Deer Creek Reservoir & State Park

by Noelle on 06/09/08 at 4:38 pm

Deer Creek Reservoir Spring has lasted a little longer this year than usual, but I still can’t help thinking about those hot, lazy summer days just around the corner. So what do you do if you’re basically landlocked and don’t own a boat? For a die-hard beach-goer like me, it was a challenge to find a few family-friendly lakeside spots to swim, sunbathe, and relax. Deer Creek State Park and Reservoir was one of the prettiest lakes I found during our tour of Utah State Parks last summer.

Deer Creek Reservoir is stunning. In the shadow of Mount Timpanogos, the vista is spectacular, and it’s a wonderful place to cool off on a hot summer day. We spent the afternoon at Sailboat Beach, near the campgrounds. Although the “beach” is actually a grassy little area, it’s nice, and there are pavilions nearby. Do be careful when you enter the water–it’s very rocky and you have to navigate your steps carefully. Once you’re in, though, you could float for hours, mesmerized by the view. But pay attention, since it’s a popular spot for boaters, wind surfers, and jet skiers, and sometimes they come pretty close to the shore.

The other beach area on Deer Creek Reservoir is the Island Beach day-use area. It’s sandier, but a challenge to get in to the water–you have to go down a steep, rocky incline. There’s a nicely shaded walking path, though, and a restaurant. It would be a really nice evening stroll for families and dates.

Deer Creek also offers two campgrounds (with rest rooms and showers), boat rentals at the marina, and boat launch ramps (three gravel, one concrete). Fishing is big here, too, especially for trout, perch, and bass.

The park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer. A single day pass costs $10 and can be purchased at the park. Annual passes are available for $75.

Deer Creek is located 10 miles south of Heber on Highway 189.

From Provo, about 25 minutes:
Take US-189 through Provo Canyon until you reach the park entrance.

From Salt Lake City, about 1 hour:
Drive east on I-80 to State Road 40 to US-189, to the park.