Great Salt Lake State Park

A Natural Wonder Close to the City

Just 19 miles west of Salt Lake City, Great Salt Lake State Park offers visitors a chance to explore one of the most unique bodies of water in the Western Hemisphere. It offers challenging sailing opportunities and breathtaking inland saltwater boat tours for something different in the Utah outdoor and adventure mix.

The lake's high salinity allows waders and swimmers to float effortlessly and its sheer size … for an in-water lake … provides breathtaking views especially just before sunset when the sky and water blend into a panorama of indescribable colors.​

It is by far the largest lake in Utah at just over 1 million acres when full. Commercial brine shrimp fishermen invade the lake each October to harvest the mature brine shrimp. This industry brings in up to $67 million each year to the state economy.

Activities and Amenities

Boating and Sailing

The park's marina, formerly known as Great Salt Lake State Marina, features a 300-slip facility that can accommodate both sailboats and motorboats. The Marina is the park. For more on the Great Salt Lake itself, please go to my Great Salt Lake page.

Sailing enthusiasts often spend their weekends navigating the lake's turquoise waters taking advantage of the steady winds and open space. The marina also houses the Great Salt Lake Yacht Club which is one of the more unique yacht clubs due to the lake's high salinity.​

As I’m writing this, last weekend after visiting my son and his family in the Stansbury area, my wife and I drove home past the Great Salt Lake State Park. We marveled at the number of sailboats that were out on the lake on this beautiful spring day. Being on one of those sailboats on the picturesque calm waters seemed like a perfect place to be.

Swimming and Floating

Swimming in the Great Salt Lake is a unique experience. It may actually not be classified as swimming. I remember a long time ago when I first got to Utah. Some of my fellow Utah Ute football players and I drove out to the lake … it seemed like an endless drive back then … and waded out into the lake. And waded out. And waded out. And so on.

The water never actually got above my chest and I was hundreds of yards from the shore. I was amazed that when I leaned back and tried to float, that’s what happened. I floated. Didn’t have to even try to stay on the surface.

The water's salinity is several times that of the ocean making it incredibly buoyant. As I experienced myself, you can walk out hundreds of yards in many places and still be in shallow water. ​

Birdwatching at Great Salt Lake State Park

The lake is a critical habitat for over 250 species of birds including pelicans, herons and avocets. Avocets are beautiful, interesting birds to watch as they dart along the shore. The surrounding wetlands provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching especially during migration seasons.

Thousands of white pelicans nest on Gunnison Island and Hat Island … both in the middle of the lake … so there’s a chance to see some of those although their nesting grounds are many miles north. Antelope Island will probably give you a better chance to see some pelicans.

Picnicking and Camping

Picnic areas with tables and grills are available for day-use visitors. For those looking to stay overnight, the park offers RV sites with water and electricity hookups. As always, reservations are recommended especially during peak seasons.​

The campground is open year-round and offers RV sites that can accommodate up to a 40′ RV. Campsites have water and electricity also available all year. There is also an RV dump station.

There are also Primitive Beach Tent Only sites but no hookups or vehicle access on the beach. Primitive sites have an established Fire Pit. To reserve a spot, go to Reserve America.   

What Is That Smell?

At various times of the year, there can be a significant bad odor … like rotten eggs …coming off the lake. Over the years, people have unknowingly placed the blame on various causes. Almost all of them are wrong.

A study published in 2015 revealed that 50% of the water going into Farmington Bay is treated wastewater. It doesn't actually reach the Great Salt Lake according to the researchers. The Bay, about 15 miles north of Salt Lake City, starts producing this bad odor when the wastewater ... rich in nutrients ... feeds algae blooms that then feed bacteria after they die.

The bad rotten-egg odor comes from the byproduct of the process ... hydrogen sulfide gas. So, it isn’t even the Great Salt Lake according to those who have studied the issue.

Hours and Entrance Fees

• Open year-round from sunrise to sunset
• Visitor Center: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Entrance Fees: $10 per vehicle; $2 per bicycle​
• Senior Pass: Always remember, $65 for seniors for a year pass to all Utah State Parks
• Attention Cyclists: There is a $2 bicycle entrance fee. Please stop at the entrance station to pay the fee.
• Summer Hours: The Park is open from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center is open daily from 11:00am – 7:00pm.
• You can check out the state website listed below for current fees.

Photo: Travel Utah

Great Salt Lake State Park
13312 West 1075 South, Magna, UT 84044
(801) 828-0787
Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/great-salt-lake/

This State Park provides boat slips, public viewpoints of the Great Salt Lake, sail and motorboat access and a search and rescue operations center. For current conditions out on the lake, visit gslmarina.com. 

Nearby Attractions

While visiting Great Salt Lake State Park, consider exploring nearby attractions:​

• Antelope Island State Park: Located to the north in plain view of the Marina, this island offers hiking, wildlife viewing and additional access to the lake.
• Bonneville Salt Flats: Famous for land speed records, these flats provide a unique landscape for photography and exploration.
• Saltair Pavilion: A historic concert venue located near the park, offering events and a glimpse into the area's past.​

Final Thoughts

Great Salt Lake State Park is a destination that offers more than just a day at the beach. Its unique environment, recreational opportunities and proximity to Salt Lake City make it a must-visit for locals and travelers alike.

Whether you're sailing, birdwatching or simply enjoying a sunset, the park provides a unique experience that showcases the natural beauty of Utah.​

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Great Salt Lake

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