National park · United States
Yuba Lake State Park
Enter Yuba Lake State Park for a day of water recreation: pay the entry fee (check), drive 25 mi south of Nephi via I‑15, and enjoy the beach before 10 am to avoid crowds.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
20 km² (8 sq mi)8 sq mi (20 km²)
approximate
Established
1970
Best months
Apr–May
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 20 km² (8 sq mi)8 sq mi (20 km²)
- Park covers roughly 20 km² of reservoir water and surrounding desert terrain (check).
- Established
- 1970
- Best months
- Apr–May
- Permits
- Not needed
Yuba Lake State Park offers a large reservoir with sandy beaches, two boat ramps, and campgrounds, making it a hub for water recreation, fishing and off‑highway vehicle riding in central Utah.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1970.
Size and age
20 km² (8 sq mi)8 sq mi (20 km²) · national park since 1970
Park covers roughly 20 km² of reservoir water and surrounding desert terrain (check).
Why go
- Large reservoir with sandy beaches and two boat ramps.
- Popular for water sports, fishing and off‑highway vehicle riding.
- One of Utah’s few boat‑in campgrounds.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCold but clear; fishing good.
- FebCool, fewer visitors.
- MarWarming, still low crowds.
- AprWarm days, water comfortable.
- MayIdeal for swimming and boating.
- JunHeat rises; early morning recommended.
- JulVery hot; water safety important.
- AugPeak heat, possible thunderstorms.
- SepCooling, still warm water.
- OctMild, fewer crowds.
- NovCool, good for fishing.
- DecCold but quiet.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye, perch, catfish, rainbow trout, northern pikeAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Birds (waterfowl, raptors)Mar–Oct | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Nephi
Drive south on I‑15 for 25 mi; follow signs to Yuba State Park.
30 min
From Salt Lake City
Take I‑15 south 80 mi to Nephi, then continue to park.
1.5 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main campground area | Cabins, Oasis, Painted Rocks and Eagle View campgrounds. | Open with reservation; vehicle access. |
| Boat ramp area | Two ramps (Yuba and Painted Rocks) for launch. | Open during daylight. |
| Beach zone | Sandy beaches, picnic tables, swimming area. | Open with day-use fee. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Utah State Parks official site; approximate for campgrounds.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day-use entry | US$5 | person | Check current rate on official site. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Day-use permit no permit
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs allowed on leash in campgrounds and trails only.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited except at designated fire rings.
- Camping
- Only in designated campgrounds; backcountry camping not permitted.
- Boating
- Speed limits 15 mph on lake; no wake zones near beaches.
- Alcohol
- Allowed in private cabins and campsites; not in public areas.
Where to stay
In the park
Cabins
Two‑bedroom cabins, $60/night, no hookups.
In the park
Oasis Campground
Sites $20/night (no hookups) or $25 with electric/water.
In the park
Painted Rocks Campground
Sites $16–$20/night, electric and water available.
Safety
Heat medium
Water safety high
Lightning storms medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Parking lots and campgrounds have paved access.
- Main beach has a short, level boardwalk.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all trash; use provided recycling bins.
- Stay on designated trails to protect fragile desert vegetation.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Yuba Lake State Park?
Day-use entry is $5 per person (check current rate on the official website).
What are the best hikes in Yuba Lake State Park?
The lake shoreline walk (1–2 h, easy) and the nearby mountain‑bike trail are the most popular short hikes.
When is the best time to visit Yuba Lake State Park?
April to May offers warm water and low crowds; September also provides mild weather.
Can I camp with my boat at Yuba Lake?
Yes, boat‑in camping is available at designated docked sites; reservations are required.
Do I need a fishing license?
A Utah fishing license is required for all anglers; purchase at the park office or online.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Yuba Lake State Park
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