Fred Hayes State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Fred Hayes State Park is located two hours southeast of Salt Lake City near Duchesne, Utah. It encompasses 3,500 acres, which includes Starvation Lake. This popular lake was created in 1970 when Strawberry River was dammed. The dam didn't change the desert landscape, but it did become a wonderful recreational area known for boating and fishing. The fishing is so good here that the park hosts a walleye tournament annually.
Spring 33 - 72 F
Summer 49 - 87 F
Fall 22 - 76 F
Winter 9 - 39 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fred Hayes State Park
Fred Hayes State Park’s Beach Campground is located at the water’s edge with 24 designated campsites. There are 18 sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups, while the other six have electric and water only. Each campsite has its own fire pit. Many also have a sheltered picnic table. Restrooms and showers are nearby. Mountain View Campground in Fred Hayes State Park is further inland. It includes 41 designated campsites with electric and water hookups. Three also have sewer hookups. Every campsite has a fire ring and many include sheltered picnic tables. Guests will appreciate the large restrooms, hot showers, and a dump station.
What to Do at
Fred Hayes State Park
Boating enthusiasts come from all over to enjoy Fred Hayes State Park’s blue waters, scenic beauty, and numerous coves. Fishing is also popular, with frequent catches weighing more than ten pounds. The reservoir even provides visitors with an opportunity to swim and wade.
Fishing
Starvation Lake offers some of Utah’s best fishing with walleye that’s plentiful and big. You’ll also find perch, bass, and crappie here. Shore fishing is best near the dam, and a convenient fish station is located near the marina.
Geocaching
Small metal boxes holding tiny treasures can be found along the park’s hiking trails. To participate, locate these caches with your GPS device, sign the log book, and replace any treasures you keep so that the scavenger hunt can continue for other park visitors.
Stargazing
The best spot for stargazing in Fred Hayes State Park is in Mountain View Campground. This area sits high and is very dark. Many stars and celestial bodies can be easily viewed with a basic telescope on moonless nights. A more powerful telescope will bring Saturn’s rings into view. This is also a great place for watching shooting stars.
Flora and Fauna
Juniper, sagebrush, and pinyon are found scattered throughout Fred Hayes State Park’s desert landscape. Mule deer, jackrabbits, cottontails, badgers, beavers, prairie dogs, and chipmunks are all commonly seen in Fred Hayes State Park. Fox, coyotes, elk, and bobcats are also occasionally spotted here. Bird watchers will enjoy looking for osprey, mountain bluebirds, swallows, and magpies. Blue herrings, Canadian geese, loons, hawks, ducks, and bald eagles are found near the water.
Hiking
Most of Fred Hayes State Park’s hiking trails are wide and well-maintained. A few are steep, rocky, and sandy for those looking for more of a challenge.
Boating
Fred Hayes State Park’s marina has a main boat launch and several parking spaces for boats. Smaller boat launches are found throughout the park. Motorboats, kayaks, and canoes are all welcome. The northern portion of the lake is open water, while the southern end has less space and is better suited to unpowered watercraft. If you don't have your own boat, boat rentals are available.
Swimming
The water in Starvation Lake is rarely over 72 F, but adventurous visitors are welcome to swim in the water. Many prefer wading near the shoreline.
Biking
Fred Hayes State Park’s hiking trails are open to mountain bikes as well as ATVs and those on horseback.
How to Get to
Fred Hayes State Park
When coming from Duchesne, head west on US-40 W/W Main Street toward S 100 West Street. Turn right onto UT-311 N. In 150 feet, turn left on UT-311 N/W Starvation State Park Rd./State Route 311. In 3.9 miles, turn left onto Beach Campground Road/West Starvation State Park Road.
Entering Fred Hayes State Park
Other than the large upper area parking lot, parking is sporadic within the park. The park is open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily. Camping is only allowed in the designated areas. Firearms and fireworks are prohibited.
Fred Hayes State Park Entry Fee (per vehicle) : $10.0
Fred Hayes State Park Entry Fee (weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day) : $15.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Fred Hayes State Park
The summer months are the best time of year to visit Fred Hayes State Park. The weather is perfect for enjoying boating, fishing, and swimming on Starvation Lake. It’s also ideal for hiking and biking.
Mule deer, cottontails, jackrabbits, badgers, and beavers are common sights within Fred Hayes State Park. Bird watchers will discover a variety of species here such as mountain bluebirds, swallows, osprey, and loons.
Fred Hayes State Park has 65 campsites spread out between two campgrounds. Many of these include electric and water hookups.
All Fred Hayes State Park campsites are available for reservation on a four-month rolling basis. Each site starts at $35 per night.
Pets are welcome in Fred Hayes State Park when kept on a leash that’s six feet or less. Pets are not allowed on any of the developed beaches or in the lake. You are expected to clean up after your pet promptly.