10 best State Parks in Utah
Utahs beautiful State Parks
Utah has a slew of State parks here are 10 of my favorites(Including Must-Visit Gems in Utah County!)
Utah is famous for its national parks, but the state parks are equally breathtaking—and often less crowded. From red rock canyons to alpine lakes, Utah’s state parks offer outdoor lovers a chance to hike, fish, paddle, camp, and simply breathe in the state's natural beauty. Here's a list of the 10 best state parks in Utah, including a few incredible options right here in Utah County, and what makes each one worth the trip.
1. Utah Lake State Park (Utah County)
Utah Lake State Park
Why it’s amazing:
Located just west of Provo, Utah Lake State Park offers boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and some of the best sunset views in the valley. It’s Utah’s largest freshwater lake and is a hub for fishing—especially for channel catfish, white bass, and walleye. The marina has boat ramps and docks, plus picnic areas for families.
Highlights:
Fishing
Boating & kayaking
Campground & marina
Minutes from downtown Provo
2. Yuba State Park
Bald Eagle
Why it’s amazing:
Perfect for water sports lovers, Yuba State Park features a large reservoir great for boating, jet skiing, and camping along sandy beaches. It’s also home to the famous “Eagle View” campground, where you can spot birds of prey and other wildlife.
Highlights:
Water sports
Beach camping
Paddleboarding & windsurfing
Fishing
3. Wasatch Mountain State Park (Utah County Neighbor)
Utah Mountains
Why it’s amazing:
Just a short drive from Utah County, Wasatch Mountain State Park park in Midway is a year-round playground. In the summer, it offers hiking, mountain biking, and ATV trails. In winter, it transforms into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing paradise. Golfers will also love the 18-hole Wasatch Mountain Golf Course nestled in the pines.
Highlights:
Mountain hiking & biking
Scenic drives (especially in fall)
Golf & winter sports
Historic sites like Huber Grove
4. Deer Creek State Park (Utah County Neighbor)
Why it’s amazing:
Just above Provo Canyon, Deer Creek Reservoir is a favorite for boating, wakeboarding, and fishing. Surrounded by views of Mount Timpanogos, it's a beautiful spot for family outings. The Deer Creek Island Resort offers rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and wave runners.
Highlights:
Boating & jet skiing
Fishing
Campgrounds
Close to Provo & Heber
5. Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow State Park
Why it’s amazing:
Located near St. George, this park is a desert playground. It combines red rock landscapes with blue water, offering a surreal visual contrast. Popular for OHV (off-highway vehicle) trails, cliff jumping, and scuba diving in the reservoir!
Highlights:
Red sand beaches
OHV trails
Cliff jumping & scuba
Warm water swimming
6. Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point
Why it’s amazing:
Famous for its stunning overlook of the Colorado River (like a mini Grand Canyon), Dead Horse Point offers some of Utah's most iconic views. It's perfect for sunset photography, stargazing, and hiking.
Highlights:
Iconic canyon overlooks
Mountain biking trails
Hiking
Stunning sunsets
7. Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park Utah
Why it’s amazing:
One of Utah’s most unusual landscapes, Goblin Valley is filled with strange, mushroom-shaped rock formations called "goblins." It's like hiking through another planet—and a kid’s dream playground.
Highlights:
Wild sandstone formations
Great for kids to explore
Dark skies for stargazing
Easy hiking trails
8. Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park Utah
Why it’s amazing:
Located near St. George, this park is lesser-known than nearby Zion but just as beautiful. It features lava tubes, red rock cliffs, slot canyons, and desert wildlife. It’s a hiker’s dream without the national park crowds. It is where the St George Marathon is for many miles each october.
Highlights:
Lava flows & canyons
Rock climbing
Scenic trails
Close to St. George
9. Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island Wedding
Why it’s amazing:
Located in the Great Salt Lake, this island is home to free-ranging bison, antelope, and incredible lake views. It’s a great spot for wildlife photography, hiking, and sunset watching.
Highlights:
Wildlife viewing
Great Salt Lake scenery
Hiking & cycling
Historic ranch
10. East Canyon State Park
Fish at East Canyon State Park Utah
Why it’s amazing:
Steeped in pioneer history, East Canyon was part of the original Mormon Pioneer Trail. It features a reservoir perfect for fishing, kayaking, and relaxing on a boat, and is surrounded by rolling hills and wildflowers.
Highlights:
Kayaking & canoeing
Historical significance
RV camping
Birdwatching
Whether you're looking for adrenaline-pumping ATV trails, serene lake kayaking, epic canyon views, or the perfect camping getaway—Utah’s state parks offer something for everyone. For those in Utah County, parks like Utah Lake, Deer Creek, and Wasatch Mountain are perfect nearby escapes that blend nature, recreation, and beauty. If you are a hiker, fisherman, or love to paddle board, make your next weekend a Utah State Park adventure!
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