Millsite State Park
What Makes It Great
The developed area of the park is modern and offers a campground, picnic area, beach, large boat launch, and courtesy docks. The campground has a mix of tent sites and RV spots with the standard electrical hookup amenities, all with level parking areas, tables, barbeque grills, and flat areas suitable for tents. Millsite has two large covered pavilions with fire pits for large groups. The park also has drinking water, restrooms, showers, and a sewage disposal station. Pets are allowed, though dogs must be leashed. Everything is nearby, and it's altogether a slower pace of life (until you head up canyon for some off-roading, but more on that in a moment).
The calm, green water of the reservoir is home to multiple species of fish. If you fish you may catch bluehead suckers, brown, cutthroat, rainbow, splake, or tiger trout. The waters are also great for water skiing, jet skiing, stand-up paddling, canoeing, kayaking and, in the warm summer months, swimming.
Just west of the park’s boundaries, up Ferron Canyon, in the Manti-La Sal National Forest you can easily access the Arapeen OHV Trail System. This network contains over 350 miles of designated off-road mountain paths ranging from 4x4 forest roads down to narrow ATV trails. To the east there lies the popular desert trails of the San Rafael Swell. Both areas are suitable for mountain biking and hiking.
For those looking for a challenging hike, the Dry Wash Trail begins across from the park. This steep trail climbs through juniper and pinyon trees along a narrow path within the shalestone slopes and is open to hiking, mountain biking, motorcycles, and horses. It is five miles one way and as an out-and-back hike/ride can be cut short at any time. Check with the park staff for more information. After spending the day on the trails return to the reservoir and plunge into the emerald waters to rinse the dust away.
If a break from the watersports, fishing, and trails is needed you can head next door to swing the clubs. Located right next to the park sits Millsite Golf Course, one of Utah’s most picturesque. Surrounded by stunning views and containing a waterfall from the causeway of the Millsite Dam this 18-hole course offers a challenge and guarantees a fantastic experience on the vibrant fairways and greens in the heart of Utah’s castle country. It should be required playing for golf enthusiasts who are visiting Millsite State Park.
What You’ll Remember
Millsite State Park is a quiet retreat to a tidy campground with equal opportunity to relax and play with friends and family in a beautiful location. You’ll remember that Millsite is the perfect spot for a family vacation by truly offering something for everyone. Wanna fish? Go ahead. Wanna ride your ATV? Go ahead. Wanna golf? Yeah you do. Wanna mountain bike, hike, swim, canoe, kayak? You can do all those things here too. And best of all, when you’re done, you can all relax together.
Pro Tips
Advance camping reservations are recommended, especially on popular days such as weekend or holidays. It is a small park, and its spaces fill up fast. There are 10 sites with partial hookups, and 10 tent sites, and each campsite offers easy access to the reservoir waterfront.
There's a number of trails and sites that aren't on the map. Ask your helpful camp host for ideas, but always Tread Lightly and Respect and Protect so future travelers and generations can enjoy the sites.
In the spring season, when snow melt fills the reservoir and water spills over, the nearby San Rafael River is high enough to float.
For a quick meal to refuel after an adventure or round of golf, drop down into Ferron and hit the Grub Box for some tasty diner food.
Anyone looking for a quiet retreat with equal opportunity to relax and play with friends and family in a beautiful location.
Park Information and GPS Coordinates
The park is open from 6 a.m.–10 p.m. during the summer, and from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. in the winter. A day-use entry fee is required, purchase in-person or online. The Annual Utah State Park Pass is accepted for park entry. Call the park for more information: 435-384-2552
GPS Coordinates: (39.092042, -111.1939454)
What's Nearby
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Price
Price sits close to the northern section of the San Rafael Swell, which is home to vast deserts, yawning canyons, and fascinating rock formations. The area is known for its coal mining, as well as its recreational opportunities.
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San Rafael Swell
San Rafael hikes and bike rides offer unique terrain and jaw-dropping scenery. Learn about the area’s trails and start planning your trip!
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Manti-La Sal National Forest
The Manti-La Sal National Forest consists of three blocks located in central, eastern and southeastern Utah. The area has an abundance of lakes and is great for fishing, hiking and more.