What to do in Utah : Review of Starvation State Park

What to do in Utah – Review of Starvation State Park

If you are wondering about what to do in Utah this summer…then you need to take a weekend and visit Starvation Reservoir. It is one of Utah’s State Parks, located just about 2 hours east of Salt Lake City, right by Duchesne. We made our reservations online so when we got there we just showed them our receipt and after about 4 minutes we were able to go in and start setting up camp. We decided to camp at the Beach Campground. It is short walk down and my kids loved playing in the water and on the sand.

We were able to find our camp spot, get our trailer in and start unpacking. Our camp site had a tent spot as well as a cemented patio area with a table and an awning. It was mostly cement/blacktop and dirt. Where we stayed there weren’t many trees. Next time we go we will stay on the west end of the campground because there were big trees with a direct access to the beach as well as a volleyball area right next to it.The bathrooms and showers were centrally located in the campground and were very nice.

A short walk to the north brought you to the beach and water. It was really great. It was hot and the beach is sandy (very similar to being at the ocean) only a little cleaner than the ones I have been too. So be sure to bring your swimsuits, water flotation devices, and beach toys.

The water was a little chilly but the kids got used to it quickly. It was pretty shallow for a ways out so that they could play in the water, but we put life jackets on them just in case.

Aside from the fun beach area, there is also great fishing there. You can take a boat out or fish from the shore. The best fishing times are in the early morning or the evening.The campground area was paved so our kids were able to ride their scooters and bikes around. It also made it nice for taking our dogs on their walks. The dogs are not allowed on the beach, but you can take them by the water any where else. Our dogs loved to be in the water and swim around.

The campgrounds in the middle of lower beach were a little close together, there wasn’t much shade and no grass. Those are the only things that I found that I wish were different. Otherwise it was a lot of fun and we were able to have a great little family vacation.

I thought that the cost was a little high, but considering all of the amenities, it wasn’t too bad. If you want a more grassy area you will want to stay and the Mountain View campground. You will have a 3-5 minute drive. That is what I liked about being at the Beach Campground, you can just walk right down to the water – and then up to the showers to rinse off and shower. There is also the Juniper Point Primitive Camping, Indian Bay Primitive Camping, Rabbit Gulch and Knight Hollow Primitive Camping. These are cheaper options, but there are not the amenities you would have with the other campgrounds. They are also longer drives around the lake. Overall it was a lot of fun not just for us, but for our kids.

Unless you feel comfortable letting them go down to the beach alone, or going exploring you will want to make sure you take some activities and crafts for camping with you. We have smaller kids that couldn’t go too far without us, so we made sure to bring things that they could do. It is a great spot for a family reunion or just for a couple to get away.