Boating and Decontamination

Our boating season at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation/Starvation Reservoir starts near the end of May and runs through the middle of September. If you come once there is a good chance you will come again after you see what a fantastic boating water Starvation really is.

With a water surface area of 3,500 acres, there are plenty of places to get away from the crowd and enjoy your “mini Lake Powell.” Water temperatures reach a balmy 73-74 degrees in the summer, and the water is crystal clear and clean.

Boats of all types welcome: Starvation is a great destination whether you are a powerboat enthusiast or a non-power boat enthusiast.

Boat Ramp/Docks

We have:

• One large 4-lane cement boat ramp with a wedge dock in the middle
• Two large courtesy docks (one has eight wings and the other has four)
• Eight overnight slip rentals on the courtesy dock
• Lighting
• Fish cleaning station

Parking your vessels: Boaters are allowed to park their vessels along the shore near their campsites in many of our campgrounds.

Stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Utah’s scenic waters provide recreational enjoyment for boaters year-round. Before launching your vessel, make sure to get familiar with the rules and requirements of boating in Utah, and help stop the spread of invasive quagga mussels. Learn about the STD of Sea

Please launch your boat at the main ramp: Because of the threat of quagga mussels entering the reservoir on an incoming vessel, we encourage all boaters to launch their boat at the main ramp where the boat can be inspected and given a green light to launch.

Boat Decontamination

From May 1st to October 1st the main entrance booth at Starvation is manned so you can talk with a worker there to get your boat inspected and washed if needed.

Off-Season Recommendations: In the off-season, our suggestion is that you call several days or more in advance and make an appointment. If you don’t call ahead, there is no guarantee that anyone will be working at the park on the day of your arrival.

Call to make an appointment: Please call us at 435-738-2326 Monday through Friday to make an appointment. In the off-season, we are in the office from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. or you can leave a message and we will call you back.

Contact Us
Email us at [email protected].
Call the DWR Northeast Region Office at 435-781-9453.

Out of Curiosity

Question: How warm does the water get in the summer?
Answer: In a typical year, the water reaches temperatures of 72-74º F from around the first part of July through the end of August.

Question: Does the reservoir freeze over every winter?
Answer: No, it does not freeze over every year. But, it freezes over more than not. Most years the ice reaches a thickness of 15-18 inches. It seems that there are always holes of open water and dangerous thin spots, especially by Freedom Bridge and near the inlet at Knight Hollow Campground. All areas of the reservoir don’t freeze over at the same time so you can’t count on the ice being the same everywhere.

Wear your life jacket