With a Lake, Campground, And Dark Skies, This Utah Park Is the Ultimate Family Destination
By Courtnie Erickson|Published July 18, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
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From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Utah does not disappoint when it comes to its state parks. From beautiful Snow Canyon State Park in the southern part of the state to Willard Bay State Park up north, there are some pretty remarkable places to spend a day. However, one that is often overlooked but always worth a family getaway is Steinaker State Park. Located right in the heart of Dinosaurland in Utah, this park features something for everyone — camping, boating, hiking, fishing, and dark skies. It may just become your new favorite state park in Utah to visit.
You’ll want to gather your family and hop in the car for a visit to Steinaker State Park. Located less than 10 miles from Vernal, this state park is a fabulous place to spend a warm summer day.
This Utah state park is home to Steinaker Reservoir. This unique body of water stores runoff water from Ashley Creek and also provides irrigation water to the Ashley Valley. This area became a state park in 1964.
Steinaker Reservoir features 825 surface acres and is perfect for some time on the water. Bring a boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, etc., and spend some time exploring the reservoir …
You can even enjoy a weekend away by staying at the Steinaker State Park Campground. Here, you’ll find tent and RV campsites as well as a cabin if you desire to stay someplace a little more like home.
This is an International Dark Sky Park and is where you can enjoy some of the darkest night skies in the entire world. In fact, the closest significant source of light is Vernal which is several miles away.
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Boat, fish, swim, picnic, camp, and stare at the night sky — Steinaker State Park is truly the ultimate family destination.
Have you ever been to Steinaker State Park near Vernal? What did you do during your visit? Did you bring your entire family along? Let us know in the comments. And visit the Utah State Parks website and the Steinaker State Park Facebook page for additional information.
Before you spend a day outdoors, make sure you are prepared. Visit REI for all of your outdoor gear and take a look at this list featuring nine lesser-known state parks in Utah that will totally amaze you.
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