Deer Creek State Park

When compiling your Utah vacation to-do list, one natural landmark to consider is Deer Creek State Park.

The park opened in 1971 and is part of the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation. While it has hiking trails and campgrounds, the big draw is the reservoir that attracts anglers, boaters, water sports enthusiasts, and swimmers. The lake is 6 miles long and sits at an elevation of 5,420 feet. The overall surface area of the water is 2,680 acres, so there's plenty of room for various water activities.

The reservoir has an average depth of 65 feet with a maximum depth of 137 feet. The shoreline is 18 miles long and offers a few beaches while the majority of it is rocky. During the winter, the frozen lake attracts ice fishermen as well as "polar bear clubs" who don swimwear and jump into the freezing water!

The Deer Creek Reservoir was built on the Provo River in the late 1930s due to the extreme water shortages in the Wasatch Front area. The project began in 1938 and wasn’t completed for another 17 years in 1955. Water became available though by 1941, helping to fulfill the needs of the communities in the area.

While the park is closer to Heber City than Park City, there are nearby activities to consider to make a full day of exploration. Consider a sunrise hot-air balloon tour with Balloons Above before heading to the reservoir for a picnic and swimming.

Whether you seek the solace of nature on a hike or want a family-friendly spot everyone will enjoy, you can't beat visiting Deer Creek State Park.

Deer Creek State Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features

As mentioned, the lake offers various water-related activities like boating. There is a marina with a paved boat ramp for visitors to use. However, if you bring your boat, it must be inspected and decontaminated before launching into the Deer Creek reservoir.

To avoid the inspection, leave your craft at home and rent something from one of the companies at Deer Creek State Park. Aside from various motorboats, you can also rent wakeboards, kayaks, jet skis, and tubes.

A fun feature at the reservoir is Rainbow Bay Aqua Park. The inflatable playground features slides into the water, climbing slopes, and other obstacles. Check out their website for more information and to make a reservation.

Adrenaline junkies will want to soar on the Zipline Utah courses at Deer Creek. Like the aqua park, you'll need to book a reservation as it is not operated by the State Park.

Another popular summer watersport is windsurfing. Lessons are available through a private company, and while the learning curve is steep, many love the experience of skimming over the water and skipping into the air!

The sandy beach attracts swimmers and sunbathers, so pack your beach chairs and blankets for a fun-filled day beside the water. For additional aquatic fun, check out nearby Jordanelle State Park for boating, fishing, and more!

Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Deer Creek. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and also has largemouth and smallmouth bass. In addition to fishing on the reservoir, many anglers head to streams around the area like the Provo River. It is a different type of experience that you may enjoy.

No matter the season, Deer Creek State Park offers adventures for the entire family, making it a must-visit on your Park City getaway.

Getting There

Below are driving directions from Park City to Deer Creek State Park:

• Head south on Park Ave toward 5th St.
• Turn right onto Kearns Blvd/UT-248 E and continue for approximately 11 miles.
• Merge onto US-40 E toward Heber City and continue for around 20 miles.
• Take Exit 8 for US-189 S toward Provo/Heber.
• Merge onto US-189 S and continue for about 12 miles.
• Turn right into the entrance of Deer Creek State Park.
• Address: 5310 S. Highway 189, Heber Valley, UT 84032

Cost

The following are costs you will encounter visiting Deer Creek State Park:

• Summer 7-day weekday pass: $20 per car
• Summer weekend pass: $20
• Chokecherry Campground: $40-50
• Great Horned Owl Campground: $30
• Fox Den Campground: $60