Southern Utah's Best
-
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes are open for hiking and kid-friendly playing. About 90-percent of the dunes are open for OHV riders, an attraction for which this state park has become ever popular.
-
Dead Horse Point State Park
A broad peninsula of land jutting out over the spectacular White Rim of the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point State Park specializes in the type of sweeping, jaw-dropping views that make visitors run for their cameras to try and capture the area’s grandeur. In recent years, a tight network of fun singletrack trails has begun attracting mountain bikers who want epic views with moderate rides, increasing the popularity of the park.
-
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
The Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is located at Wide Hollow Reservoir. This small reservoir is popular for boating, canoeing, and fishing.
-
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park could almost be mistaken for a martian landscape with intricate and bizarre geologic formations. Bring the family and experience this amazing place by hiking, camping, mountain biking and exploring the surrounding canyons.
-
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome Basin covers 2,240 acres of canyon country and is surrounded by Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument on three sides.
-
Quail Creek State Park
Quail Creek State Park welcomes day-trippers and overnighters to boat, camp, fish or paddleboard at Quail Creek Reservoir.
-
Sand Hollow State Park
Beachside camping, boating and OHV trails are all within easy reach at Sand Hollow State Park. Plan your trip to this local favorite today!
-
Snow Canyon State Park
Located at the edge of the Mojave Desert, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau, Snow Canyon State Park explodes with dramatic geology perfect for your outdoor adventure — and photo opportunities.
Northern Utah State Parks
-
.jpg?w=450&h=597&mode=crop&quality=65)
Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island State Park is 25 miles north of Salt Lake City. Accessed by a causeway, the island sits in Great Salt Lake and features free-roaming bison and antelope herds.
-
Bear Lake State Park
Bear Lake is a 20-mile long and eight-mile wide natural lake with beautiful, placid waters that perfectly match the tranquil pace of the quaint towns that dot the shore. The northern half is located in Idaho and the southern half in Utah with the state lines dividing it.
-
East Canyon State Park
For history buffs, East Canyon offers the opportunity to retrace the footsteps of pioneers. Visitors can splash in the springs where the Donner party collected drinking water, hike beside Brigham Young’s wagon ruts, or mountain bike down the Pony Express route.
-
Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Enjoy biking, boating, bison-spotting, bird-watching and more.
-
Red Fleet State Park
Known as “Little Lake Powell,” Red Fleet State Park offers fishing, hiking, camping, biking and more in a gorgeous sandstone lake setting. Plan a trip!
-
Wasatch Mountain State Park
Year-round family adventure awaits. In the warmer months, hit the hiking or biking trails, or reserve a tee time at the golf courses. In the winter, ski or snowmobile through the alpine terrain.
State Park Museums
-
Anasazi State Park Museum
The Anasazi State Park Museum near Boulder, Utah is the former site of one of the largest Puebloan communities in the region. Learn more and plan a visit!
-
Camp Floyd State Park Museum
Historic stories of the United States Army, Mormon pioneers, stagecoach travelers and the Pony Express all collide at Camp Floyd and the town of Fairfield.
-
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding, Utah, is the site of a prehistoric Native American village. Explore history here!
-
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
Part way through the rugged Clear Creek Canyon, your team uncovers what turns out to the be largest known prehistoric Fremont Village site — more than 100 structures filled with countless artifacts. The extensive excavation from that highway discovery is preserved in nearby Fremont Indian State Park.
-
Frontier Homestead State Park Museum
Frontier Homestead State Park Museum offers visitors a glimpse into Cedar City’s pioneering lifestyle in the 19th century.
-
Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum
Get a feel for what life was like for those early pioneers establishing Utah. There are tons of interesting artifacts, and you can take it in at your own pace. The knowledgeable staff is happy to field your questions and engage your kids’ curiosity.
-
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
Explore Utah's incredible geological history at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum. See dinosaurs, interactive exhibits and more!
