Yuba State Park

Photo: Travel Utah

Water, Sand and High-Elevation Fun in Central Utah

Literally tucked in among the rolling hills of central Utah, Yuba State Park is a wide-open playground of warm water, sandy beaches and sunshine. Just over 100 miles south of Salt Lake City, this park stretches along the shoreline of Yuba Reservoir and is one of the few Utah State Parks where you can camp right on the beach or boat in to your campsite.

With both primitive and developed camping along with relatively easy access, it is a great place for people who love water and water sports. Yuba is a year-round fishing spot for Tiger Muskie, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout and Northern Pike. It offers plenty of space for hiking, picnicking, bird watching and mountain biking.

This is a water-lover’s paradise. Boating, wakeboarding, personal watercraft, paddleboarding. You name it, it’s here. Yuba is the only park in Utah where you can cast a line and catch a 40-inch Tiger Muskie and then go zipline over the water while others are floating below.

Five Recreation Areas … Five Ways to EnjoyYuba

Yuba is spread out over five main recreation areas. Each has its own vibe and set of facilities:

Oasis Campground

The park’s most developed area and the location of the park headquarters. Oasis offers:

• 28 RV and tent campsites
• A group campsite with pavilion (up to 75 people)
• Shade trees, grass, modern restrooms, hot showers and drinking water
• A boat ramp, day-use pavilion, and a sandy swimming beach
• Yuba’s Park Store, offering ice, drinks, firewood, snacks and paddleboard rentals

Oasis is also the launch point for one of the newest features in the Utah State Park system … zip lines. The 850- and 650-foot dual zip lines send you sailing over the park with sweeping views of the water and desert below.

Yuba ranks as the 7th biggest lake or reservoir in Utah. When full, it cover 10,905 acres.  

Photo: Travel Utah

North Beach

A primitive camping area right at the water’s edge, North Beach is known for its soft sand and peaceful vibes. This is the kind of place where you set up your tent a few feet from the lake, kick back in a camp chair and just enjoy the quiet. Picnic tables and fire rings are available.

West Beach

This beach is similar to North Beach but with a mix of gravel and sand. West Beach also allows primitive camping and day-use right on the shoreline. Bring your own shade if you’re here in midsummer.

Eagle View

Formerly known as East Beach, this is one of Utah’s rare boat-in-only campgrounds. There are 20 tent-only campsites five of which include a boat dock. Each site offers:

• A canopy shade structure
• Tent pad
• Picnic table
• Food prep table

The beach is lovely and there is a separate area just for day-use picnicking.

Painted Rocks

A semi-developed area with 41 campsites for tents and RVs, Painted Rocks is on the south end of the reservoir. It offers:

• A group pavilion (up to 150 people)
• Shade canopies, drinking water and an RV dump station
• A boat ramp and another beautiful sandy beach

Photo: Travel Utah

Fishing, Water Sports and New Cabins

Yuba is open to fishing year-round and has become one of the top destinations in Utah for Northern Pike. Monster pike over 40 inches are not uncommon here and anglers come from all over for a shot at landing one. Other fish species include Tiger Muskie, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Wiper, Channel Catfish and Rainbow Trout.

Water temperatures at Yuba State Park get warmer than most other Utah reservoirs making swimming, boating, wakeboarding, tubing and personal watercraft use especially enjoyable. Rentals for boats, jet skis, paddleboards and off-highway vehicles are available through the park concessionaire.

For those who want a little more comfort, cabins near the Oasis group site are available to rent. These sleep up to six people and offer a cozy base camp for your Yuba stay.

Trails, OHV and Bird Watching

Surrounding the reservoir, you’ll find areas for hiking, mountain biking and OHV riding. Several nearby routes connect with wider trail systems so you can bring your machine or rent one locally. The area is also a great place for spotting hawks, eagles and migratory waterfowl.

Annual Events and Stargazing

Yuba has a fun lineup of annual events, including the Rotten Egg Hunt every spring. It is an offbeat, family-friendly event that draws a big crowd and plenty of laughs. The park’s remote setting also makes it a great place for stargazing with dark skies and panoramic views.

Where Is Yuba State Park?

Yuba State Park is located about 110 miles south of Salt Lake City. You can get to the main parking area at Oasis … 25 miles south of Nephi … by taking exit 202 off I-15. It is only 5 miles in.

Painted Rocks is 16 miles south of Levan off State Highway 28. Go ¾ mile west. The nearest town with services is Scipio 10 miles south of Oasis. Gunnison is 18 miles south of Painted Rocks.

Park Information and Fees

• Operating Hours: Open year-round 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, camping, OHV riding, hiking, bird watching, zip-lining, paddleboarding, stargazing
• Campgrounds: Developed and primitive sites at five recreation areas (descriptions above)
• Boat Ramps: Available at Oasis and Painted Rocks
• Cabins and Zip Lines: Available at Oasis
• Facilities: Modern restrooms, showers, dump stations, shade structures, fire rings, picnic areas
• Pets: Welcome but must be leashed
• Fees: For the most current fee and reservation information, visit the Utah State Parks official website      
• Reservations: Available through the Utah State Parks reservation system    
  

Yuba State Park
P.O. Box 159
Levan, UT 84639-0159
Phone: (435) 758-2611
Website: stateparks.utah.gov/parks/yuba

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Wasatch Mountains

Lake Powell

Zion National Park

Arches National Park

Great Salt Lake

Monument Valley