Millsite State Park
Sandstone Canyon Reservoir — 435-Acre Lake, Trout Stocking, OHV Gateway & 18-Hole Golf Course Near Ferron
Millsite State Park is built around a 435-acre reservoir at the mouth of Ferron Canyon in Emery County, Utah — surrounded by dramatic sandstone cliffs that glow orange and red in the desert light. Located near the small town of Ferron, the park offers 20 campsites, a boat launch, a swim beach, and regularly stocked trout fishing in a setting that feels like the Colorado Plateau meets a mountain lake.
Beyond the water, Millsite serves as a gateway to the Arapeen OHV Trail System — over 350 miles of off-highway vehicle trails through the Manti-La Sal National Forest. An adjacent 18-hole public golf course adds an unexpected amenity to this remote desert-canyon park. For visitors exploring Utah’s Castle Country (the San Rafael Swell, Goblin Valley, and the Wasatch Plateau), Millsite provides a surprisingly comfortable basecamp.
Things to Do
Fishing
The 435-acre reservoir is regularly stocked with trout:
- Species: Rainbow and cutthroat trout (stocked), bass, northern pike, catfish, and walleye
- Ice fishing: Popular winter activity when the reservoir freezes
- Utah fishing license required
Boating & Water Sports
- Boat launch: Public ramp for motorboats, jet skis, kayaks, and canoes
- Water sports: Water skiing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding
- Scenic setting: Sandstone cliffs frame the reservoir — stunning backdrop for any water activity
Swimming
A designated swim beach on the reservoir — refreshing in Utah’s desert heat, with the sandstone canyon walls as a natural amphitheater.
OHV/ATV Riding
Millsite is the primary access point for the Arapeen OHV Trail System:
- 350+ miles of OHV trails through the Manti-La Sal National Forest
- Terrain ranges from desert sagebrush to alpine meadows
- Multi-day ATV/UTV adventures possible from the campground
Golf
The Millsite Golf Course — an 18-hole public course located adjacent to the state park. An unexpected amenity in this remote canyon setting.
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites | 20 (tent and RV) |
| Hookups | Electric and water at some sites; electric-only at others |
| Facilities | Modern restrooms; hot showers; dump station; picnic tables; BBQ grills |
| Group Use | Group day-use shelters available |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ Swimming; water sports; OHV trails fully accessible; trout stocked; golf; longest days | Hot (90°F+); book ahead; afternoon thunderstorms |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ Cooler temps; quiet camping; fall fishing; canyon colors; OHV riding comfortable | Shorter days; water cooling; check OHV trail conditions |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Trout stocking season; wildflowers in canyon; warming temps; quiet | Cold water; some OHV trails still closed from snowmelt |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Ice fishing on frozen reservoir; extreme solitude; snow-dusted sandstone | Cold; limited facilities; check road conditions to park |
Visitor Tips
- Sandstone backdrop: The reservoir is framed by sandstone cliffs — photographers should plan for golden hour when the canyon walls glow. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular.
- Arapeen OHV: If you ride ATVs or UTVs, Millsite is the premier gateway to 350+ miles of trails through the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The campground’s hookups make it ideal for multi-day OHV basecamp trips.
- Golf + camping: The adjacent 18-hole Millsite Golf Course is an unexpected bonus — play a round in the morning, fish in the afternoon, camp at night. A rare combination in Utah’s state park system.
- Castle Country: Millsite is centrally located for exploring Utah’s Castle Country — combine with day trips to the San Rafael Swell, Goblin Valley State Park (45 min), and the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry.
- Remote location: Ferron is a small town with limited services. Stock up on supplies in Price or Castle Dale before arriving. The park does have Wi-Fi in some areas.
- No full hookups: Sites offer electric and water but no sewer connections. A dump station is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Millsite Reservoir?
Millsite Reservoir is regularly stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The reservoir also supports bass, northern pike, catfish, and walleye populations. Fishing is productive year-round, including ice fishing in winter when the 435-acre reservoir freezes. A valid Utah fishing license is required. The sandstone canyon setting makes Millsite one of the most scenic fishing destinations in central Utah.
What is the Arapeen OHV Trail System?
The Arapeen OHV Trail System is a network of over 350 miles of off-highway vehicle trails through the Manti-La Sal National Forest in central Utah. Millsite State Park serves as the primary gateway and basecamp for riders accessing this system. The trails range from desert sagebrush at lower elevations to alpine meadows above 10,000 feet, offering multi-day ATV and UTV adventures. The state park’s campground with electrical hookups and hot showers makes it an ideal staging area for extended OHV trips.
Last updated: April 2026
