Questions and Answers

Rules and Permits

Do I need a permit to host a special event or photoshoot?
Yes. Events or activities outside normal park operations, or for which commercial gain is expected (like races, weddings, professional photoshoots, or workshops) require a Special Use Permit. There is a $10 application fee, and additional fees vary by event. Liability insurance may also be required.

Are there any blackout dates for special events?
Yes. No special use permits are initiated between September 15th and November 15th due to preparation for the Island’s Annual Bison Round Up.

What if I only want to take portrait photos?
A Portraiture Photography Pass will be issued in lieu of a Special Use Permit specifically for portraiture and can be obtained at the Front Gate or within the Gift Shop during regular business hours.

Who do I contact for permit requests or questions?
You can submit requests or questions to Assistant Park Manager LeeAnn Burrill at [email protected].

Can I take rocks, plants, or other items from the park?
No. Everything in the park is protected by law. The removal of any natural or cultural resource is strictly prohibited.

Can I fly a drone at Antelope Island?
Drones are prohibited from March through November. They are allowed by permit only from December through February. Day-of permits are available at the visitor center during open hours.

Are campfires allowed?
Unless there is a fire restriction, fires are allowed in designated campgrounds only. They must be completely extinguished when not in use, and leaving a fire unattended is prohibited. Fires are never allowed on beaches, in Ladyfinger Campground, or in the Backcountry Campsites.

Is metal detecting permitted?
Metal detecting is allowed by permit only and can be obtained at the Front Gate or within the Gift Shop during regular business hours.

Can I set up a geocache?
The placing of geocaches is currently allowed, provided you follow the park’s General Guidelines for Placing Geocaches and outline closed areas, in addition to Geocaching.com guidelines.

Can I launch a hang glider or hot air balloon?
The launching or landing of gliders, hot-air balloons, hang gliders, and similar powerless flight devices is prohibited without a Special Use Permit.

What do I do if I lose or find an item?
If you lose an item, contact the park with a description. Lost items are held for 90 days before being discarded. If you find an item, turn it in at the visitor center (801-725-9263) or the entrance booth.

Animals and Wildlife

Are dogs allowed in the park?
Dogs are allowed in most areas but must be physically controlled on a six-foot leash at all times. Owners must pick up and properly dispose of all pet waste. Pets are prohibited from public buildings.

Are service animals permitted?
Yes, service animals are allowed in public buildings and on beaches. A service animal must be a dog individually trained to perform specific tasks directly related to a person’s disability. Emotional support or therapy animals do not qualify as service animals.

Can I bring farm animals like goats or llamas?
No. Due to the sensitive nature and risk of spreading disease to wildlife, domestic farm animals (including goats, domestic sheep, llamas, and alpacas) are strictly prohibited. Horses are the only exception.

What are the rules for viewing and photographing wildlife?
Always maintain a respectful distance. Approaching wildlife can be dangerous to you and stressful to the animals. Feeding, touching, teasing, or intentionally disturbing wildlife (causing them to change their behavior) is strictly prohibited and violations may be cited.

What is the Annual Bison Roundup?
The roundup takes place each fall to help manage the herd and keep it within the island’s carrying capacity. It consists of two main phases:

The Push: Horse riders drive the bison northward into holding corrals where they rest for two days to reduce stress.

The Working: Bison are sorted, weighed, vaccinated, and microchipped. Females are checked for pregnancy. Excess bison (usually around 200) are sold at a public auction.

What kind of bugs should I expect during my visit?
Insect populations vary depending on the season:

Biting gnats (no-see-ums): Emerge in the spring (April – June). Bug spray does not work on them; fine mesh head nets are recommended.

Midges: Non-biting bugs that form columns along the causeway in summer. They are harmless and a vital food source for birds.

Mosquitoes: Present throughout the summer. Standard insect repellent is effective.

Brine Flies: Emerge mid-summer along the shorelines. They do not bite, move out of your way when approached, and feed the local bird population.

Recreation

Is camping available?
Yes, overnight camping is provided year-round in designated campsites. Dispersed camping is not permitted. Reservations are highly recommended on weekends and holidays.

Can I ride off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in the park?
No, OHVs are not permitted on park roads or trails.

Where can I ride my horse?
Horses are allowed on designated trails only and must stay within 50-100 feet of the trail route. Hitching rails are at White Rock Bay Trail Head, Mountainview Trail Head, and Fielding Garr Ranch. Horses are not permitted on Bridger Bay beach, and water troughs are not provided.

Is biking allowed?
Yes! Most non-motorized trails are open to mountain biking for all abilities. E-bikes must be pedal assist only, no throttle. Road bikes are allowed on all paved roads, but riders should use caution as shoulders are small or non-existent. The Davis County Causeway is a great spot for road bikers and features a large designated bike lane.

Can I swim in Great Salt Lake?
Yes, swimming or floating in the highly saline water is allowed. Bridger Bay Beach is the best place for this and offers restrooms and showers.

Are there places to eat or book tours?
Yes, the park offers two main concessionaires:

Island Buffalo Grill: Serves buffalo burgers, hamburgers, fries, and more. (801) 897-3452

Rhodes Valley Outfitters: Offers guided horseback tours of the island. (435) 300-8563

How do I get to Fremont Island?
Information on accessing Fremont Island can be found on the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands website.

Why does the lake smell bad sometimes?
The Great Salt Lake supports bacteria that decompose organic matter. Their byproduct is hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs. The smell is usually strongest along the Davis County Causeway and disappears once you reach the island.

What is Oolitic Sand?
It is a unique type of sand found around the lake, created by the water’s high mineral content. Calcium carbonate collects concentrically around a nucleus, forming small, perfectly round sand particles.

How did Antelope Island get its name?
In 1845, explorer John C. Fremont successfully hunted pronghorn (antelope) on the island. He named it “Antelope Island” in gratitude for the meat it provided his party.