What are the most popular beaches in Utah?
Utah is home to some awesome beaches. Of course there’s the Great Salt Lake, but there are many other reservoirs and lakes around the state that provide hours of outdoor water entertainment for those who visit. From state parks to grand reservoirs, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular beaches in Utah.
Top beaches in Utah
1. Sand Hollow State Park Beach
2. Lake Powell
3. Jordanelle Reservoir
4. Rendezvous Beach at Bear Lake State Park
5. Pineview Reservoir
6. Bridger Bay Beach
7. Deer Creek State Park
8. Utah Lake State Park
9. Quail Creek State Park
10. Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Utah Beaches
With sandy beaches and blue waters, there are plenty of fantastic beaches in Utah. Here are some of the best beaches in Utah to explore on your next vacation.
1. Sand Hollow State Park Beach
Relax on the red sand at Sand Hollow State Park beach. This state park has a 1,322-acre reservoir and is a popular destination for water sports and beach activities. Hit the sandy shores to swim or fish, or try out some water activities like boating, kayaking, jet skiing, or waterskiing, which are for rent on the reservoir. Sand Hollow State Park is also a popular place for riding ATVs and OHVs across the sand dunes and technical trails.
Things to do near Sand Hollow State Park Beach: There’s a ton of great things to see nearby. You’re very close to Zion National Park, so be sure to check it out! St. George is also right around the corner, and we’ve got a local’s guide to help you decide what to visit. We also have you covered with local RV rentals.
2. Lake Powell
Lake Powell sits on the border of Utah and Arizona, and with 2,000 miles of shoreline there’s plenty of ways to spend your day on or in the water. To explore some of the hidden beaches, bring your own boat along or rent a houseboat. Or visit Bullfrog Bay for all sorts of rentals from houseboats to powerboats to paddleboards, as well as swimming and even camping opportunities.
Things to do near Lake Powell: Canyonlands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both a few hours drive away to the north. Or you can head south to Arizona to access Lake Powell from Wahweap, and check out Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
3. Jordanelle Reservoir
Jordanelle Reservoir is located in Jordanelle State Park, which has three different recreational areas. There are plenty of boat rentals including fishing boats, pontoons, and ski boats if you want to get out for some adventures on the water. They also offer stand up paddle boards and kayaks if you’re looking for something a little slower paced. There’s a full marina offering rentals, and kids will love the inflatable water sports park called Aqua X Zone that’s floating in the reservoir. There’s also plenty of camping inside the park, so you can stay for the night or weekend.
Things to do near Jordanelle Reservoir: The state park is only an hour away from Salt Lake City and it’s near Park City, Utah. We’ve got a local’s guide to Salt Lake City as well as guide to the state park. And be sure to check out the nearby RV rentals.
4. Rendezvous Beach at Bear Lake State Park
Called the Caribbean of the Rockies due to the calcium carbonates in the water, this Utah lake has bright blue water and white sandy beaches to enjoy. Bear Lake State Park is split into three different areas, each with their own fantastic water activities. If you’re looking for some swimming and sun tanning, start at Rendezvous Beach. Or head to Garden City to rent a boat from the marina and spend the day out on the water. There’s also great fishing opportunities in the lake.
Things to do near Rendezvous Beach: Grand Teton National Park is only a three hour drive away, and Yellowstone is just beyond that if you want to explore some nearby national parks. Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway is also nearby, which runs along U.S. 89 and is a gorgeous scenic drive, especially in the fall!
5. Pineview Reservoir
Pineview Reservoir is a beautiful spot that’s actually home to several great beaches. Start with Anderson Cove, located about 10 miles east of Ogden, Utah. It has camping and a day area to enjoy and a popular beach. Or spend the day paddle boarding or fishing in the blue waters with mountain views in the distance.
Things to do near Pineview Reservoir: The reservoir is near Huntsville, and not too far from Salt Lake City. You’re also only a few hours drive from Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.
6. Bridger Bay Beach
Located in Antelope Island State Park, Bridger Bay Beach is another Utah favorite. Located within the Great Salt Lake, this beach is perfect for camping, hiking, swimming, boating, and more. Spend your time swimming in the Great Salt Lake’s salty waters, or you can spend the day on the water with kayak, paddle boards, and pedal boat rentals from the marina.
Things to do near Bridger Bay Beach: Visit Salt Lake City and check out our local’s guide for fun things to explore. You’re also only a few hours north from Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.We’ve got you covered with nearby RV rentals as well.
7. Deer Creek State Park
Next up on the list is the reservoir at Deer Creek State Park. There’s plenty to do here including windsurfing, boating, swimming, and fishing. Try something new with kiteboarding lessons or a zipline tour, or rent a boat to explore the reservoir. And kids will love playing on Island Aqua Park, an inflatable floating obstacle course. There also camping in the park, so you can park your RV and enjoy the water for a few days.
Things to do near Deer Creek State Park: The park is a short drive to Salt Lake City and Provo. We’ve got you covered with local guides for both places. And if you’re looking to explore Moab, it’s only a three and a half hour drive away.
8. Utah Lake State Park
And speaking of being close to Provo, our next spot is Utah Lake State Park! Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the western United States, and it’s a fantastic place to swim, boat, and fish. There’s plenty of calm waters, and beautiful mountain landscapes. And once you’re finished playing in the water there’s tons of hiking, camping, and wildlife watching to be had.
Things to do near Utah Lake State Park: Provo is only about 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, and it’s a few hours away from Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. We have you covered with local RV rentals.
9. Quail Creek State Park
In southwestern Utah lies Quail Creek State Park. This state park has blue waters that are perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding. There’s also some excellent fishing and the lake is stocked with various species of fish. Take some time to relax at the sandy beach and marvel at how the red cliffs pop against the blue lake water. There are also picnic tables, bathrooms, and changing rooms, along with plenty of parking.
Things to do near Quail Creek State Park: The state park is 14 miles north of St. George, Utah, while Zion National Park is only a 30-minute drive to the east, and Las Vegas is only a couple of hours to the southwest.
10. Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Last up on our list is Flaming Gorge Reservoir for the amazing views and endless water sports and activities. Explore the area by water skiing, wakeboarding, and boating, or spend the afternoon fishing. When you’re done with the water you can explore the miles of hiking and biking trails nearby, or camp overnight at the campgrounds.
Things to do near Flaming Gorge Reservoir: The reservoir is on the border of Utah and Wyoming, and is a bit remote. Salt Lake City is about four hours away, and Rock Springs Wyoming is about an hour and a half north.
Planning an RV Trip to Utah
An RV trip is an excellent way to tour the great variety of beaches in Utah, and we’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Utah, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best RV rentals. Now get ready to start exploring!
