I recently purchased some inflatable stand-up paddleboards and found the time and energy of the hand pumps that come with the boards discouraged me from using them, especially for shorter excursions. Then a friend turned me on to the electric pump that you plug into your car. This was a total game-changer, and I’m using my SUP more often.
While the Park City area doesn’t have a natural lake like the Lake Tahoe area, we have fantastic reservoirs that are perfect for boating, swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). As our reservoirs are located in state parks, admission cost is $20 per vehicle (or $125 for the year). All of the following reservoirs are within a 10-30 minute drive from Park City. (Visit stateparks.utah.gov for details on each.)
Jordanelle State Park and Reservoir
The Jordanelle Reservoir is filled by the Provo River, and, along with Deer Creek Reservoir, it helps provide culinary water to users in Wasatch, Utah, and Salt Lake counties. There are three access points to the Jordanelle Reservoir: Hailstone, Rock Cliff Recreation Area, and Ross Creek Recreation Area.
The Hailstone Recreation Area is located off the Mayflower exit at Highway 40. It is the main recreational site at the Jordanelle for camping, fishing, wakeboarding, water skiing, canoeing, and boating. Hailstone Recreation Area includes an eight-lane boat ramp, personal watercraft ramp, dry storage, wet slips, full-service marina store and pro shop, picnic areas (cabanas), modern restrooms and showers, RV and tent campgrounds, reception center, group day-use pavilions, and one group overnight pavilion. You can rent boats (pontoon, water ski, or fishing), Jet Skis, kayaks, and SUPs by the hour or half-day at the marina store. While the Jordanelle is no Lake Tahoe, it is stunningly beautiful and provides the lake experience that many people who are used to spending summers near water are looking for.
The Rock Cliff Recreation Area is located on the eastern shore of Jordanelle Reservoir, on Highway 32 between Francis and Heber City. It is nestled in the tall cottonwoods of the Upper Provo River. Rock Cliff offers visitors the opportunity to experience nature on a very intimate level. Elevated boardwalks and interpretive trails guide visitors across wetlands and rivers. The area includes a small boat ramp, access to the nonmotorized perimeter trail, Three Rocks Trail, group-use pavilion, fish-cleaning station, river, and reservoir access, and the Rock Cliff Nature Center, which houses a small museum. This is a very quiet arm of the Jordanelle and perfect for SUP or kayaking.
The Ross Creek Recreation Center is on the far north end of the park, off Highway 248. The Ross Creek Trailhead provides parking, a vault restroom, hitching posts, and nonmotorized day-use access to Jordanelle Reservoir and the perimeter trail. The perimeter trail allows hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and other nonmotorized users the opportunity to explore the other side of Jordanelle. I’ve been taking my dog on early morning walks in this area, and he loves cooling off in the water after running around. The Ross Creek nonmotorized boat ramp provides nonmotorized users an exclusive launch free from the bustle of motorized vessels and traffic at the Hailstone entrance. This location is also very close to Park City and is less crowded than the Hailstone Recreation Area.
Deer Creek State Park and Reservoir
Deer Creek State Park and Reservoir is just south of Heber City. The reservoir and park are extremely popular for recreation and camping. Major park activities include boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, and fishing. You can rent equipment such as Jet Skis, boats, and SUPs at Deer Creek Island Resort. Uinta Kiting also offers kiteboard lessons at Deer Creek, and there is an Island Aqua Park for kids. Two campgrounds, Chokecherry and Great Horned Owl, are open May 1 to October 15.
Zipline Utah on Deer Creek Reservoir is home to the country’s longest continuous zip line course over water. This high-flying, 2-mile adventure features 10 lines and seven aerial suspension bridges that keep you off the ground from start to finish. The Lakehouse at Deer Creek is available for lunch and dinner during the summer months.
Rockport State Park and Reservoir
Rockport State Park is located just three exits east of Park City off I-80. Take the Wanship exit (Highway 32) east from I-80, and you can’t miss it. This reservoir is very close to Kamas and Oakley, and I’ve been exploring it more this past year. During the summer, you can fish, boat, water tube, wakeboard, and water ski on Rockport Reservoir. Tent or RV camping is available in one of five campgrounds.
In 2021, Rockport State Park became certified as an International Dark Sky Place by Dark Sky International. No rentals or food are available at Rockport, so plan on bringing your own food and recreational accessories. I have found the parking to be easy and convenient for launching my SUP.
Echo State Park and Reservoir
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers enjoy a day at Echo Reservoir thanks to its serenity, fishing, boating, and paddleboarding opportunities. Jet Skis, paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are available for rent if you would like to try one out for a day or half day. In 2022, the reservoir closed to motorized boats due to low water levels, which made it all the better for nonmotorized activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing (however, motorized activities are currently allowed).
Enjoy Park City’s “Beaches”
With the dog days of summer still ahead, why not carve out some time to explore Park City’s nearby beaches and reservoirs? And speaking of dogs, they are welcome at our state parks, but they must be on leash. I have been so delighted with these areas that I’m going to purchase an annual state park pass. I highly recommend you do, too!