Great Salt Lake State Park
America’s Dead Sea
Great Salt Lake State Park offers access to the Western Hemisphere’s largest saltwater lake—up to 8x saltier than the ocean. Float effortlessly, explore unique ecosystems, and witness legendary sunsets.
Float Experience
The lake’s extreme salinity means you cannot sink. Rinse off at outdoor showers afterward—the salt dries crusty!
Marina
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Marina | Boat launch (check lake levels!) |
| Beach | Sandy swimming area |
| Gift Shop | Souvenirs, snacks |
No Camping
Day-use only. For camping near Salt Lake City, try Antelope Island State Park.
Does it smell?
The lake can have a sulfur smell, especially in summer. It’s caused by brine shrimp and bacterial decomposition—completely natural!
Things to Do
Utah state parks showcase the dramatic red rock landscapes, ancient geology, and high desert beauty that define the American Southwest. Activities include hiking through slot canyons and across sandstone formations, mountain biking world-class desert singletrack, boating and water skiing on deep blue reservoirs surrounded by red cliffs, fishing for trophy trout in mountain streams, rock climbing sandstone towers, off-roading on designated trails, camping under spectacular starry skies, and exploring dinosaur track sites and ancient petroglyphs.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the prime seasons for Utah parks, offering warm days, cool nights, and comfortable hiking conditions. Summer (June–August) brings extreme heat to desert parks (100°F+), though mountain parks and reservoirs remain pleasant. Winter is cold but beautiful, with snow-dusted red rock creating stunning photography. Many reservoir parks are popular for boating May through September. Flash flood risk peaks during summer monsoon season (July–August) — never enter slot canyons when rain threatens.
Visitor Tips
Utah state parks charge day-use fees of $10-$20 per vehicle. An annual pass ($75) covers all 44 state parks. Camping reservations through stateparks.utah.gov. Water is scarce at many desert parks — carry at least one gallon per person per day. Popular parks like Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley require reservations for day use on weekends. Cell service is nonexistent in remote southern Utah parks.
Explore More Utah State Parks
Great Salt Lake 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.
