East Canyon State Park offers a mountain escape just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City. With a 680-acre reservoir, unique camping options (yurts, wagons, hammocks!), and certified International Dark Sky status, it’s Utah’s hidden gem!
Unique Camping Options
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏕️ RV Sites | Full & partial hookups |
| 🏠 Cabins & Yurts | Multiple options |
| 🛞 Conestoga Wagons | Covered wagon camping! |
| 🪢 Hammock Site | 8-person at Big Rock |
| 🏡 Lake Cottage | Waterfront lodging |
680-Acre Reservoir
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚤 Boating | Rentals: kayaks, pontoons, wakeboards |
| 🎣 Fishing | Rainbow, brown trout, smallmouth bass |
| ⛵ Boat Camping | Overnight permitted (50ft offshore) |
🌌 International Dark Sky Park
Certified for exceptional stargazing! Perfect for astronomy enthusiasts.
FAQ
When does the gate close?
The park gate closes at 10 PM. Plan accordingly!
🌟 Utah’s Dark Sky Escape
Reserve at Recreation.gov.
Location & Getting There
East Canyon State Park is located in Utah. The park’s coordinates are 40.9022, -111.5936. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Utah
- Coordinates: 40.9022, -111.5936
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
Utah parks display dramatic red rock landscapes and high desert beauty. Activities include hiking slot canyons, mountain biking desert singletrack, boating on blue reservoirs, fishing for trout, rock climbing, off-roading, camping under spectacular starry skies, and exploring dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are prime. Summer brings extreme heat (100°F+) to desert parks. Winter is cold but beautiful with snow-dusted red rock. Flash flood risk peaks during summer monsoon — never enter slot canyons when rain threatens.
Visitor Tips
Day-use fees $10-$20 per vehicle. Annual pass $75. Carry at least one gallon of water per person per day. Popular parks require day-use reservations on weekends. Cell service is nonexistent in southern Utah.
Explore More Utah State Parks
East Canyon State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Utah. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Utah guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Echo State Park is a short drive away, while Rockport State Park lies a short drive away.
Park Location
Plan your gear for East Canyon State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
