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Utah
66

Utah State Parks

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USA Parks
Utah
Northern Region
Utah Lake State Park
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Utah Lake State Park Desert Color Scheme © Angela Hansen
Muted colors are on display in the classic desert color palette, here at Utah Lake
Utah Lake State Park Sunset on the Lake © Scott Jarvie
Utah lake has some amazing sunsets
Utah Lake State Park utah lake at sunset © Jacob Jenne
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UTAH LAKE STATE PARK
UTAH LAKE STATE PARK
4400 West Center Street
Provo, Utah   84601
(lat:40.2378 lon:-111.7362) map location

Phone: 801-375-0731
Toll Free: 877-887-2757
Reservations: 801-375-0731
Email: park email button icon
At Utah Lake you can fish year-round for channel catfish, walleye, white bass, black bass and several different species of panfish in Utah's largest fresh water lake. The state park provides major access to the 96,600-acre lake for power boating, sailing, canoeing or kayaking.

Utah Lake State Park is five miles west of Provo just off Interstate 15. Facilities include four boat launching ramps, sheltered 30-acre marina, 78 seasonal/transient boat slips, modern rest rooms, showers, 71 campsites, a fishing area for the disabled, and sewage disposal and fish cleaning stations.
History of the Area
Utah Lake is unique in that it is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the West and yet it lies in an arid area that receives only about 15 inches of rainfall a year.

The mouth of the Provo River, where it empties into Utah Lake, was undoubtedly a very popular camping place for the early inhabitants of Utah Valley.

In fall 1776, the Dominguez - Escalante party traversed Spanish Fork Canyon and on September 21, climbed a small hill near its mouth and looked down upon the large lake situated in a vast valley. One member of that party, Bernardo Y. Pacheco, reported to his king, This place is the most pleasant, beautiful and fertile in all New Spain. From the time of Escalante's exploration until the early part of the nineteenth century, no accurate records revealing further travel to Utah Lake are available.

A thriving market for furs brought another breed of men into Utah Valley, the mountain men. Some who visited near the lake were Peter Skeen Ogden, Osborne Russell, Daniel T. Potts, Jim Bridger and Jedediah Strong Smith. Smith, who in a letter written in 1827, became one of the first men to mention Utah as the name of the lake. In 1844 and 1845, John C. Fremont visited the lake.

Local leaders, especially boaters, had been interested in construction of a facility on the lake that would permit them to launch boats year round. In 1933, an application requesting the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps was made and a marina was completed within a few years. Upon completion, Provo City began constructing shoreline picnic and camp facilities.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Swimming
1. Utah Lake State Park offers a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty during peak season.
2. The park's sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and building sandcastles before or after swimming.
3. There are no restrictions on swimwear, but visitors must respect others' comfort levels and privacy.
4. Swimming lessons aren't offered at the park; swimmers should be confident in their abilities to ensure safety.
5. Inflatable toys, floaties, paddleboards can enhance your water experience but personal flotation devices are recommended for weak swimmers.
6. The lake's shallow waters warm up quickly making it an ideal spot for early-season swims.
7. Children under 14 years old need adult supervision while swimming due to potential currents and depth changes.

Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a freshwater lake, home to several species like channel catfish, walleye, white bass and black bullhead. The Provo River offers trout fishing opportunities. Ice-fishing is popular during winter months for perch and bluegill.


Location
Utah Lake State Park is located near American Fork, Eagle Mountain and Lehi

Picnicking
1. Utah Lake State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills.
2. Some sites offer stunning lake views for picnickers to enjoy.
3. Shaded spots are available, perfect for hot summer days.
4. Large group pavilions can be reserved in advance.
5. Picnic facilities include restrooms and potable water sources nearby.
6. Visitors may also have a lakeside picnic on the sandy beach area of the park.

Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the Provo River Parkway trail, a 15-mile path offering scenic views and wildlife sightings. However, it's important to note that this park does not provide bike rentals on-site.

The paved pathway is ideal for all skill levels but be cautious as some sections may have heavy pedestrian traffic.

Remember to bring your own gear since there are no rental services available in the area.

During winter months, cycling might become challenging due to snowfall; consider checking weather conditions beforehand.

Night biking isn't recommended because of limited visibility and potential hazards along trails after dark.

Be aware: helmets are strongly advised while riding within these grounds for safety reasons.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants. Other common sightings include Western Grebes, California Gulls, Caspian Terns and Northern Harriers. The park is also home to Bald Eagles during winter months.


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Area Campgrounds
East Bay RV Park
1750 West 1600 North
Springville, UT
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
South on I-15 to Provo Center Street Exit. Go west on Center Street for three miles to the park entrance.

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Utah
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Utah State Parks

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