Green River State Park
Green River State Park is a public state park in Utah near Green River in Lee County. Spanning 53 acres and established in 1965, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Utah |
| Nearest City | Green River |
| County | Lee |
| Park Size | 53 acres |
| Established | 1965 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (500 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Green River State Park is located near Green River, Utah. The park’s coordinates are 38.9913, -110.1541.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Utah state parks?
Day-use fees range from $10 to $20 per vehicle depending on the park. An annual pass costs $75 and covers all 44 Utah state parks. Camping fees are separate and range from $20-$40 per night.
Do I need a reservation for Dead Horse Point?
Yes, Dead Horse Point State Park now requires day-use reservations on weekends and holidays during peak season. Reservations can be made through stateparks.utah.gov. The park frequently reaches capacity.
What are the best state parks near Moab?
Dead Horse Point (dramatic canyon overlook) and Goblin Valley (alien rock formations) are the top state parks near Moab. Both are within 1-1.5 hours of town and offer stunning red rock scenery.
Is there cell service at Utah state parks?
Cell service is nonexistent or very limited at most remote southern Utah parks including Goblin Valley, Kodachrome Basin, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Download offline maps and inform someone of your plans before visiting.
Explore More Utah State Parks
Green River 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.
Wildlife & Nature
Green River State Wildlife Area — located in Lee County’s agricultural landscape — provides managed habitat along the Green River corridor. The Green River — a tributary of the Rock River — winds through a valley of bottomland forest and wetlands that create wildlife refuge in an intensively farmed region. The area’s restored grasslands support ring-necked pheasants and northern bobwhite quail. White-tailed deer are the primary game species. The river corridor provides habitat for wood ducks, great blue herons, and belted kingfishers. Beaver maintain wetland habitats along the tributaries. Red foxes and coyotes hunt in the brushy field edges. The area’s grasslands attract migrating sparrows during spring and fall — savannah sparrows, grasshopper sparrows, and Le Conte’s sparrows stop to feed.
Nearby Attractions
Nachusa Grasslands (TNC) — one of the Midwest’s premier prairie restorations — has reintroduced bison. Franklin Creek State Natural Area has Ordovician fossils and spring-fed creeks. Lowden State Park features the 48-foot Black Hawk Statue. Castle Rock State Park offers sandstone bluff hiking. White Pines Forest State Park preserves southernmost native white pines in Illinois. Dixon — Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home. Oregon (IL) is an arts community along the Rock River.
