Enjoying a journey focused on time well spent in the great outdoors is always a success when you set your sights on the state of Utah. Known and loved by travelers for its many historic towns, gorgeous landscapes, and fascinating national parks, Utah is also a vacation destination where those looking to get out on the water can enjoy time in nature, too. A great place to add to your itinerary when you’re excited for fun on the lake year-round is Quail Creek State Park.
Located a little less than 14 miles from the city of St. George, Quail Creek State Park offers visitors a scenic southwest destination to enjoy. Here, on-the-water adventures are seamlessly built into the experience because the focal point of for many guests is time spent on the Quail Creek Reservoir. While this body of water serves St. George’s water supply, it’s also a prime place for watersports of all kinds. Making it a point to spend time on the water during your visit offers a chance to admire the many colorful cliffsides that surround the reservoir too. If you’re one for landscape photography, there’s a good chance Quail Creek State Park will have you lingering longer than you originally planned.
Water ski, kayak, or paddle your way to fun
Just 21 miles from Quail Creek State Park, over 5 million visitors make their way to Zion National Park each year, according to the Trust for Public Land. While the sandstone cliffs and slot canyons are certainly thrilling, Quail Creek State Park comes with refreshing options for time on the water year-round without the crowds included. Summer temperatures linger around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, warming the waters up nicely, but even the wintertime sees highs in the 50s, meaning guests can still maximize their lake adventures.
Many visitors head to Quail Creek State Park to enjoy water skiing and wakeboarding alike. In total, the reservoir has 600 acres to offer, as well as two boat ramps for easy access. Those who aren’t boating will find plenty of surrounding shoreline to enjoy for settling in and soaking up the views.
If you’re looking to slow things down, paddleboarding and kayaking are great options for getting out on the water and exploring at your own pace. If you don’t arrive with your own gear, the team at DIG Paddlesports is ready and waiting to set you up with quality paddleboard and kayak rentals. They also have inflatable and foam water carpets available to rent for lounging, and if you’re looking for a more insightful experience, you can book your place on a guided paddle or kayak adventure with lunch included.
Jump in the water and find time for fishing
The warm waters of Quail Creek Reservoir visit provide amazing opportunities for guests to jump in and enjoy a swim. There are several designated no-wake zones around the reservoir where swimmers can splash, dive, or just enjoy time floating in shallow waters. These areas are also ideal for beach picnics when you’re ready to dry off and curb a craving.
If your idea of a great afternoon always includes time casting a line, you’ll find Quail Creek State Park is a picturesque place to be. Here, you can get out on the lake and make the most of a day of fishing in waters that reach a maximum depth of 120 feet. This is ideal for populations of rainbow trout, bluegill, largemouth bass, bullhead, and catfish to thrive. Morning and evening are typically best for reeling in great catches but when you do, you’ll want to make sure you have a Utah fishing license in hand. These can easily be purchased online before your trip through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Visitors who are excited to extend their Quail Creek State Park stay can choose to reserve a place at one of the park campsites. There are 22 spaces available for $25 a night. The campground is set up to accommodate tents and RVs and there are several sites situated right by the water so you can make the most of every moment on the lake.
