🌤 Weather at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–69 °F | 53–87 °F | 28–74 °F | 19–40 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Sunnyside City Ctr, 18 mi away, elevation 6,530 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation is a public state park in Utah near Duchesne in Duchesne County. Known as Starvation State Park from 1972 until 2019, it surrounds Starvation Reservoir, a blue-ribbon walleye fishery in the Uinta Basin.
Quick Facts
| State | Utah |
| Nearest City | Duchesne |
| County | Duchesne |
| Established | 1972 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation is located near Duchesne, Utah. The park’s coordinates are 39.8167, -110.4167.
Things to Do
First, the two names. This was Starvation State Park from 1972 until May 7, 2019, when Utah renamed it for Fred Hayes — a man who started here as a seasonal ranger in 1982 and retired in 2018 as director of the whole state park system. The “Starvation” part stays: the park’s own history favors the explanation that homesteaders named the place after losing livestock and neighbors to brutal winters, over the older trapper-versus-tribe legends. Either way, the star is the 3,495-acre reservoir behind a 155-foot Bureau of Reclamation dam finished in 1970, fed by the Strawberry River and 23 miles of shoreline at 5,712 feet.
It is one of Utah’s best walleye fisheries — fish over 10 pounds come out regularly, the annual Walleye Classic is the big tournament, and the water carries the state’s Blue Ribbon Fishery designation. Smallmouth bass, yellow perch and rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout fill out the box. The statewide walleye limit is 10 with one over 24 inches; a DWR proposal from August 2026 would add a 15–20-inch protected slot starting in the 2027–28 season, so check the current guidebook. Boaters launch at the concrete ramp with a wedge dock (the recommended launch, because that’s where the quagga-mussel inspection clears you), and summer water reaches 73–74°F for waterskiing and the sand beach. Knight Hollow adds 100 acres of dunes for OHVs (helmets under 18, Utah OHV certificate required); on land there’s a 3D archery course, disc golf and a slackline park — but no formal hiking-trail mileage.
Best Time to Visit
The reservation peak runs May 15 through October 1, and the boating season, in the park’s own framing, from late May to mid-September. Walleye anglers work the spring and early summer; fall thins the crowds while the water is still warm enough to fish comfortably. Winter drops every developed site to $20, closes the fishing pier, and shortens hours to 8 a.m.–5 p.m. — the ramp stays usable depending on water level.
Visitor Tips
Day use is $10 per vehicle, $15 on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Camping spans the range: Mountain View (41 developed sites, partial and full hookups) and the Lower Beach campground (33 sites, the tent favorite) at $40 a night in season; four primitive campgrounds with vault toilets and no water — Indian Bay and Rabbit Gulch West at $25 per vehicle, Rabbit Gulch East, Juniper Point and Knight Hollow at $15; four cabins at $100 ($85 in winter) plus the accessible Osprey Nest cottage; boat camping and slips at $20 — as of September 2026, booked at utahstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 800-322-3770 on a rolling 4-month window.
The entrance is 4 miles northwest of Duchesne via Highway 311 — about 118 miles east of Salt Lake City (435-738-2326). Summer hours run 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fees, seasons and fishing rules verified against stateparks.utah.gov, wildlife.utah.gov and usbr.gov on September 2, 2026. Fees change — confirm before you travel.
Explore More Utah State Parks
Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation 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.
Wildlife & Nature
Fred Hayes SP at Starvation — on Starvation Reservoir (3,310 acres) in the Uinta Basin. The park’s desert reservoir, sagebrush, and painted hills support mule deer, pronghorn, and golden eagles. Walleye, rainbow trout, and bass provide excellent fishing.
Nearby Attractions
Duchesne — 4 miles west. Uinta Mountains — 20 miles north. Strawberry Reservoir — 30 miles south.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Starvation State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Scofield State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are permitted at most Utah state parks and campgrounds, on a leash and never left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide beach ban; rules vary by park - dogs are prohibited on the beach at Antelope Island, while Jordanelle has a designated area where dogs may swim off-leash
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in cabins and yurts at most parks (confirm with the park before reserving); additional lodging pet fees may apply
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No pet fee at standard campsites; additional fees apply for pets in cabins, yurts and cottages
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park-specific restrictions such as Antelope Island's Frary Peak Trail and Deer Creek water areas
Are dogs allowed at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation?
Pets are permitted at most Utah state parks and campgrounds, on a leash and never left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.utah.gov. More: Utah state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
