Echo State Park

A New Park With Old Roots

Just west of the small town of Coalville, actually right next door, you’ll find Echo State Park … Utah’s newest State Park. Only 45 miles east of Salt Lake City on I-80, this park was officially added to the state park system in 2018.

Echo might be new to the list of Utah State Parks but the reservoir it is named after has existed since 1931. The area's interesting history, and its name, stretches a lot farther back than that. Echo Reservoir was created when the Bureau of Reclamation built Echo Dam across the Weber River for irrigation and water storage.

For decades it was managed by Summit County but in recent years, with recreational use growing and facilities aging, the state stepped in to give it a facelift. Now it offers upgraded camping, modern boating access and a fresh experience all in the shadow of historic Echo Canyon.

Everything looked brand new to us on our recent visit and it was refreshingly well laid out.

An Area With a Storied Past

This valley has been a transportation corridor for centuries. Pioneers, traders and even the ill-fated Donner Party all passed through this area on the Hastings Cutoff in the 1840s. It later became a key point along the Mormon Pioneer Trail, the Overland Stage Route, the Pony Express and even the Lincoln Highway … America’s first transcontinental roadway.

We even saw a sign on the road skirting the east edge of the park proclaiming it as part of the Lincoln Highway. The town of Echo, just west of the reservoir along Highway 84, once boomed with rail traffic and had the reputation of being a frontier hub. Its last census claimed 56 residents so it would have to be included on the list of ghost towns in Utah.

Over the years, we’ve driven along I-80 with Echo Reservoir below and seen it at just about every level you can imagine. It was extremely low 4-5 years ago when we were experiencing several years of drought. It is certainly full now … even over-flowing … as my wife and I just made a trip up there to check it out. 

The sleepy little town of Coalville … population 435 … sits just south of Echo Reservoir. It is actually just a short walk from the reservoir if you happen to live there.

Another Year-Round Outdoor Playground

Echo State Park is another year-round destination with activities for every season. Here is a breakdown of what you can do:

In Summer:

• Boating and Jet Skiing: The reservoir covers more than 1,400 acres when full so it offers wide open space for watercraft. It is number 19 in size on a recent list of Utah’s lakes.
• Fishing: Cast for rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, perch and wiper.
• Paddleboarding and Kayaking: The calm morning waters are especially great for these activities along with canoeing. Even so, it was a beautiful spring afternoon the day we visited and the water was glass-like and inviting.
• Swimming: There are areas around the reservoir suitable for wading and taking a dip although as of spring 2025, the lake is very high and has inundated parts of the beach and shoreline.
• Picnicking: Day-use areas with shaded tables and lake views are perfect for family gatherings or relaxing afternoons. Once again, the water is very high right now so some of these areas are underwater.

In Winter:

• Ice Fishing: When conditions are safe, anglers drop lines through the ice for perch and trout.
• Snowshoeing: Explore the shoreline or nearby trails under a quiet blanket of snow.
• Winter Wildlife Viewing: Keep your eyes open for eagles, hawks, deer and other animals that frequent the area in the colder months. The Uinta Mountains are just east of Coalville and they just happen to be part of one of the major wildlife corridors in the US.
  

Camping at Echo State Park

Camping is available year-round and the park has made some big upgrades in recent years. Here’s what you’ll find:

Campgrounds & Cabins:

• Red Rock Marina Campground: Offers full hookups, new bathhouses and clean modern sites.
• Bison Run Group Campground: A private group site with fire pit, parking and great lake access (up to 50 people).
• Park Model Cabins: Fully equipped with beds, small kitchens, and heating/cooling - perfect for a cozy stay even in winter. You can see what they look like in the photo below.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially in summer. You can book sites through Reserve America. 

Red Rock Marina: A Major Upgrade

One of the biggest recent improvements to Echo State Park is the new Red Rock Marina opened in 2023. It includes:

• Expanded launch ramps
• Paved parking
• Fuel dock and marina slips
• A floating dock system
• A small store with concessions and basic supplies

This major investment has transformed Echo into a viable base for weekend boating trips and larger watercraft. We just visited and the parking area is roomy and clean with modern buildings, bathrooms and facilities.

The water was quite high so a lot of the sandy beach was underwater. Many of the shade trees were surrounded by water but there are still a few areas of sandy beach.

Trails and Nearby Adventure

Just adjacent to the park is the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail (pictured above). It is a 28-mile non-motorized trail stretching from Echo all the way to Park City. It is ideal for:

• Cycling
• Trail running
• Walking
• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter

The park also links nicely with nearby Weber River fishing areas and backroads for ATV riding (outside the park boundaries).

Wildlife and Birdwatching

Echo's location skirting the edge of a natural wildlife migration corridor (the Uintas) makes it a great place to spot birds. Watch for:

• Bald eagles in winter
• Ospreys in summer
• Grebes and pelicans on the water
• Deer, elk and an occasional moose in the nearby hills

Park Information and Camping Fees

• Park Hours:  6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Open year-round
• Day-Use Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle
• Marina & Store: Seasonal operation (usually late April – October). It wasn’t open May 2, 2025.
• Senior Day-Use: $15. Yearly Senior Pass is $65.
• Camping Sites: $40–$50 per night (single), $70 (double)
• Park Model Cabins: $200 per night
• Group Campground (Bison Run): $300 per night

Fees may vary slightly by season and site amenities. Check the Echo State Park state website for current info.  

Nearby Attractions

• Echo Canyon: A striking geological feature and a historic route through the mountains.
• Coalville: The nearest town with fuel, supplies and small-town dining. My son says the pizza place on Main Street … Annie B’s Pizzeria … is fantastic. His work in construction takes him up to that area frequently.
• Park City: Less than 30 miles away. Ski resorts, restaurants, shopping.
• Rockport State Park: Less than 15 minutes south offering more lake and camping options.

Echo State Park
Address: 1100 N. Echo Dam Road
Coalville, UT 84017
Phone: (435) 336-9894
Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/echo/

Final Thoughts

Echo State Park is a new name on the map but not a new idea. People have been coming to this valley for close to two centuries. With new facilities, a spectacular lake and historic roots, it is fast becoming a favorite once again for anyone looking to unwind without going far from home.

My wife and I just visited the park and we thoroughly enjoyed the layout and vibe of the park. You get off at the Coalville exit and drive right through the middle of the little town to get to the reservoir.

It was a beautiful calm, sunny spring day and I could definitely see spending some more time here in the future. For those not enamored with the camping scene, the new cabins looked cozy and comfortable.

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