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).
