Steinaker State Park

3.11

13 reviews

4335 NORTH HIGHWAY 191, VERNAL, Utah, 84078-7800, United States

Quick Facts

5,584 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Steinaker State Park Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,584 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Steinaker State Park Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Steinaker State Park

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for damage to the cabin or yurt are the responsibility of the person or persons named on the reservation. Actual costs associated with repairing...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.11

Mixed Reviews

Based on 13 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanshadewater

"The reviews for Steinaker State Park are mixed. Positive aspects include cleanliness, the proximity of campsites to the water, and the availability of amenities. Negative reviews highlight issues such as flooding at group sites and algae blooms in the water."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4335 NORTH HIGHWAY 191, VERNAL, Utah, 84078-7800, United States

Steinaker State Park

4335 NORTH HIGHWAY 191, VERNAL, Utah, 84078-7800, United States

Driving directionsTake Interstate 80 east to US 40 to Heber City. Travel through Heber on this road through Duchesne and Roosevelt and into Vernal. From Vernal, travel on US 40 (Main Street), to Vernal Avenue (Hwy 191), turn left and follow seven miles to the park.

The campground is accessible via paved roads and is located just off Utah Highway 191. Seasonal challenges or closures were not specified, but gates close at 10 p.m.

Nearby places

Vernal (7 miles, approximately 8 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Proximity to Vernal (7 miles away) suggests access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Specific supply locations are null.

Best Time to Camp at Steinaker State Park

Experience the full spectrum of Utah's dynamic climate at Steinaker, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Spring arrives with gentle warmth, inviting early-season anglers and nature lovers as temperatures climb from crisp mornings to comfortable afternoons. Summer transforms the park into a bustling water playground, with long sunny days perfect for swimming and boating. As autumn approaches, cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for peaceful camping under star-filled skies. Winter brings a serene transformation, with light dustings of snow creating a quiet wonderland where dedicated anglers enjoy uncrowded waters, though freezing temperatures remind visitors to pack warm layers for their adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak for water activities, but algae blooms have disrupted swimming and reviews note issues.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Cooler weather and continued fishing/hiking make fall pleasant; fewer algae problems noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring invites early anglers and hikers, though seasonal flooding has affected group sites.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Park open year-round but limited water activity and colder temps reduce draw in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The park appears to be open year-round; seasonal restrictions were not noted.
Current Alerts: Toxic algae blooms were reported, leading to restricted swimming. Flooding issues at group sites were also mentioned.

About Steinaker State Park

Where ancient seas once lapped against prehistoric shores, Steinaker State Park now beckons modern adventurers with its sparkling reservoir and sun-warmed sandy beaches. Nestled in the heart of Dinosaurland just north of Vernal, this aquatic oasis transforms Utah's high desert into a water recreation paradise. Whether you're casting a line for year-round fishing, carving through crystal waters on skis, or simply floating under endless blue skies, Steinaker offers the perfect basecamp with 31 well-appointed campsites welcoming both RV travelers and tent camping enthusiasts.

Steinaker State Park accommodates both RV and tent campers with 31 campsites. Group camping is also available.

Historical SignificanceEvery ripple on Steinaker's waters tells a story of pioneering spirit and community vision. Named in honor of John Steinaker, whose family helped shape this rugged corner of Utah through generations of ranching, the park stands as a testament to the transformation of the American West. When groundbreaking for the dam began in 1961, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for the region. By 1964, when the park first welcomed visitors, the Steinaker family's legacy had evolved from taming the land to creating a recreational haven that continues to bring joy to thousands of families each year.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Utah's dynamic climate at Steinaker, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Spring arrives with gentle warmth, inviting early-season anglers and nature lovers as temperatures climb from crisp mornings to comfortable afternoons. Summer transforms the park into a bustling water playground, with long sunny days perfect for swimming and boating. As autumn approaches, cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for peaceful camping under star-filled skies. Winter brings a serene transformation, with light dustings of snow creating a quiet wonderland where dedicated anglers enjoy uncrowded waters, though freezing temperatures remind visitors to pack warm layers for their adventure.

