Scofield Reservoir State Park
History of the Park
In the 1870s, settlers were drawn to the area thanks to the large tracts of grazing land available and aptly named it Pleasant Valley. The park got its name from General Charles W. Scofield, a lumberjack who became the president of Utah’s first coal mining company.
During a mining boom in the 1920s, Scofield was bustling. It featured a post office, 12 stores, four large hotels and a population of more than 6,000 residents. True to the Wild West, it also had 13 saloons. But the mines depleted, as they tend to do, and these days, fewer than 50 people call Scofield home. It just adds to the peace of the area.Things to Do
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Boating
A day out on the reservoir is the perfect way to cool down in the summertime. With 2,800 acres of water, you can wakeboard, jet ski, water ski or enjoy a relaxing boat ride. There are boat ramps, parking and launching stations at Madsen Bay and Mountain View campgrounds. Visit the Utah Boat Rentals facility at Spanish Fork Canyon for boat and recreational vehicle rentals
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Fishing
As a Utah Blue Ribbon Fishery, the reservoir offers excellent fishing throughout the year but is famous for its ice fishing. The water usually freezes early in autumn/winter, and safe ice fishing is available around Thanksgiving. Scofield Reservoir produces large fish like the rainbow, tiger and cutthroat trout, redside shiners and mountain suckers.
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Snowmobiling
The Scofield/Skyline Drive Snowmobile Complex comprises more than 120 miles of groomed, smooth trail. The Utah Division of State Parks and Manti-La Sal National Forest created the complex to give visitors a safe, fun snowmobiling experience away from major cities and crowds. It’s an excellent option for snowmobilers who want varied terrain and trails.
Camping at Scofield State Park
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Madsen Bay Campground
Madsen Bay resides on the lake’s northern tip in the Manti-La Sal Mountains. The campground has 36 single-family campsites and includes electrical and water hookups to accommodate large modern RVs (up to 35 feet long). All campsites come with a paved pad, table, fire ring and grate. Some campsites have excellent views of the lake. Campground amenities: pet-friendly, drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers (must pay to use), dump station, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, dry storage, firewood (available for sale). Advance camping reservations are recommended.
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Mountain View Campground
Located near the dam on the eastern shore of the reservoir, Mountain View Campground has 34 single-family campsites and can accommodate tents, trailers, and small RVs. The campground has direct access to the reservoir, with a paved boat ramp and floating docks right next to the campground. Campground amenities: pet-friendly, drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers (must pay to use), dump station, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, dry storage, firewood (available for sale). Advance camping reservations are recommended.
Scofield Reservoir State Park Weather
At 7,600 feet above sea level, Utah's highest-elevation state park enjoys cooler temperatures than the valley. Scofield is a great escape from intense heat in summer, but temperatures drop quickly below freezing in the winter, especially at night. Always be sure to check the weather. If you’re planning an ice fishing trip, make sure to prepare with the right gear.
Average Daily High and Low Temperature:
June: 70/38 F (21/3 C)
July: 77/45 F (25/7 C)
August: 75/43 F (23/6 C)
September: 67/35 F (19/1 C)
October: 54/26 F (12/-3 C)
November: 39/16 F (4/-8 C)
December: 29/3 F (1/-16 C)