Red Fleet State Park To Close For Extensive Construction

March 25, 2022

VERNAL, Utah —  Red Fleet State Park will be closing the majority of access to the park’s day-use and campground areas for the 2022 season for the park to undergo extensive construction and renovation. 

The project is still being finalized, however, park management expects the initial construction to begin in June 2022, with closure lasting for the rest of 2022. The Division of State Parks expects Red Fleet State Park will reopen to the public in the 2023 season. 

“Red Fleet State Park, like most of Utah’s state parks, is becoming increasingly popular,” Park Manager Amanda White said. “To help meet this demand and increase the visitor experience, it’s important that we improve and expand the park amenities. We’re really looking forward to seeing the result: a new and improved Red Fleet State Park.” 

The campground will be completely redesigned and reconstructed, so camping and overnight lodging at Red Fleet State Park for 2022 will not be an option for visitors. While the park expects the day-use areas to follow these same lines, management will continue to explore the possibility of having some areas open for limited day-use access during the construction. 

Access to the hiking trail leading to the Dinosaur Trackway at Red Fleet State Park will remain open. 

Improving existing state park infrastructure and expanding amenities is important in order to meet increased demands. These improvements also help to energize the local economies. Visitors to state parks often stay at local hotels, eat at restaurants, and frequent stores and gas stations. The improvement and expansion of park amenities also create jobs for contractors, park staff, private concessionaires, and more.

“While this project will impact Red Fleet for this season, the work being done will help the park for many years to come,” White said. “Uintah County is full of beautiful recreation opportunities for visitors to enjoy. Nearby Steinaker State Park is another awesome option for those looking for some reservoir fun to visit, and the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum is another must-see for visitors to the area. Not to mention all of the other hiking, biking, and OHV trails all over the area.” 

Much like with the improvements being done at Echo State Park, visitors can expect new campgrounds, beach access, day-use picnic areas, additional parking, and much more once Red Fleet State Park reopens. 

The park will be sharing updates on the construction and any changes regarding public access on their individual park webpage and social media accounts. The public is encouraged to follow along with the updates and to ask any questions that may arise. 

“This park means so much to the Division, to the community, and to those who visit Uintah County each year,” White said. “It’s going to be so great to see how this project helps current visitors and future generations experience such a magical area.”