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Sand Hollow — Utah’s newest state park
Officials expect Sand Hollow to be one of the most popular state parks in Utah, and early indications support that assumption. People started using the new facilities even before they were completed. Nearby Quail Creek Reservoir is incredibly popular and Sand Hollow is nicer in many ways. Its sand hills will continue to attract OHVs. Its launch ramps will attract boaters, and families will come to frolic on its sandy beaches. The reservoir will not open to fishing until 2004, to allow populations to become established, but it should provide quality bass fishing at that time. Utah State Parks provided the photo, and the details below: ALL ABOUT RECREATION - SAND HOLLOW STATE PARK OPENS TO THE PUBLIC  Forty-one. With the opening of Sand Hollow State Park, there are officially 41 state parks in Utah. The sprawling 20,000-acre park, which rests mostly on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, rivals Utah’s two largest state parks — Wasatch Mountain and Antelope Island. Park officials expect to see this site become one of the most popular within the Utah State Park system, with recreation opportunities for nearly every user from boaters to bikers, and OHV riders to equestrians. Located approximately 15 miles east of St. George, the park will be a working design for multiple-use recreation. Already a favorite destination for local off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, Sand Mountain provides 15,000 acres of perfectly sculpted dunes. The red sand is an incredible backdrop for Sand Hollow reservoir. At nearly twice the size of nearby Quail Creek Reservoir, Sand Hollow will offer boating and other water recreation in a spectacular setting, like a tiny Lake Powell. "The vistas and recreation opportunities are incredible," said Bruce Hamilton, Sand Hollow State Park manager. The Utah native recently moved from East Canyon State Park in Morgan County to manage and develop the huge Sand Hollow recreation project. "The community has been great — with their help Sand Hollow will be a landmark."  Sand Hollow State Park will undergo three phases of construction, which is expected to be complete in 2005. The recreation area will boast a boat launch ramp, two 50-site campgrounds, four day-use areas with 100 picnic sites, equestrian camping with trail access, and off-highway vehicle camping with Sand Mountain access. "Boaters are anxious to get out on the water, and campers are looking for campsites," said Hamilton. "We’re working quickly to get basic facilities in place and give the public new opportunities this season." Hamilton added that new entrance and camping fees go into effect May 1, which will be an adjustment to those already using the area for free. "We know our visitors will enjoy the new facilities, and we’re asking they help with improvements." Hamilton added that fees will increase as facilities are developed. Currently underway, phase one of construction includes an entrance station, paving, boat ramp, marina area and parking, modern restrooms, maintenance building, off-highway vehicle staging area, and temporary day-use and camping facilities. Phase two includes development of two campgrounds and four day-use facilities. The main campground will offer paved access roads, 50 full utility campsites with shelters, picnic tables and fire rings, and modern restrooms with showers. The south shore campground will include paved access, 50 basic service campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, drinking water, and vault restrooms. Four day-use areas will offer paved access, parking, 100 picnic sites, vault restrooms, and other facilities. Phase three will offer a group-use area with paved access and parking, shelters, fire rings and grills, vault restrooms, and other services. An equestrian area will offer trail access and camping, while a separate campground provides services for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts accessing Sand Mountain. Phase three also includes development of a concession area. Senator Robert F. Bennett and James V. Hansen, former Chairman of the House Resources Committee and Utah Congressman, join the Washington County Water Conservancy District, Utah State Parks and Recreation, and USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) dedicate Sand Hollow State Park 10 a.m. Friday, April 18, 2003. This dedication is primarily for the reservoir and a ceremonial launch of construction and development. Sand Hollow State Park will undergo three phases of facility development over the next three years.
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Sand
Mountain, located between St. George and Hurricane, has long been a popular
playground for people with dune buggies, dirt bikes and 4-wheelers. Now, the
sparkling water of a new reservoir laps at its base, and modern campgrounds
and picnic areas are being developed adjacent to the beaches. The reservoir,
which is called Sand Hollow, and much of Sand Mountain have been designated
Utah’s newest state park, officially open as of April 18, 2003.
