Welcome to the Southern Utah version of paradise, where red rock meets turquoise water and your sunscreen will never work hard enough. If you’ve been scouring the internet for places that combine the thrill of water sports with jaw-dropping scenery, allow us to introduce you to Sand Hollow State Park Utah. It’s the kind of place where you can launch a jet ski, eat watermelon with your toes in the sand, and still be surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes in the West.
Sand Hollow isn’t just a backup plan if Zion is too crowded. It’s a destination in its own right, a favorite for locals, road-trippers, families, and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you’re into high-octane fun like wakeboarding and jet skiing or you’re more of a “float around on a paddleboard and pretend you’re in a music video” kind of traveler, this is your jam. Let’s break down exactly why Sand Hollow State Park Utah deserves a full day (or three) of your summer itinerary.
Why Sand Hollow? Spoiler Alert: It’s Awesome
Sand Hollow isn’t subtle. The water is a surreal shade of blue-green, the cliffs are straight out of a movie set, and the activities range from full-speed adrenaline rushes to quiet moments with a fishing rod. It’s located just 20 minutes from St. George, which means it’s ridiculously easy to access if you’re staying at Settlers Point or anywhere else nearby.
This 20,000-acre playground features a massive reservoir, soft red sand beaches, and a designated OHV area if you want to rip through the dunes when you’re done on the water. And yes, it gets busy, but in that “everyone’s here because it’s amazing” kind of way, not the “we regret everything” theme park kind of way.
Water Sports Galore: Rent It or Bring Your Own
If it floats, flies, or makes waves, you can do it here. Jet skis? Absolutely. Speedboats? Bring ’em. Paddleboards? We love a good core workout with a scenic backdrop. Sand Hollow is hands-down one of the best spots for water sports in all of Utah, thanks to the warm temperatures, clear water, and easy access.
You’ll find several rental options either right at the park or within a 5-minute drive. Local favorites like Southern Utah Adventure Center and Sand Hollow Rentals offer everything from kayaks and paddleboards to jet skis and wake boats. You can even rent full packages that include everything you need, so you don’t have to play the “did we bring the tow rope?” game in the parking lot.
Just a heads up: if you’re towing your own gear, make sure your boat is properly registered and has the required safety equipment. Utah doesn’t play when it comes to boating regulations, and nobody wants their beach day ruined by a ticket.
Parking, Fees, and What You’re Actually Signing Up For
Here’s the deal: it costs $20 per vehicle for Utah residents and $25 for out-of-state guests. It’s a day pass, and trust us, it’s worth every penny. Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends and holidays, so if you want a shady spot close to the beach, you’re going to want to show up before 10 a.m. or you’ll end up on the hike-of-shame from the back lot carrying five beach chairs, a cooler, and that inflatable flamingo you said you weren’t bringing.
There are multiple entry points and boat ramps, which is great if you’re launching gear, but not so great if you’re indecisive. Stick to the Westside entrance for easy beach access and rentals.
Crowds: When to Go If You Dislike Other People
Sand Hollow is popular. That’s not a bad thing, but it does mean timing matters. Weekdays are significantly more chill, especially in the morning and late afternoon. If you’re not tied to a Saturday-Sunday schedule, go midweek and enjoy the kind of peace you only get when there aren’t 400 other people fighting over the same floating unicorn raft.
Evenings are also gorgeous, fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and sunsets that make you question if you’re still in Utah or if you accidentally teleported to some tropical alternate reality.
Pro Tips for the Best Beach Day Ever
Bring shade. No, seriously. If you don’t have a beach umbrella or a pop-up canopy, you’re going to roast. There’s basically zero natural shade on the main beaches. Pack extra water, sunscreen (and then pack some more), snacks, and a solid playlist. Sand Hollow is built for lounging just as much as it’s built for action.
Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, and while they’re technically “first-come, first-served,” they tend to be claimed before breakfast. If you want a picnic table, arrive early and be prepared to hover like a hawk. Bonus: there are bathrooms and outdoor showers to help de-sandify your body before heading back to civilization.
Photography: Because That Water Is Ridiculously Awesome
If you’re the kind of person who can’t resist taking photos of everything (we get it, we’re you), Sand Hollow delivers. Sunrise and sunset are prime time for photos, with golden light bouncing off the red cliffs and the water catching all kinds of crazy colors. Bring a wide-angle lens if you’re shooting on a camera, or just switch your phone to landscape mode and go wild.
Drone pilots, listen up: drones are allowed, but you need a permit from the park office. They’re not going to tolerate buzzing over swimmers or beachgoers, so be respectful, get your footage, and keep it classy.
What to Know About the OHV Area (Even If You’re Not an OHV Person)
Even if you’re just there for the beach vibes, it’s worth driving or walking over to the Sand Mountain area just to check out the off-road scene. This part of Sand Hollow State Park Utah is a giant sandbox for ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes. The landscape looks like Mars, and you’ll probably see more GoPros in one square mile than anywhere else in the state.
You don’t have to ride to enjoy the view, just don’t wear your new white sneakers unless you want to end up with red dust in your soul.
Where to Eat (or Refuel With Sugar and Salt)
If you’re bringing your own food, go big: sandwiches, fruit, chips, and maybe a sneaky cooler of sparkling water. There’s nothing available on the beach itself except for the occasional food truck on high-traffic weekends, so if you didn’t pack it, you’re probably not getting it.
Otherwise, Hurricane and Washington are just a short drive away and loaded with quick eats. Craving tacos? Lonny Boy’s BBQ and Main Street Café are solid post-beach stops. Or grab a smoothie if you’re trying to undo the bag of Doritos you housed after paddleboarding for five minutes.
Final Tip Before You Go Full Cannonball
Sand Hollow State Park Utah is that rare combo of beautiful and fun that doesn’t ask you to sacrifice one for the other. You can spend the morning ripping across the reservoir on a jet ski, chill in the afternoon on a paddleboard, and wrap it up with a lazy float while watching the cliffs light up at sunset. It’s the kind of place where families, friends, and solo travelers all find their happy place, just don’t forget your sunscreen or your common sense.
Whether you’re renting gear for the first time or returning like a seasoned summer warrior, Sand Hollow is one of the best outdoor playgrounds in the entire region. So load up the car, prep that playlist, and let Southern Utah show you how it does beach days, with red rocks and big energy.
