Palisade State Park

Photo: Travel Utah

One of Utah’s Under-Rated Treasures

Tucked in the rolling hills of Sanpete County, Palisade State Park is one of Utah’s true under-the-radar treasures. Located just outside the small town of Sterling in Sanpete County along Highway 89, it is less than 10 minutes south of Manti.

On our recent early June 2025 road trip … 1,800 miles … to southern Utah and then back through Colorado, my wife and I took a leisurely side trip down Highway 89 through Sanpete County far away from the maddening and nauseating traffic of I-15. We stopped along the way at Palisade State Park to see why they would put a state park in this location.

We found out why. This picturesque state park offers something for everyone - quiet camping, serene lake views, fishing, golfing, hiking and off-road exploring. We were there on an 80º F. early June day and it had us planning a future vacation rental at one of the surrounding cabin homes.

We learned that it is a favorite for families looking for a relaxing weekend without the crowds of Utah’s more famous destinations. We were there on a Saturday and although it was busy as to be expected, the number of people wasn’t overwhelming.

I could imagine that a reservation for a camping spot or a visit during the week (if possible) would make the experience quite enjoyable.

Photo: Travel Utah

A Peaceful Setting Built on Pioneer Ingenuity

Some research shows that Palisade’s name reflects its natural topography. As far back as the 1860s, a pioneer named Daniel B. Funk envisioned damming a small canyon stream to create a peaceful reservoir in this natural rock basin. With hard work and local cooperation, a dam was built and the lake slowly filled.

By the early 1900s, the area became known as Palisade Resort. It was a popular summer retreat for residents of nearby towns. These towns include Fairview, Mt. Pleasant, Ephraim, Manti, Gunnison, and Salina. The area changed ownership a few times before finally becoming a state park in 1962.

That early pioneer dam has since been replaced with more modern infrastructure but the tranquil waters and family-friendly vibe remain unchanged. At 5,800 feet elevation and surrounded by forested hills, Palisade’s cooler temperatures offer a welcome break from Utah’s summer heat.

Palisade Lake: Small, But Big on Fun

The heart of the park is the 70-acre Palisade Reservoir. The lake is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing and small electric motorboats. Gas-powered motors are not allowed keeping the waters calm and safe. Judging from the number of kids we saw, that is a good call.

Anglers come for the rainbow trout and channel catfish. On a good day, the lake is dotted with float tubes and shoreline fishermen. The state record Tiger Trout came from this reservoir and weighed in at just over 10 lbs.

There is a small sandy beach area near the boat launch where families gather for swimming and picnicking. While the beach isn’t huge, it is one of the more relaxed and accessible lakefront spots in central Utah. It was fully occupied the day we drove through.

Well-Maintained Camping Options

Palisade State Park offers 61 campsites including full hook-up sites for RVs, tent-only spots and two cozy cabins for rent. The campground is well maintained with fire pits, picnic tables, shade trees and clean restrooms with showers. Many campsites sit near the lake or golf course and have views of the surrounding hills.

We were, once again, impressed by the facilities and how new-looking everything looks at so many of the Utah State Parks. Palisade was no exception. There is a group-use area for family reunions or gatherings.

Reservations are recommended and, in my opinion, required during summer weekends judging by the fact that nothing was open on our visit. I’ve read that midweek and off-season visits can often be made on short notice.

An 18-Hole Golf Course with Views

Palisade is one of the only Utah state parks with a golf course on site and it is a beauty. The greenery … like so many golf courses … seems almost out of place against the surrounding countryside.

The 18-hole Palisade Golf Course sits just above the lake and winds through rolling terrain. It is an accessible course for beginners but still fun for experienced players thanks to tight fairways and strategically placed hazards.

Golfers love the views and non-golfers often walk the edges of the course in the evening when wildlife … like deer or wild turkeys … sometimes wander through.

Trails and OHV Access

If you are into hiking or off-highway vehicles, Palisade delivers. A short trail circles the lake perfect for a morning stroll. And if you want more adventure, the park connects to the Arapeen OHV trail system … an extensive network of roads and trails stretching through the Manti-La Sal National Forest.

From Palisade State Park, you can ride your OHV directly from the campground and into the backcountry. It is one of the few parks where this is allowed so you don’t have to haul your rig to a distant trailhead.

Wildlife and Birdwatching

Palisade is home to a surprising number of bird species including hawks, kestrels, blue herons and various songbirds. You might spot a mule deer near the golf course or see a fox skirting the treeline in the early morning. With its varied habitats … open water, riparian zones, forested slopes … it is an enjoyable spot for nature lovers.

Lesser-Known Details

- The Park is a favorite location for star-gazing due to minimal light pollution.
- Cell service is limited which many visitors appreciate as a forced digital detox. True to form, we lost service while we were there.
- The nearby town of Manti offers a historic temple, quaint diners and a charming small-town feel for a quick side trip.
- In winter, the park is generally quiet but is sometimes used as a base for snowshoeing and sledding.

Park Information and Fees

- Open year-round though some services (like water) may be limited in winter.
- Fees: check the official state website for current rates.    
- Camping reservations: available online via the Travel USA website. 
- Facilities: boat ramp, restrooms with showers, picnic areas, fish cleaning station, general store (seasonal) and a visitor information kiosk.

Palisade State Park
2200 E Palisade Rd, Sterling, UT 84665
Phone: (435) 835-7275
Park Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/palisade/

Whether you are planning a quiet family weekend, an OHV adventure, a summer vacation or just want to enjoy golf and a view, Palisade State Park offers one of Utah’s most pleasant surprises. We absolutely were surprised and will be going back for a longer stay.

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