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Utah
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Utah State Parks

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USA Parks
Utah
Northern Region
Steinaker State Park
Steinaker State Park © vicki watkins / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Steinaker Dam and Reservoir, Utah
Gull © stateparks.com
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STEINAKER STATE PARK
STEINAKER STATE PARK
4335 North Highway 191
Vernal, Utah   84078
(lat:40.5172 lon:-109.5386) map location

Phone: 800-322-3770
Toll Free: 877-887-2757
Reservations: 435-789-4432
Email: park email button icon
Sandy beaches, swimming, boating and waterskiing top the list of activities at Steinaker. Year-round fishing is for rainbow trout and largemouth bass. The park is seven miles north of Vernal, just off Utah Highway 191 in northeastern Utah. Off-highway vehicle riding areas are nearby. A boat launching ramp, modern rest rooms, sewage disposal station, 31 individual campsites and two group-use pavilions are available.
History of the Area
Steinaker Lake itself is an unusual water storage facility. It is supplied by a canal from a diversion dam on Ashley Creek several miles to the west. One of the first units to be constructed in the vast Central Utah Project, Steinaker Lake stores runoff water from Ashley Creek to provide irrigation water to the Ashley Valley. The area is named for General William H. Ashley, famous for his leadership in the fur trade in the West in the 1820s and 1830s.

In addition to its obvious attractions for water recreation, Steinaker State Park is located in a region well known to geologists, historians and collectors of artifacts. Fossilized relics once found in ancient seas such as oysters, clams, and other shellfish are found here. Steinaker?s convenient location makes it a popular base for exploring the many attractions of Dinorsaurland in northeast Utah or the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area to the north.

The groundbreaking ceremony for Steinaker Dam was held in 1961. The man for whom the lake and park are named, John Steinaker, attended that ceremony. He was a member of the pioneer ranching family of the region and was 81 at the time of the ceremony. The park was opened to the public in 1964.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
Swimming
1. Steinaker State Park offers a reservoir for swimming during warm months.
2. The park's sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing before or after swimming.
3. Lifeguards are not present, so swim at your own risk and supervise children closely.
4. Swimming aids like floaties, noodles, and inflatable rafts can be used in the water body.
5. Water shoes are recommended due to rocks on the lake bed near shorelines.

Fishing
You can enjoy fishing in a beautiful reservoir, home to rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. Ice-fishing is popular during winter.


Location
Steinaker State Park is
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Picnicking
Steinaker State Park offers picnic areas with tables and grills. Some sites have shelters, perfect for family gatherings or parties.
Bicycling
While exploring the area, visitors can enjoy a variety of biking trails suitable for different skill levels.

The park's terrain offers both challenging uphill paths and smoother routes perfect for beginners.

Mountain bikers will appreciate the rugged landscapes that provide an exciting ride filled with natural obstacles.

Those seeking less strenuous options may prefer to cycle along paved roads or flatter dirt tracks within the vicinity.

Remember always to wear appropriate safety gear when cycling, especially on more difficult terrains in this location.

Be aware that weather conditions can affect trail quality; it is advisable to check forecasts before setting out.

Also note wildlife sightings are common here so be cautious while riding your bike through these areas.

Always follow marked trails and respect nature during your bicycling adventures around this scenic locale.

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Directions
Take I-80 east to State Highway 40 (to Heber) go east on Highway 40 to Vernal. Go north on Highway 191 out of Vernal, follow signs. Park is located about seven miles north of Vernal.
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