Oct-Mar), on beach |
⚠️ Reservations
Campsites fill fast, especially on weekends and during summer. Book at ReserveAmerica well in advance.
Fees & Hours
| Fee Type | Utah Residents | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Day Use (Mon-Thu) | $15 | $30 |
| 🚗 Day Use (Fri-Sun) | $20 | $30 |
| 👴 Senior Day Use | $10 | $30 |
| 🚶 Walk-In | $5 | $5 |
| 📅 Annual Pass | $125 | — |
Hours:
- Summer (Daylight Saving): 6 AM – 10 PM
- Winter: 7 AM – 9 PM
- Boat Decon: 7 AM – 7 PM (summer) / 7 AM – 5 PM (winter)
Important Notices
| Notice | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦠 Swimmer’s Itch | Microscopic parasites present—rinse off after swimming; more common in shallow areas |
| 🦪 Boat Decontamination | ALL boats must pass decon inspection before launching—protects against invasive mussels |
| 🌡️ Summer Heat | Temps exceed 100°F in July/August—bring extra water, seek shade |
| 🔥 Fire Restrictions | Check current fire restrictions before campfires |
Getting There
- 📍 Address: 3351 Sand Hollow Rd, Hurricane, UT 84737
- 📍 From St. George: 13 miles east (~20 min)
- 📍 From Zion National Park: 45 minutes
- 📍 From Las Vegas: 2 hours (120 miles)
- 📍 From Salt Lake City: 4.5 hours (300 miles)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Sand Hollow State Park?
Yes! Swimming is one of the main attractions. The reservoir has multiple beach areas with natural red sand. Water temperatures reach 81-86°F in summer—one of Utah’s warmest lakes.
Is Swimmer’s Itch active at Sand Hollow?
It can be. Swimmer’s Itch is caused by microscopic parasites in the water—more common in shallow, marshy areas. Rinse off immediately after swimming and towel dry vigorously to reduce risk. Most people experience mild, temporary irritation if affected.
Do you have to pay to get into Sand Hollow?
Yes. Day-use fees are $15-20 for Utah residents and $30 for non-residents per vehicle. Walk-in is $5. An annual Utah State Parks pass ($125) covers entry to all 44 state parks.
Is Sand Hollow State Park worth visiting?
Absolutely. With warm water, red sand beaches, world-class OHV riding, scuba diving with sunken aircraft, and camping right on the beach—all within 45 minutes of Zion—Sand Hollow offers a unique desert water experience found nowhere else in Utah.
Can you scuba dive at Sand Hollow?
Yes! Sand Hollow has unique underwater attractions including a sunken Cessna 320 airplane, a Volkswagen bus, and an obstacle course. Local dive shops in St. George offer guided dives and certifications.
How far is Sand Hollow from Zion?
Sand Hollow is approximately 45 minutes from Zion National Park, making it an excellent day trip or overnight camping destination when visiting Zion.
🏜️ Where Desert Meets Water
Sand Hollow defies expectations. Warm turquoise water surrounded by red sand dunes. Beach camping under the stars. ATVs roaring through 15,000 acres of desert. Scuba diving to find a sunken airplane. Cliff jumping into 86°F water. This is the Utah lake experience you didn’t know existed—and it’s just 45 minutes from Zion. Whether you’re racing in IRONMAN or just floating on a lazy afternoon, Sand Hollow delivers adventure the desert way.
📍 Address: 3351 Sand Hollow Rd, Hurricane, UT 84737
📞 Phone: (435) 680-0715
