Deer Creek State Park

Photo: Travel Utah

Boating, Camping, Fishing & Unforgettable Mountain Views

Located just a short drive from Heber City, Midway and Provo, Deer Creek State Park is one of Utah’s most popular and scenic recreation areas. The centerpiece is Deer Creek Reservoir. It is a sparkling 3,301-acre lake (when full) ringed by towering mountains, green hillsides and wide-open skies.

Deer Creek is where Utah summers come alive for a lot of people. Whether it is on the water, on the trail or soaring through the air on a zipline, it offers one of the best mountain lake views in the state. And, it is less than an hour from Salt Lake City. 

Boating, fishing, camping, ziplining, picnicking and even winter sports - there’s something here or nearby for every season. Add in the jaw-dropping views of Mount Timpanogos and you’ve got a perfect place to escape for a day, a weekend, or longer.

Deer Creek is the 8th most visited Utah State Parks. Not near as big as some of the larger Utah lakes, it covers 3,301 acres (give or take several hundred acres) when full and is #12 in size. The lake sits at 5,400 feet above sea level.

Many years ago when I first came to Utah, Deer Creek is the first place I ventured to for fishing. Along with a couple college buddies, we tried several places along the shore and caught nothing.

We returned home convinced there were no fish in the lake but it was probably because we just sucked as fishermen. Nonetheless, that was the first time I had ventured high up into the Wasatch Mountains and I was mesmerized by the scenery.

I read recently on a Utah fishing blog that the proper way to pronounce Creek in this case (Deer Creek) is actually “crick.” A creek follows the standard definition of “a stream, brook or minor tributary of a river.” But, according to the blog, “a crick is a place you fish at.”

I’ve lived in this state for a long time but, no, I’m not calling it crick. Nor am I calling Hurricane “Huricun”. Nor St. George “St. Jarj”. Nor ornery “awnery.” I’ll leave that to those who want to.

A Little History of Deer Creek

Like most of the lakes in Utah, this reservoir was built in the 1930s as part of a major reclamation project to store water for Utah’s growing communities. Today, it still plays a crucial role in Utah’s water management. Even so, it is also one of the finest places in the state to play on and in the water.

The original settlers who farmed and ranched in the nearby Heber Valley were mostly of Swiss descent. When you see the green meadows, rugged mountain peaks and cool, clear waters here, you’ll understand why they chose to stay. It’s a little slice of the Alps right in the middle of Utah.

Things To Do at Deer Creek State Park

Boating and Water Sports at Deer Creek

Deer Creek is a boater’s paradise. Wide-open water, usually reliable winds and easily accessible boat ramps make it a top destination for: 

• water skiing
• wakeboarding
• tubing
• sailing
• jet skiing
• paddleboarding
• windsurfing (yes, it’s one of Utah’s few reliable windsurfing lakes)

There are two boat ramps with large paved parking areas that make launching easy even during busy summer weekends. Boat rentals, gas and supplies are available from Deer Creek Island Resort which is located near the main marina.

Like all of Utah’s lakes and reservoirs, Deer Creek’s level rises and falls based on the mountain snowfall received the winter before. I’ve seen this reservoir when it is nearly overflowing its banks, when it is half full, and everything in between. Obviously, it is a lot more fun … and attractive … when it is full.

Fishing at Deer Creek State Park

Fishing is another big draw at Deer Crick (I lied). Anglers can catch:

• Walleye (an underrated Walleye fishery)
• Rainbow Trout
• Brown Trout
• Smallmouth Bass
• Yellow Perch
• Wipers (a hybrid bass species known for their strength and fight)

Deer Creek is fishable year-round including during the winter months when ice fishing becomes a popular pastime. Ice fishermen always have to be cognizant of the ice thickness as it can come off fast when temperatures start rising.

There have been some winters when it didn’t really get cold enough to provide safe ice. Early morning and late evening are often the best times to cast a line during the warm months.

Deer Creek Zipline Adventure

If you’re feeling adventurous, Zipline Utah operates one of the longest continuous zipline courses in the world - and it flies right over parts of the reservoir! You can soar across the water with incredible views of the lake, Mount Timpanogos and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. It is a truly unique way to experience the park.

Hiking and Biking

The Deer Creek Trail runs for several miles along the western shore of the lake providing a beautiful route for hikers, runners and mountain bikers. It is a relatively easy trail with only moderate elevation gain. The views of the reservoir and mountains are spectacular.

If you’re looking for something a little longer, you are also just a short drive from the extensive trail networks in nearby Wasatch Mountain State Park and the Provo River Parkway.

Swimming and Beach Access

During the summer, there’s nothing better than cooling off in Deer Creek’s clear, refreshing, cool waters. A designated swim beach is located near the main day-use area. There are no lifeguards on duty so swim with caution and always keep a close eye on children.

Photo: Travel Utah

Camping at Deer Creek State Park

Deer Creek offers multiple campgrounds to fit whatever type of camping experience you’re after.

Fox Den Campground

• Full RV hookups
• Modern restrooms and hot showers
• Paved pads, picnic tables, fire rings
• Views of the lake and Mount Timpanogos
• Open year-round (limited services in winter)

Chokecherry Campground

• A mix of RV and tent sites
• Flush restrooms, hot showers, dump station
• Close to the water and trail access

Great Horned Owl Campground

• More rustic dry-camping sites
• Best suited for tents and small trailers
• Simple facilities but beautiful scenery

Group Camping

There are also two group-use areas. They are perfect for family reunions, scout camps or corporate outings. These group areas come with picnic tables, fire rings, covered pavilions and easy access to the lake.

Tip: A common theme among Utah State Parks. Summer weekends fill up fast - reservations are highly recommended!

Winter Recreation

While most people think of Deer Creek as a summer destination, the park also offers cold-weather fun:

• Ice fishing (conditions permitting)
• Snowshoeing along the trails
• Cross-country skiing nearby

The views of the snow-capped Wasatch Range and Mount Timpanogos across the usually frozen lake are simply stunning.

Park Facilities

• Two boat ramps
• Full marina services at Deer Creek Island Resort
• The Lakehouse Restaurant (open seasonally)
• Fish cleaning stations
• Covered picnic areas
• Modern restrooms and showers
• Visitor Center and ranger station

How To Get To Deer Creek State Park

Deer Creek is located near Midway and Heber in the southeast corner of the Heber Valley. It is a half-hour up Provo Canyon from Provo. It is less than an hour southeast of Salt Lake City heading up I-80 and then along SR 189 to Heber.

Park Information and Fees

Operating Hours:

• Summer: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Winter: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entrance Fees:

• $20 per vehicle (Summer, April 15–Oct 15)
• $15 per vehicle (Winter, Oct 16–April 14)
• Seniors (65+): $65 for a year-round pass to all state parks

Camping Fees:

• Fox Den: $60 per night
• Chokecherry: $40–$50 per night
• Great Horned Owl: $30 per night

As I’ve written before, these fees change almost yearly. While most of this information remains relatively evergreen, the fees don’t. To check current fees, go to the Deer Creek state website. 

Reservations: To make reservations, go the Reserve America Website. 

Deer Creek State Park
P.O. Box 257
Midway, Utah 84049
Phone: (435) 654-0171
Website: stateparks.utah.gov/parks/deer-creek

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