Water Activities

Utah’s state parks offer great places for water recreation. Whether you are swimming along sandy shores, kayaking across peaceful waters at sunrise, or tackling an inflatable water course with the family, our parks provide refreshing escapes for every type of water enthusiast.

Boating at Utah State Parks

Whether you’re making waves on the blue waters of Bear Lake State Park or paddle boarding among the red rocks of Red Fleet State Park we want you to enjoy your adventure safely!

As a reminder, the growth of any boating sport requires responsibility. Do your part by learning and obeying boating safety laws and rules, and the water trails with fellow user groups.

A whopping 26 of Utah’s state parks offer boating access and opportunities. Plan your next adventure today!

Four people in life vests pose happily on a red and white speedboat on the water.

Beach Area

Relax on sandy shores, soak up the sun, or launch your non-motorized craft right from the sand.

  • Bear Lake State Park: Famous for its bright turquoise waters and expansive soft sandy beaches.
  • Yuba State Park: Features warm waters and broad sandy shores perfect for sunbathing and beach launches.
  • Willard Bay State Park: Offers broad beach areas with shade trees alongside calm waters near the Wasatch Front.
Beach park with trees, pavilions, people, and a mountain in the background under clear skies.

Popular Water Sports

Two men paddleboarding on a lake, wearing life vests, with rocky hills in the background.

Paddle Board

A relaxing, full-body activity that lets you glide over glassy waters, soak in the surrounding scenery, and test your balance.

Woman kayaking on a lake, wearing a life jacket, with mountains in the background.

Kayak

Perfect for exploring hidden inlets, paddling calm shorelines, or enjoying a peaceful morning workout on the water.

Man in orange life vest rides a white jet ski across a lake with hills in the background.

Jet Ski

Ideal for thrill-seekers looking to zip across open reservoir waters, catch some air, and explore sprawling lakes with high-speed fun.

Swimming

Take a refreshing dip in scenic reservoirs nestled against mountain and red rock backdrops.

  • Sand Hollow State Park: Highly frequented warm-water reservoir set against red sandstone formations.
  • Hyrum State Park: Features a calm, tree-shaded day-use area with a designated swim beach perfect for families in Cache Valley.
  • Quail Creek State Park: Offers some of the warmest water temperatures in southern Utah from spring through autumn.
    People kayaking on a blue lake with rocky shores and distant hills under a clear sky.

    Water Sports Hubs

    From high-speed wakeboarding to open-water cruising, Utah's state parks host every style of water recreation.

    • Jordanelle State Park: A favorite for power-boating, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and water skiing close to Park City and Salt Lake.
    • Deer Creek State Park: Ideal for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and power-boating under the view of Mount Timpanogos.
    • Utah Lake State Park: A broad, open freshwater lake suited for sailing, motorboating, and personal watercraft.
    Person wakeboarding on a lake, wearing a black vest and colorful shorts.

    Aquapark at Deer Creek

    For dynamic family fun, test your balance on the floating obstacle course at Deer Creek State Park! Featuring slides, balance beams, and climbing walls, the Rainbow Bay Aquapark offers an exciting water playground for all ages right on the reservoir

      Kids play on a colorful inflatable water park outdoors, splashing and jumping with excitement.

      Life Jacket Safety

      Remember to always wear your life jacket when participating in any water activity.

      Make sure your life jacket fits snugly, is rated for your weight, and is securely buckled before entering the water.

      For more information on life jackets, and water safety  tips, please visit our Water Safety Page.