State Park Planning Tips
There's no shortage of activities to keep you busy in Utah's state parks. Boating, fishing, golf, off-highway vehicle recreation, hiking, dark sky viewing and mountain biking are just some of the options available. Stopping by for the day? Simplify your visit by purchasing a day-use pass online before you go – digital Utah State Parks passes are available at parkspass.utah.gov. Passes are good for the day of purchase only and do not include camping access. And when you recreate, remember to do so responsibly:
- Plan to pack out your own trash.
- Come prepared with a disposable toilet system in the event restrooms are unavailable. Review the tips or watch the video.
- Extinguish campfires completely, and practice fire safety.
- The weather can change quickly on public lands. If rain is in the forecast do not enter any slot canyons.
- Bring more water than you think you'll need.
- Travel on designated motorized routes and trails. Do not create new trails with your car or your feet.
- Ensure you have a back-up campground during busy season. If you have to disperse camp, always choose existing sites.
- Let someone know your itinerary and the time you expect to return. Know the information for search and rescue, and bring a spot device. Look for others you can help.
Camping and Overnight Options
From the High Uintas to the southern red rocks, you'll find camping in most Utah State Parks. Overnight options range from RV and tent sites to cabins, teepees, yurts, hammocks and covered wagons. Campgrounds often reach capacity, so advance reservations are recommended.
Read the Stories
-
A Weekend Well Spent at Scofield State Park
Enjoy some of the best trout fishing in Utah while spending a quiet weekend nestled in the spectacular Manti-La Sal Mountains at Scofield State Park. Sitting at 7,600 feet above sea level it a great spot to enjoy cooler temps in the summer with splashing around in the reservoir.
-
A Year-Round Guide to Great Salt Lake State Park
Great Salt Lake State Park is easy to access from Salt Lake City and makes for a great spot to get out on the water, with unbeatable sunset views.
-
Discovering the Quiet Beauty of Hyrum Lake State Park
Spend some time at Hyrum Reservoir and you’ll discover that crisp clear water and a spot on the grass are all you really need for a relaxing getaway. Throw in pristine mountain views and a shady spot to set up camp and consider your summer vacation plans as good as done.
-
Find a Winter Refresh in a Utah State Park
The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. Take a winter break to refresh with a visit to a few of these places.
-
Get to Know Echo State Park
Situated at 5,560 feet above sea level, just north of Park City, lies Echo State Park. Watersports are king here, and whether you kayak, paddleboard, or boat, it’s a perfect place to get out on the water.
-
How the Life of One Utah State Park Ranger Reveals the Healing Power of Nature
After years of protecting the Utah landscape and the people who flock to it, Brody Young found strength from the river and the red rock to recover from what should have been a fatal incident.
-
How to Have the Perfect Weekend on the Water at Quail Creek State Park
Just 15 miles north of St. George and even closer to the town of Hurricane, Quail Creek State Park offers warm water and mild weather year round. There’s plenty to do out on the water, and the gorgeous setting is sure to impress.
-
How to Take a Kayak & Camping Trip at Yuba State Park
Pristine sandy beaches, warm water temperatures all summer long and serene mountain views make Yuba State Park an appealing destination for campers and kayakers in sunny Central Utah.
-
Journey Through Utah's History at This Is The Place Heritage Park
This Is The Place Heritage Park has a major place in Utah’s history — quite literally.
-
Paddle Among Red Rocks and Waterfalls at Gunlock Reservoir State Park
Pack up your gear and head out to Gunlock Reservoir near St. George. Bring your SUP, kayaks, jet skis and power boats for a day full of watersport excitement.
-
State Park Stargazing: Interacting With the Galaxy in Real Time
Northern Utah's Camp Floyd State Park offers more than history to those who stick around after dark. With intense dark skies blanketing the atmosphere, stargazers of all ages gather to interact with the galaxy above.
-
Sun and Fun Below Mount Timpanogos: Explorations of Deer Creek State Park
The sunlight sparkled and danced on the water as we drove beside the reservoir of Deer Creek State Park. The day was warm, the sun was out, and I was excited to get out on the water.
-
Unexpected Southwest Utah: Snow Canyon State Park
Why visit Snow Canyon State Park? The scenery is breathtaking, the trails are suitable for everyone and the Snow Canyon campground is a treat. Learn more!
