🌤 Weather at Huntington State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–75 °F | 47–91 °F | 20–81 °F | 10–47 °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 Castle Dale, 10 mi away, elevation 5,629 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Utah’s Warm-Water Desert Reservoir — 25-Site Campground with Hookups, Largemouth Bass & Bluegill, Waterskiing, Crawdad Catching, Nature Trail & Paddleboarding Near Huntington
Huntington State Park is a warm-water reservoir recreation area in Emery County, Utah, approximately 2 miles northeast of the town of Huntington. The park centers on a popular reservoir offering boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and rainbow trout, crawdad catching, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a 2.7-mile nature trail. The 25-site campground features electric and water hookups, modern restrooms with hot showers, a dump station, and a large covered group pavilion.
Unlike Utah’s famous red-rock reservoirs, Huntington sits in the Castle Country region — high desert rangeland between the Wasatch Plateau and the San Rafael Swell. The reservoir is one of Utah’s best warm-water fisheries, especially productive for largemouth bass and bluegill. A 25-boat capacity limit ensures uncrowded water. Crawdad catching is a beloved family activity. For visitors exploring central Utah’s canyon country, Huntington provides a convenient, well-equipped lakeside basecamp.
Things to Do
Fishing
- Warm-water species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, Utah chub
- Trout: Rainbow trout (stocked)
- Crawdad catching: A beloved family activity — bring traps and nets
- Utah fishing license required
Boating & Water Sports
- Waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing: The reservoir permits motorized boating
- 25-boat capacity limit: Enforced at all times — ensures uncrowded water
- Boat ramp and courtesy docks
- Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (rentals may be available at main office)
Swimming
- Shoreline swimming: Warm water during summer — significantly warmer than Utah’s mountain reservoirs
- No designated beach or lifeguards
Hiking
- Outback Nature Trail: 2.7-mile loop through high-desert terrain with wildlife interpretation
Picnicking
- Large covered group pavilion
- Individual picnic sites with tables and grills
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites | 25 developed, grass-covered sites |
| Hookups | Electric and water (some sites include sewer) |
| Amenities | Modern restrooms; hot showers; dump station; fire pits; grills; tables |
| Reservations | Recommended; some FCFS availability depending on season |
| RV Note | Some pull-through sites too narrow for large modern trailers — back-in sites available |
| ADA | Accessible facilities |
| Pets | Allowed |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Waterskiing; warm-water swimming; bass + bluegill active; crawdads; full services | Hot (90°F+); 25-boat limit — arrive early on weekends; sunscreen critical; reserve sites |
| Spring (Apr–May) | ⭐ Bass spawn; trout stocked; wildflowers on nature trail; comfortable temps; uncrowded | Water still cool for swimming; variable weather; some services reopening |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Bass still active; fall light; quiet; comfortable hiking; crawdad season ending | Cooling fast; shorter days; some services seasonal |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Ice fishing (conditions permitting); solitude; Castle Country winter scenery | Cold; reduced hours (8 AM–5 PM); limited services; check conditions |
Visitor Tips
- 25-boat limit: The reservoir enforces a 25-boat maximum at all times — arrive early on summer weekends to secure your launch slot.
- Warm water: Unlike Utah’s mountain reservoirs, Huntington offers genuinely warm swimming water in summer — a rare treat in Utah.
- Crawdads: Crawdad catching is a favorite family activity — bring nets, traps, and a bucket. Kids love it.
- RV sizing: Some pull-through sites are narrow for larger modern rigs. If you have a big trailer, request a back-in site when reserving.
- Castle Country: Huntington is the gateway to Castle Country — combine your visit with the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, Goblin Valley State Park, and the San Rafael Swell for a world-class central Utah adventure.
- Contact: (435) 687-2491 for reservations and current conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Huntington State Park reservoir?
Huntington State Park’s reservoir supports a warm-water fishery including largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and Utah chub. Rainbow trout are also stocked periodically. The reservoir is one of Utah’s best warm-water fishing destinations. Crawdad catching is also a popular activity, especially for families. A valid Utah fishing license is required. The reservoir enforces a 25-boat capacity limit to prevent overcrowding.
Can you waterski at Huntington State Park?
Yes — Huntington State Park permits motorized boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing on the reservoir. A boat ramp and courtesy docks are provided. The park enforces a 25-boat capacity limit at all times, ensuring the water doesn’t get overcrowded. Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are also welcome. Arrive early on summer weekends to secure a launch slot before the boat limit is reached.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Millsite State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Scofield State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Huntington State Park
- 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 Huntington State Park?
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 Huntington State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
