Utah State Parks

46 Utah State Parks

The Utah State Parks allow Utahns and visitors alike to enjoy some of the most incredible natural landscapes and recreation opportunities in America. There is no better way to experience the state’s diverse scenery than by exploring these various parks.

There are now 46 Utah State Parks. That's the official number in the latest state information guide. There have been some additions, one subtraction and some name changes since I originally wrote this page several years ago. 

Scattered across the state’s landscape, the Utah State Parks offer fun, adventure and even some material for the inquisitive mind. They are magnets for anyone looking to camp, fish, boat, sightsee, explore history, take photographs or even ride ATVs. Each of them holds their own unique reasons for being named a state park.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or looking for the nearest "state parks near me" for an enjoyable vacation, Utah's remarkable state park system ensures that there's always an interesting destination waiting for you.

Keep in mind also … for history buffs … that several of these state parks are not actually parks but are museums.

Remember, Utah is the
Second Driest State in the US

Another thing to keep in mind. Utah is the second driest state in the nation! Only Nevada has less water. The demand for irrigation and the damming of rivers and streams for needed agricultural water created our reservoirs. That was the impetus for many of Utah’s streams to be diverted or blockaded starting in the 1800’s.

As you read about our Utah State Parks, you’ll realize that the recreational opportunities so many of them provide are a by-product of this thirst for water. Many of these parks are built around reservoirs both man-made and natural.

A Park For Everyone

The Utah State Parks are managed by the Utah Department of Natural Resources under the Division of State Parks and Recreation. The state parks system began with a vision to preserve Utah's beautiful landscapes and historical treasures while still providing abundant opportunities for recreation and outdoor fun.

Originally established to protect these unique venues while making the natural beauty and history accessible to everyone, these parks have become beloved spots for families, retirees, adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The wide variety of locations … from serene mountain lakes and reservoirs to breathtaking desert formations and culturally significant historic sites … means there should be something of interest for almost anyone.

Wake up beside a sparkling lake nestled in a cozy campsite surrounded by gorgeous yet still wild mountain vistas. Perhaps try exploring ancient rock formations in one of Utah's protected recreation areas. For those seeking adventure, exhilarating ATV trails weave through dunes and canyons offering excitement … and sometimes danger … at seemingly every turn.

Accessible & Cheap

Anglers can delight in crystal-clear waters filled with trout, bass and catfish. History buffs can wander through fascinating museums and preserved historical sites. Whatever your passion, Utah State Parks are the perfect place to experience all of these.

One of the best features of the Utah State Parks system is accessibility. Most of the parks are conveniently located near major towns or highways making them ideal for spontaneous day trips or relaxing weekend adventures.

Each park offers affordable entry fees, clear opening hours and well-maintained facilities. There is a definite effort to ensure that visitors from all walks of life can enjoy Utah’s great outdoors.

Enjoy the picturesque beaches of Bear Lake State Park sometimes called the "Caribbean of the Rockies" (certainly not because of its temperatures). Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Goblin Valley State Park.

Marvel at the stunning views from Dead Horse Point State Park. The Utah State Parks offer unique settings that, as a whole, are unlike anywhere else.

Whether your idea of fun includes kayaking across pristine lakes, hiking among petrified forests, or marveling at ancient rock art, these 46 parks can provide the variety and relaxation you might be looking for without having to leave the country. Or the state.

Utah State Parks aren't just places to visit. They are experiences to appreciate and stack memories on. They provide safe, clean and vibrant environments for family outings, romantic escapes or solo adventures.

Each park has its own character shaped by nature, history or local culture. This variety creates diverse opportunities for both recreation and discovery. With the parks spread statewide, finding "Utah recreation areas near me" has never been easier.

Utah's Busiest State Parks

Utah's 10 most-visited state parks have been consistent over the last two years of 2023-2024. There was a little movement in the popularity however.

The reservoir or lake-based parks make up half of the most-visited parks. Sand Hollow State Park in Washington County had 1.53 million visitors in 2024. That was an 8% increase over the year before.

To put that into perspective, Sand Hollow had more visitors that either of Arches, Capitol Reef or Canyonlands National Parks.

The Washington County State Parks are getting a lot of out-of-state visitors. They are coming from Las Vegas, Mesquite (Nevada), Arizona and southern California.

Utah's most-visited state parks in 2024:

• Sand Hollow (Washington County): 1,530,337
• Dead Horse Point (Grand County): 1,140,267
• Antelope Island (Davis County): 1,047,499
• Snow Canyon (Washington County): 994,796
• Jordanelle (Wasatch County): 916,404
• Willard Bay (Box Elder County): 818,539
• Wasatch Mountain (Wasatch County): 800,135
• Deer Creek (Wasatch County): 702,398
• Bear Lake (Rich County): 665,667
• Goblin Valley (Emery County): 503,676

Fees Change
So Do The Parks

One thing to remember when reading my articles. I try to keep them updated but things like fees change almost every year. And they never go down. They always go up.

For updated information on fees and reservations, you can always check these two sites:

• Utah State Parks Website
• Reserve America - for reservations to any Utah State Park.

The parks also change occasionally. Some are added. Some become obsolete.

Here is the complete list ... as of 2025 ... of the 46 Utah State Parks waiting for your visit. You can read about each individual park by clicking on each link for more information. I am currently adding a page link to each one of these as my wife and I continue to explore them in person.

• Anasazi State Park Museum
• Antelope Island State Park
• Bear Lake State Park
• Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
• Dead Horse Point State Park
• Deer Creek State Park
• East Canyon State Park
• Echo State Park
• Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
• Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
• Flight Park State Recreation Area
• Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation
• Fremont Indian State Park Museum
• Frontier Homestead State Park and Museum
• Goblin Valley State Park
• Goosenecks State Park
• Great Salt Lake State Park
• Green River State Park
• Gunlock State Park
• Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail
• Huntington State Park
• Hyrum State Park
• Jordan River OHV State Park
• Jordanelle State Park
• Kodachrome Basin State Park
• Lost Creek State Park
• Millsite State Park
• Otter Creek State Park
• Palisade State Park
• Piute State Park
• Quail Creek State Park
• Red Fleet State Park
• Rockport State Park
• Sand Hollow State Park
• Scofield State Park
• Snow Canyon State Park
• Steinaker State Park
• Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum
• This Is The Place Heritage Park
• Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
• Utah Lake State Park
• Utahraptor State Park
• Wasatch Mountain State Park
• Willard Bay State Park
• Yuba State Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Wasatch Mountains

Lake Powell

Zion National Park

Arches National Park

Great Salt Lake

Monument Valley