Southern Utah is the perfect playground for nature lovers, but while our beautiful national parks get lots of attention, the state parks are often overlooked. Don't be too quick to pass them by; they offer lots of recreation opportunities and fewer tourists. Pack your tent or get your RV ready to go and head to Sand Hollow State Park where you can camp right on the shores of the lake.

Address: 3351 Sand Hollow Road, Hurricane, UT 84737

When you're looking for a spot that offers a diverse range of outdoor recreation, head to Sand Hollow State Park in southern Utah. You'll find it Hurricane, just 12 miles east of St. George.

The water is warm in Sand Hollow Reservoir...

...and the pretty, red sand beach is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon. Bring a bottle of sunscreen and an awning for some shade, then sit back and relax while the kids splash in the shallow water near the shore.

Two campgrounds offer 71 campsites with full or partial hookups. Some sites are back-in; others have pull-throughs for easier parking.

Sites include picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads, as well as electrical and sewer/water hookups. You'll also enjoy restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers during your stay.

You can also camp right on the beach, where you'll have a first-hand view of the lake.

Get your campsite situated, then head out onto the water to cool down! The reservoir is a popular spot for kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.

Explore the interesting rock formations along the banks, and drop a line in to see if the fish are biting.

The reservoir's warm waters are perfect for swimming on a hot, summer day. Just north of Westside Campground, you'll find a spot that's popular for cliff jumping. Muster your courage, and take the plunge!

Bring your four-wheeler and head for the dunes. There's an OHV area south of the lake, and the sandy terrain is just right for riding. With 15,000 acres of dunes, you'll be able to explore all day long.

Sand Hollow State Park is open year-round, and you'll want to make a reservation in advance. The day-use area often reaches capacity on summer weekends, and access to the beach and dunes may be restricted to overnight guests.

Check out the Sand Hollow State Park website to learn more and reserve your campsite! What's your favorite thing to do at Sand Hollow State Park? We'd love to read about your adventures in the comments.