Indie Ogden Guide to Northern Utah State Parks

Did you know Utah has 43 state parks? And?that?s?just the STATE parks, we are also home to some well known National parks and thousands upon thousands of acres of National Forrest land. The Utah state parks manage?43 state parks ? from Bear Lake State Park at the Utah/Idaho border to Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum deep in the Four Corners region, and everywhere in between. Whats often NOT know is that the state parks?also administer the Utah off-highway vehicle, boating, and trails programs. The State Parks department work to provide access to waterways and trails, and promote education, safety, and resource protection.

Parks are important to our health. I truly believe this.?Recreation and leisure activities can help alleviate depression. Participating in recreation activities also reduce alienation,?loneliness and isolation, all of which contribute to depression. Recreation provides a social atmosphere that?draws people out of their houses and into community life. Physical activity and recreation can increase our self confidence, quality of life, and allow us to ?unplug? from our day to day lives. Recreating in State Parks?brings neighbors together, encourages safer, cleaner?neighborhoods and creates a livelier community atmosphere. Parks and recreational facilities also help improve a community?s image, socioeconomic status and enhance the area?s desirability.?Here?s another cool thing the parks provide: The economic benefits of State parks -?http://stateparks.utah.gov/about/economicbenefits

Open space, park and recreation areas are an ideal medium for encouraging and developing stronger stewardship of the land. People who enjoy outdoor recreation become more familiar with natural resources and the
environment. This increased knowledge helps them understand how their personal actions can affect the environment. Further, the parks encourage volunteerism.?The National Park Service, for example, had 125,000 volunteers contribute?4.5 million hours of service, valued at over 72 million dollars (NPS, 2002). The dedication and pride that people have for?parks and recreation areas leads to increased interest and involvement in other aspects of the community.

So, now that we know some of the amazing things the parks can do for us? here are the ones closest to Ogden- and a bit more about them. Here we go, from North to South, the closest Parks (by car) from Ogden!

Bear Lake State Park?

I?ve camped here myself, and its one of our families favorite weekend trips. Bear lake is often called the ?Caribbean?of the?Rockies? and I see why. Its bright blue waters, and shallows which warm and allow for comfortable swimming, make Bear Lake an ideal vacation spot. Bear lake has something for everyone, swimming, fishing, water-sports, sailing, even scuba diving! The campground is on the beach,?separated?by a line of trees and brush ? it can be a bit buggy so bring some spray, aside from that its absolutely LOVELY! The town of Garden City has cute little shops, several?restaurants, and a KOA Grocery store and True Value hardware store for any shopping needs you may have.

Bear Lake State Park
1030 N Bear Lake Blvd
Garden City, UT 84028
435-946-3343 ? main park number
801-322-3770 ? camping reservations
800-322-3770 ? toll-free camping reservations
parkcomment@utah.gov

Hyrum Reservoir State Park

image via Go-Utah.com

I?m going to be honest- until a few weeks ago, I?didn?t?even know Hyrum Reservoir existed- and I am a huge fan of the parks! I thought I had seen them all up here, turns out I was wrong.?Hyrum State Park offers many recreation opportunities including fishing, boating, and camping. Surrounded by tall, shady trees, Hyrum provides an excellent place for an afternoon picnic, or spend the whole weekend trolling on the lake catching yellow perch, rainbow trout, bluegill, and largemouth bass.

Hyrum State Park
405 West 300 South
Hyrum, UT 84319
435-245-6866 ? main park number
801-322-3770 ? camping reservations
800-322-3770 ? toll-free camping reservations
parkcomment@utah.gov

Willard Bay State Park

Boat, swim,?water-ski? and fish on the warm waters of Willard Bay. Camp under tall cottonwood trees that frame the night sky. Anglers fish for walleye, channel catfish, black crappie, and wipers. During winter months, Willard Bay is a wildlife watching area for nesting eagles. Two areas, North and South Marinas, offer all the amenities for a weekend at the bay. Willard Bay?s camping sites are shady but may be buggy, so bring spray.

Willard Bay North Marina
Select a day-use cabana on the beach, launch your boat, and pick the perfect campsite with full hookups at the North Marina.

Willard Bay South Marina
This boat launching and camping area offers modern facilities for overnight and day-use.

Willard Bay State Park
900 West 650 North #A
Willard, UT 84340-9999
801-782-2321 ? entrance gate
435-734-9494 ? main park number
801-322-3770 ? camping reservations
800-322-3770 ? toll-free camping reservations
parkcomment@utah.gov

Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island in the Winter, image via ScenicUtah.com, by photographer Ray Boren

Antelope Island State Park is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake. View a free-roaming herd of 500 bison, and pronghorn and bighorn sheep that share the rangelands. Hike, mountain bike or horseback ride along backcountry trails for spectacular views of Great Salt Lake and island scenery. Check in at the visitor center for maps and information on the island?s unique biology, geology and history. You can plan your trip to coincide with one or a few of the?fun and educational events?they offer throughout the year ? ?which include campfire programs, historical activities at Fielding Garr Ranch, star parties, Junior Ranger programs for children, and art and photography exhibits. Check out their?event calendar?frequently for new additions. Antelope Island also offers camping at Bridger Bay.

Horseback riding is available all year long.?Schedule your riding adventure online?at least 48 hours in advance or by calling (888) 878-8002.

Antelope Island State Park
4528 West 1700 South
Syracuse, UT 84075
801-773-2941 ? main park number
801-322-3770 ? camping reservations
800-322-3770 ? toll-free camping reservations
parkcomment@utah.gov

Now, you?ve noticed on the bottom of the map there I?ve included a few more parks- these are a bit further away but well worth the trip. Click the links to learn more about these parks and the amazing things they offer!

East Canyon

Great Salt Lake Marina

East Canyon

Historic Union Pacific Trail?

Rockport

& This is the Place Heritage Park

Related posts:

1. Indie Ogden?s Guide to Northern Utah Getaways
2. Indie Ogden Spotlight ? Haunted Ogden: A Ghostly Guide to Utah?s Spookiest City
3. Did You Know?
4. A Mama?s guide to local parks
5. Indie Ogden?s Guide to Easter Fun!

Source: http://indieogdenutah.com/2012/11/indie-ogden-guide-to-northern-utah-state-parks/

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