East Canyon State Park RV & Campground Guide
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In 1846, on their way to California, the Donner-Reed Party passed through the area that would become East Canyon State Park. Later, Mormons from Illinois crossed through it on their 1,300-mile journey on their way to what would become Salt Lake City. The park opened to the public in 1962, and the main attraction is the 600-acre East Canyon Reservoir. It is a popular destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts. In addition, history buffs can walk along a portion of the path that the Donner-Reed party took in 1846.
Nearby Cities
Salt Lake City, UT
Provo, UT
Morgan, UT
Ogden, UT
Spring 32-64 F
Summer 74-84 F
Fall 49-73 F
Winter 33-42 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in East Canyon State Park
Campground Accommodations
Dixie Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookups: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 42 feet
Other amenities: Boat launch, showers, restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, gas station, dump station, comfort station, picnic pavilion, and a concession stand
East Canyon State Park Campground
Make sure to check East Canyon State Park’s calendar as fun events happen throughout the year. Staying in the park's campground ensures that you're close to all the action. Rates start at $35 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Restroom with shower, hiking trails, lake
Deer Creek State Park
Windsurfing, boating, zip-lining, swimming, and fishing are just a few of the things that you can do at Deer Creek State Park. Consider staying in the campground and grabbing a spot near the reservoir. Rates at this state park start at $35 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes (only in the campground on leash)
• Other amenities: Windsurfing, boating, zip lining
Como Springs Resort
Como Springs Resort is located close to the Weber River. This historic campground saw its first camper in 1928, and you can join the long list of people who have stayed here by paying about $45 per night for a campsite.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Dog park, restrooms
Weber Crossing
If you are looking for a beautiful mountain area to go dry camping, Weber Crossing may be perfect for you. Rates start at about $15 per night. During your stay, you can join in on fun events such as seasonal barbecues.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Seasonal events
What to Do at
East Canyon State Park
East Canyon Reservoir is nearly 200 feet deep in spots, and its average depth is 75 feet, making it a good place for scuba diving. Fishing in the lake is excellent in the summer and early fall, though you can land a decent catch anytime. For a thrilling day on the water, you can rent boats and jet skis on-site or reserve one in advance through the park's website.
Adventures at the park include hiking, swimming, and boating. At the end of the day, you can retire to your campsite for some quality time with your family around a campfire.
Inside East Canyon State Park
Rent a boat and go fishing at this campground or opt for a day of fun on a jet ski. Play on the sandy beach or try your luck trying to catch black crappie and several trout species from the shore. After the sun goes down, sit back and gaze into a star-filled night sky.
Fishing
Black crappie, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout are three of the species that are common catches in the park. You can also catch brown trout, tiger trout, wiper, and smallmouth bass. Remember to get your fishing licenses online for each family member before heading out on your trip.
Geocaching
The geocache in East Canyon State Park is hidden on one of the hiking trails. After you find it, you can take a prize and sign the logbook.
Stargazing
East Canyon State Park holds an International Dark Sky designation, making it one of the best places in Utah for stargazing. Lie on the beach and gaze into the night sky, or set up your telescope at a picnic table to get a closer look at the heavens.
Flora and Fauna
The wildlife in East Canyon State Park is diverse. Elk and mule deer will graze in the distance during the day, while species like foxes, coyotes, and bobcats come around just as the sun begins to go down. The birds are varied, too, and include gadwalls, wigeons, mallards, mergansers, and other waterfowl. Foxtail, canary grass, and red clover are three common varieties of plants in East Canyon State Park. On the trails, you will wind between pine, aspen, and cedar trees.
Hiking
Not only did the Donner-Reed Party and the Mormons walk the Pioneer Route Trial, but the Pony Express also rode through it in its short heyday. The trail is moderately challenging and is about 9 miles long. The other popular hiking trail is the East Canyon Reservoir Overlook Trail, which is just 1.6 miles long and much easier, making it a good experience if you have children with you.
Boating
There's a concrete boat ramp, and you can take out anything from a canoe to a powerful motorboat. Watch out for dive flags, which designate that someone is scuba diving in the area. The lake is quite deep, so you won't have to worry about running aground.
Swimming
There is a beach at East Canyon State Park. The water temperature is fairly chilly, rising only to somewhere between 65 and 70 F during the summer. However, the clear water is an excellent place to take a dip during a hot day and cool off. The beach is large enough to spend the day basking in the sun, and there are restrooms nearby.
How to Get to
East Canyon State Park
From Salt Lake City, drive east on Route 80 until you reach the junction with Route 65. Follow Route 65 northeast to East Canyon State Park.
From Provo and all points south, drive north on Route 15 until you reach Route 80. Then, proceed with the same directions as from Salt Lake City.
From Wyoming, travel west on Route 80 until you reach Route 65. Proceed south on Route 65 until you reach East Canyon State Park.
Entering East Canyon State Park
The day-use fee for the park is $20. If you are staying overnight, you can park at your campsite and go on foot to explore the park. Additional parking is located at the day-use areas and the boat ramp. There is no extra parking fee if you are visiting for the day.
East Canyon State Park Daily Pass : $20.0
East Canyon State Park is a wonderful place to visit regardless of the season. If you have visited this state park, then post about your stay on your social media feed and invite your friends to comment if they have been there, too. Be sure to include any tips that would help others planning on visiting the park and don't forget to tag RVshare in your posts. You can also send your stories and photos to [email protected]. Everyone can benefit when you share your experiences traveling on the road in an RV.
Frequently Asked Questions About East Canyon State Park
Late spring until Labor Day are the best times to visit East Canyon State Park. The bathrooms and showers close after Labor Day, and the reservoir's water becomes too cold to enjoy watersports at other times of the year.
Many animals move through the area. They include big game like mule deer and elk, along with smaller species like coyotes, bobcats, and badgers.
There are 28 RV-specific campsites in East Canyon State Park. They are a mix of full and partial hookup sites. Each has a table, a fire ring, and a bathhouse nearby.
You have to have reservations, which you can make four months in advance. The campsites cost $25 per night, and if you have an extra vehicle, then it's an additional $25 charge. These are in addition to the $20 entry fee for the park itself.
Pets are allowed at East Canyon State Park. You can't take them into cabins, yurts, or other buildings, and they must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long. You are also expected to clean up after your furry family members.