Utah Lake State Park

Lake Overview

Located on the eastern shore of Utah Lake (the largest freshwater lake in Utah), Utah Lake State Park offers a tranquil escape just west of Provo. This 148-square-mile lake is the centerpiece of the park, where the Wasatch Mountains create a dramatic backdrop. If you're a fan of nature's light shows, the sunrises and sunsets here paint the water with spectacular colors.

Recreation Opportunities

The park offers plenty of options for boating, fishing, swimming, and various other water activities. You can fish for channel catfish, walleye, white bass, and black bass in the lake. New to fishing? White bass are abundant and relatively easy to catch. During summer, the lake warms to a comfortable 75 degrees Fahrenheit, great for a refreshing swim or trying your hand at jet skiing, paddleboarding, or kayaking.

Facilities

Planning to stay overnight? The park features a campground with 31 RV sites complete with water and electrical hookups. Each site comes with its own covered picnic table and fire ring - well-suited for those s'mores sessions. Day-trippers aren't left out either, with access to boat ramps, docks, picnic areas, and a beach. Clean restrooms are scattered throughout the park, with showers available if you're camping. The recently updated playground is available for children, adding to the park's family-friendly amenities.

Looking south across Utah Lake towards Lincoln Point

Photo: Hugh Millward (CC BY 2.0)

Trails and Wildlife

Lakeshore trails offer scenic routes for walking and biking, including access to the Provo River Trail - a well-maintained asphalt pathway with enough shade to keep you cool on hot days. Bird enthusiasts might want to bring binoculars, as the area attracts various waterfowl and other feathered friends, sometimes including rare visitors. The newer wetland area near the Provo River delta has become something of a wildlife hotspot, worth checking out if you're into nature watching.

Scenery and Considerations

The views of Utah Lake with the Wasatch Mountains rising behind it are quite impressive. That said, it's worth noting that summer sometimes brings algal blooms that can affect water quality and access. The lake can also get pretty choppy when the wind picks up, creating challenging conditions for smaller boats. And let's talk bugs - midges and mosquitoes can be quite enthusiastic during warmer months, especially around sunset. Don't forget that insect repellent! Also, since the Provo Airport is nearby, you might hear the occasional aircraft overhead.

Regional Connections

Utah Lake State Park makes a great jumping-off point for exploring the broader Utah Valley area. Provo Canyon and other outdoor spots in the Wasatch Range are just a short drive away. The park welcomes visitors year-round from 6AM to 10PM daily, though winter does bring some limitations to facilities and services. Entry will set you back $20 per vehicle or $5 if you're walking in, with annual passes available if you plan to make this a regular destination.