Things to Do at Utah Lake State Park
There are quite a few things to do at Utah Lake State Park. It’s an excellent place to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and make some fond memories.
When looking at a list of Utah State Parks, most have heard about Utah’s Great Salt Lake… but are you familiar with Utah Lake? It’s the largest freshwater body of water in Utah, and it’s the namesake for this this State Park in Utah.
Situated in the town of Provo, Utah Lake is one of the places to visit in Utah we recommend. It’s a well-loved spot for locals and tourists alike to soak up some sun and spend a day on the water.
The next time you have an opportunity to visit Utah Lake State Park, take advantage of it and enjoy some of these things to do there!
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Why Visit Utah Lake State Park?
Utah Lake State Park is well worth a visit when you’re in the area for a couple of different reasons.
First, and most obvious, is the natural beauty. This park is absolutely stunning, and you can enjoy the views virtually any time of the year. Watching the sunrise or sunset along the lake is a stunning sight to behold with the backdrop of the mountain range.
Another reason? It’s easy to access. Unlike some state parks, which can be pretty remote, Utah Lake State Park is situated in Provo about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City.
You don’t have to camp within the park to enjoy everything it has to offer; instead, you can grab a local hotel or vacation rental to serve as your home base while you explore the area. And if you do choose to camp, everything you could possibly need is a short drive away.
Being close to Provo brings other benefits. You can easily find rentals if you need camping gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. Instead of packing a picnic, you can eat lunch at a local restaurant – supporting local business and trying something new!
Things to Do at Utah Lake State Park
Ready to plan a trip to Utah Lake State Park? Get ready to fill your itinerary with lots of fun. From boating and swimming to camping and fishing, there are all kinds of ways to enjoy your time in Utah Lake State Park, like…
Camping at Utah Lake State Park
Utah Lake State Park is a great camping destination. There are a number of campsites available for reservation, including spaces for tents as well as RV’s. Power and water are available at every campsite, and restrooms and showers are available, too.
Want to bring your four-legged friend along? Good news – this campground is pet-friendly, so your pup can join you and your family as you explore Utah Lake State Park.
These campsites do fill up, especially during the warmer months, so reservations are encouraged and strongly recommended.
Fishing at Utah Lake
Love to catch your own dinner? Fishing is an incredibly popular activity at Utah Lake State Park. While it’s more common to see people fishing during the warmer months, ice fishing is a popular pastime during the winter for those brave enough to endure the cold.
You can find all kinds of fish living in these waters, including catfish, walleye, white bass, and black bass, as well as some different species of panfish.
If you are unable to bring your own fishing gear to the park, don’t worry – rentals are available in Provo, along with all of the bait and gear you’ll need to enjoy a day on the water.
Boating at Utah Lake State Park
Utah Lake State Park is a great spot to spend some time on the water. During the summer months, you’ll often see folks waterskiing, wakeboarding, and otherwise enjoying all the recreation opportunities this body of water can offer.
Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on the water. Rent a speedboat or a sailboat and spend a day navigating the lake, or keep it simple with a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Either way, keep your eyes out for other boaters – and have a blast!
Photography at Utah Lake
Sunrise and sunset are fantastic times to photograph the landscape and birds at Utah Lake. No matter the time of year, or weather conditions, there’s always something to photograph at Utah Lake State Park: colorful reflections, floating ice, clouds, and more. Here are some helpful landscape photography tips to taking pictures at Utah Lake:
Swimming at Utah Lake State Park
Hoping for a spot to cool off on a hot summer’s day? Beat the heat with a quick dip into Utah Lake! There’s no better spot to go for a swim in the area than here.
While you’re welcome to jump off the back of your boat and paddle around in deeper water, you’re encouraged to stay close to the shoreline while swimming. Fortunately, there is a designated swimming beach at the park that all visitors are welcome to take advantage of. Bring a lawn chair and a book and soak up the sun, or spend your time splashing in the cool water under the hot Utah sun.
There’s no lifeguard on duty, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on your kids if you’re swimming with family.
Things to Do Near Utah Lake State Park
Utah Lake State Park is located in Provo, Utah, a city of more than 100,000 people. You can find all kinds of things to see and do in Provo, from charming local eateries and boutiques to museums and more. They host a variety of festivals, street fairs, and events throughout the year, so check the calendar before you go and see if there’s anything worth experiencing while you’re in town!
If you’re in the area to spend as much time outside as possible, you’re in luck – there are virtually endless options here when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors. You’ll find all kinds of outdoor recreation opportunities in and around the area.
Bridal Veil Falls is a well-known and highly-photographed waterfall that’s well worth a visit, and you can hike and explore natural areas like Provo Canyon. The area is well known for rock climbing, mountain biking, and white-water rafting for amateurs and experts alike.
And if you don’t mind a little drive, Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake are just under an hour’s drive to the north. There, you’ll find even more opportunities for fun and adventure – both within the city and at its namesake body of water.
Utah Vacation Ideas
- Utah Bucket List – FREE printable
- Best Time to Visit Utah
- Utah National Parks
- Utah State Parks
- Tours in Utah
