Otter Creek State Park

Otter Creek State Park | Utah State Parks

Nestled at more than a mile above sea level, the high-alpine crystalline lake at Otter Creek State Park has been open to the public as a state park since 1965. The reservoir itself has a much older history, though.

Local Mormon settlers in the area needed a source of water to establish dependable agriculture and feed for the area’s livestock in the late-19th century; however, a grant for building a dam was denied, so settlers took matters into their own hands. With volunteers and homemade equipment, they built what was known at the time as one of the finest earthen dams of its kind. Renovations to the dam have since been maintained by the state, and have created a recreational hotspot for adventurers of any age and interest — from ATV riders to boaters, birders and campers.

ATV riding is a major attraction here; little else in the world of motorized recreation is as joyful as romping around on an ATV on pristine trails. Directly accessed from Otter Creek State Park are several exceptional options, including the Paiute Trail to the north and the trail systems of the Paunsaugunt Plateau to the south.

If fishing is your favorite past time, you are in luck. Known as one of Utah’s premier trout fisheries, boaters and anglers travel to Otter Creek to fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. The boat launch offers accessibility to deeper waters in search of the big lunkers living here.

Rainbow Trout at Otter Creek State Park

Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Otter Creek State Park at sunset.

Photo: Utah State Parks

Birding is also popular at the park, and is best during the spring and fall as many common, exotic, and fun species will land and feed at the reservoir on their flight along the Pacific Migratory Bird Flyway. Other wildlife is easily viewed from this off-the-beaten-path park.

Great as a day trip in and of itself, Otter Creek is especially enjoyable as a nice weekend getaway for campers and RVers. The pleasant campground offers simple, yet modern amenities (bathroom, showers, etc.) and you will marvel at how quiet and remote this destination truly is. There are 53 sites with standard partial hookups at the main campground suitable for tents and RVs. If you want to stay on the waterfront, there are several beachfront campsites also available, as well as group sites that can accommodate larger numbers of occupants. Advance camping reservations are recommended.

Park Information and GPS Coordinates

During the summer, the park opens for day use at 6 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., and in the winter the park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A day-use entry fee is required, purchase in-person or online. The Annual Utah State Park Pass is accepted for park entry. Pets are allowed in the park, provided they are leashed at all times.

GPS Coordinates: 38.166438, -112.018424

Otter Creek State Park

Park Information and GPS Coordinates

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.