Echo State Park
Utah’s I-80 Mountain Reservoir — 1,394 Acres, Full-Hookup RV Sites, Cottages, Wakeboarding, Walleye Fishing & Year-Round Recreation Near Coalville
Echo State Park is a 1,394-acre reservoir park near Coalville, Utah, in the western Uinta Mountains of Summit County. The park offers RV sites with full and partial hookups (30/50 amp), cottages, a group campsite, a paved boat ramp with docks, a marina store, and year-round access to one of northern Utah’s most popular water recreation destinations — all just minutes off Interstate 80, approximately 45 minutes east of Salt Lake City.
Echo Reservoir supports a productive cold/warm-water fishery for rainbow and brown trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, and perch. The reservoir’s wide-open water and consistent summer winds make it popular for wakeboarding, waterskiing, and sailing. In winter, ice fishing draws anglers to the frozen reservoir. Echo’s proximity to Salt Lake City — combined with direct I-80 access — makes it one of Utah’s most convenient destination parks for weekend warriors and road trippers.
Things to Do
Fishing
- Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch
- Ice fishing: Popular winter activity; bring your own gear
- Utah fishing license required
Boating & Water Sports
- Paved boat ramp with docks
- Marina store: Supplies, bait, fuel, and essentials
- Wakeboarding, waterskiing, and sailing — 1,394 acres of open water
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Quagga mussel compliance required: All watercraft must self-certify before launching
Swimming
Shoreline swimming access at designated areas. Water temperatures are comfortable by mid-summer.
Hiking & Nature
- Hiking trails along the reservoir with scenic mountain views
- Wildlife viewing: mule deer, raptors, shorebirds
- Picnic areas with fire rings
Camping & Lodging
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Full-Hookup RV Sites | Electric (30/50 amp), water, sewer; picnic tables; fire rings |
| Partial-Hookup Sites | Electric and water |
| Primitive Sites | No hookups; tent-friendly |
| Cottages | Furnished units available for reservation |
| Group Campsite | Large groups; reservable |
Facilities: Restrooms, seasonal showers, dump station, marina store.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Wakeboarding; waterskiing; swimming; marina open; all services; cottage stays | Busy weekends; reserve early; afternoon thunderstorms; quagga certification needed |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ Fall color; walleye active; cooler camping; quiet; mountain views spectacular | Shorter days; water cooling; some services closing |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Ice fishing; winter camping available; solitude; frozen reservoir landscape | Cold; limited services; check ice conditions before venturing out |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Trout stocking; birding; opening season; wildflowers in foothills | Variable weather; cold water; reservoir filling |
Visitor Tips
- I-80 access: Echo is just minutes off Interstate 80 — one of the most highway-accessible state parks in Utah. Perfect for road trippers between Salt Lake City and Park City/Evanston.
- Quagga mussels: All watercraft must self-certify and display the required quagga mussel form before launching. Boats from contaminated waters (including Lake Powell) must be professionally decontaminated or meet 18-day dry-time requirements.
- Marina store: The on-site marina store carries bait, fuel, supplies, and essentials — convenient if you forgot something.
- Cottages: The furnished cottages provide a comfortable alternative to camping — reserve well in advance for summer weekends.
- Ice fishing: Echo Reservoir is a popular ice fishing destination for perch and trout. Bring your own gear, auger, and shelter. Check Utah DWR for current ice conditions before going.
- Elevation: The reservoir sits at approximately 5,500 feet — expect cooler evenings even in summer. Bring layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Echo Reservoir Utah?
Echo Reservoir supports rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. The reservoir is stocked with trout by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Walleye and smallmouth bass provide excellent warm-water fishing from late spring through fall. In winter, ice fishing is popular for perch and trout. A valid Utah fishing license is required. The park’s marina store carries bait and basic fishing supplies.
Can you camp at Echo State Park in winter?
Yes — Echo State Park is open year-round, and winter camping is available. The park is popular for ice fishing during winter months. However, some services (showers, marina store) are seasonal and may be closed during winter. Restrooms remain available. The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM year-round. Check the Utah State Parks website for current winter conditions and facility availability before visiting.
Last updated: May 2026
