Echo State Park to Close Day-Use Area for Remainder of Year

August 5, 2021

ECHO STATE PARK — Utah State Parks is officially announcing that Echo State Park will be closing its day-use and launch ramp area next week to allow for construction on park improvements and expansion.

The park will be closing off the area for construction beginning on Monday, August 9, 2021. The closure is expected to continue on throughout the remainder of the year; with the hopes to reopen the area in the 2022 season. 

Utah State Parks previously announced the closure at the beginning of May. 

“We are announcing the closure once again to help ensure our visitors are not surprised,” Park Manager Eric Bradshaw said. “We don’t want people to drive up to this area expecting to access it not knowing that it is closed.”

The closure specifically impacts the day-use area of the park, meaning that the public will not have access to the launch ramp, dock, or any of the older existing facilities in the area. However, the new Dry Hollow Campground will remain open for camping use. 

Due to mud and extremely low water, designated day-use areas will likely not be readily available this season, but may be possible in the winter and spring.  

This construction is all part of a larger plan for improving Echo State Park. After opening to the public as an official state park in 2018, Utah State Parks began extensive planning for resigning and improving the area. One phase of that project was completed in 2020 with the completion of the new Dry Hollow Campground. Now, it is time to continue to the next phase, improving the existing day-use area. 

“We will be widening and extending the boat ramp, constructing a new parking lot and entrance station, and are evaluating the possibility of bringing in cabins and other lodging options,” Bradshaw said. “These are things that I have mentioned before, but I feel it’s important to remind people of all the good these improvements will bring. All of Echo State Park’s staff genuinely care about this area, and are excited to see these improvements take shape. ” 

Those wanting to launch motorized watercraft this season are encouraged to visit other nearby state parks. Always remember to check boat ramp conditions before getting on the road as many have been impacted by this year’s drought. You can follow along with the construction and park updates by following Echo State Park’s Facebook page and website.