East Canyon State Park

A Mountain Escape Not Far From The City

East Canyon State Park is tucked high in the mountains of northeastern Utah between Salt Lake City and Morgan. Highlighted by another man-made reservoir, it offers 680 acres of boating and fishing in a beautiful valley surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains.

Located only 28 miles east of Salt Lake City, it offers an escape from the city without having to drive far. You can enjoy the usual array of activities you would expect at any of Utah’s lakes or reservoirs:

• boating
• water-skiing
• fishing
• ice fishing in winter
• swimming
• camping
• hiking
• biking
• or even just picnicking

East Canyon State Park sits at an elevation of 5,700 feet.

Year-Round Recreation

East Canyon State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts offering a wide array of activities throughout the year.​

Warm-Weather Activities:

• Boating & Water Sports: The reservoir is perfect for boating, water-skiing, paddleboarding and kayaking.​
• Fishing: Anglers can expect to catch Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Tiger Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Wipers and Black Crappie.
• Swimming: Designated swimming areas provide a safe and enjoyable outing for all ages.​
• Hiking & Biking: Trails like the Mormon Pioneer Trail offer scenic routes for hikers and bikers.​
• Camping & Picnicking: Numerous picnic areas and two covered group-use pavilions make for ideal gathering spots.​

Winter Activities:

• Ice Fishing: As temperatures drop and the lake freezes over, the reservoir becomes a popular spot for ice fishing.​
• Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing: Trails transform into snowy pathways for winter exploration.​
• Winter Camping: Select campgrounds remain open … although access may be limited … offering a unique cold-weather camping experience.​

Historical Significance

If you like history … especially Utah history … the nearby Mormon Pioneer Trail follows the steps of the early Mormon pioneers as they trekked towards the Salt Lake Valley and beyond. Since the area is in the middle of a mature forest, you’ll have to look for the signs.

The Mormon Pioneer Trail was the route taken by the ill-fated Donner-Reed Party in 1846 and later by Brigham Young's company in 1847. Remnants of Fort Wells, a Mormon stronghold built in 1857, can still be found near the Mormon Flats area offering a reminder of the region's storied past.​ 

Camping and Lodging Options

The park offers a variety of accommodations to suit every camper's preference:​

• Dixie Creek Campground: Features 33 sites with full or partial hookups, modern restrooms and showers.​
• Big Rock Campground: Provides 21 primitive sites for those seeking a more rustic experience.​
• Yurts: Four yurts equipped with electricity, heat, and furnishings can accommodate up to six people each.​
• Cabins: Comfortable cabins with amenities like bunk beds, heating and nearby restrooms.​
• Lake Cottage: A cozy cottage offering a queen bedroom, loft with twin beds and a fold-out couch can accommodate up to five guests.​
• Conestoga Wagons & Camper Trailers: Unique lodging options providing a blend of novelty and comfort.​
• Group Campsites: Rivers Edge, Large Spring and Mormon Flat group sites cater to larger gatherings with capacities ranging from 25 to 100 people.​ 

Amenities and Services

East Canyon State Park is equipped with multiple facilities to make your visit more enjoyable:​

• Boat Ramp: A concrete launching ramp provides easy access to the reservoir.​
• General Store: Offers hot food, snacks and essential supplies.
• Boat Rentals: Club Rec provides rentals for boats, personal watercraft and non-motorized watercraft.​
• Restrooms & Showers: Modern facilities are available with seasonal availability.​
• Picnic Areas: Numerous spots are equipped with tables and grills.​
• Dry Storage Units: Are available for storing boats and trailers.​ 

How Do You Get To East Canyon State Park?

The park is 28 miles northeast of Salt Lake City. Head up Parley’s Canyon on I-80 for 16 miles and look for the sign at the Mountain Dell turn-off. Follow SR 65 past Little Dell Recreation Area and over top of Big Mountain for another 12 miles. It is also located 12 miles south of the town of Morgan along SR 66.

The drive up the canyon from the Salt Lake City side is a beautiful drive especially in summer and fall. My wife and I drove up on a late Friday afternoon to get some photos. We left Salt Lake City around 6:40 P.M. and were eating our dinner ... we took it along ... by 7:30 P.M. from a scenic vantage point above the lake.

Park Information and Fees

Of course, all of these fees are subject to change at any time. Remember also that fees never go down. They always go up. Check the state website for the latest fees and reservation information:  https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/east-canyon/

• Park Size: Approximately 680 acres
• Elevation: 5,700 feet
• Operating Hours: Open year-round, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Day-Use Fee: $20 per vehicle

Camping Fees:

• Dixie Creek Campground: Partial hookups $40/night; Full hookups $45/night
• Big Rock Campground: Primitive sites $35/night
• Yurts & Cabins: $120/night (Monday–Thursday); $150/night (Friday–Sunday and holidays)
• Lake Cottage: $200/night
• Conestoga Wagons & Camper Trailers: $120/night (Monday–Thursday); $150/night (Friday–Sunday and holidays)

Group Campsites:                                                                                         

• Rivers Edge: $250/night (up to 100 people & 30 vehicles)
• Large Spring: $50/night (up to 25 people & 20 vehicles)
• Mormon Flat: $75/night (up to 100 people & 20 vehicles)

Group Day-Use Pavilions:

• Bauchman Pavilion: $150 (up to 50 people)
• Pratt Pavilion: $150 (up to 75 people)

• Additional Vehicle Fee: $25 per extra vehicle
• Pet Policy: Pets are welcome on a 6-foot leash; select yurts and cabins are pet-friendly
• Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, picnicking, ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing​. 

East Canyon State Park
5535 South Highway 66
Morgan, Utah

Website:  https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/east-canyon/

For more information:  801-829-6866

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