ElevationPerched at the unique elevation where high desert meets mountain foothills, Steinaker State Park offers visitors a distinctive climate and ecosystem that supports both warm-water recreation and comfortable camping conditions throughout much of the year.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape where time has left its fascinating fingerprints at every turn. The centerpiece Steinaker Reservoir, born from the impressive Steinaker Dam, mirrors the vast Utah sky while harboring secrets from an ancient past. Along the shoreline, lucky explorers discover remarkable fossilized treasures – prehistoric oysters, clams, and other marine life that prove this arid landscape once lay beneath primordial seas. The juxtaposition of water sports and paleontological wonders creates a unique playground where families can waterski in the morning and hunt for 150-million-year-old fossils in the afternoon, all while surrounded by the dramatic red rock formations that make this region famous.

Geological RegionWelcome to Dinosaurland, where Steinaker State Park serves as a living museum of Earth's incredible history. This geological wonderland in northeastern Utah preserves evidence of ancient oceans in its fossil-rich formations, where prehistoric oysters, clams, and diverse shellfish remain perfectly preserved in stone. The park's location in this paleontologically significant region means visitors aren't just camping – they're setting up their tents in a place where dinosaurs once roamed and ancient seas carved the very rocks beneath their feet. It's a humbling reminder that long before humans discovered the joy of waterskiing, this landscape hosted an entirely different kind of aquatic life.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

10:00 PM (gate closing time)

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Agroup site accommodating up to 50 people is available. However, a user review noted, 'More than half of the group site was flooded, forcing campers to use pavement RV slots.'

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are close together but have sufficient tree coverage to provide privacy according to user reviews.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can likely be made by contacting the Ranger Station directly. Online platforms were not specified.

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation PolicyRules for canceling reservations without penalty are not specified.

PrivacyIndividual campsites are described as being 'a little close to each other,' but trees provide a degree of privacy, making each spot feel remote.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose waterfront group sites for scenic views, but ensure tent space is adequate as user reviews indicate limited room for tents.

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Firewood available

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Steinaker State Park is centered around water and outdoor activities. These include swimming, boating, waterskiing, and fishing. The park also provides hiking trails and scenic views. Geology enthusiasts will find fossil exploration opportunities nearby.

HikingHiking trails are available, offering scenic views and opportunities for exploration.

FishingFishing is available year-round, with anglers targeting rainbow trout and largemouth bass.

SwimmingSwimming is typically a popular activity at Steinaker, but recent toxic algae blooms have made the water unsafe for this purpose according to user reviews.

BoatingBoating, waterskiing, and other water-based recreation activities are highlights of Steinaker State Park.

Beach activitiesThe park features sandy beaches that are ideal for relaxation and recreation.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mentioned flooding of group sites and toxic algae blooms in the water, restricting swimming.

Active AlertsToxic algae blooms were reported, leading to restricted swimming. Flooding issues at group sites were also mentioned.

Fire PolicyFirewood is available for sale within the park, but specific fire policies were not detailed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesRanger Station available within the facility. Information about hospitals or police stations is null.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located next to a reservoir created by Steinaker Dam, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and scenic views.

Camp HostInformation about campground hosts is not provided.

Weather at Steinaker State Park

Reviews

3.1

13 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Steinaker State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The reviews for Steinaker State Park are mixed. Positive aspects include cleanliness, the proximity of campsites to the water, and the availability of amenities. Negative reviews highlight issues such as flooding at group sites and algae blooms in the water.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Cleanliness of the campground, proximity to water, availability of firewood, and shaded campsites with trees providing privacy.

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Flooded group campsites, algae blooms in the water making it unsafe for swimming, and limited space for tents at the group site.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should check water conditions in advance due to periodic algae blooms. Group campers should confirm site conditions before arrival.

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular for water activities, but recent algae blooms have disrupted swimming. Seasonal flooding has affected group sites.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Super nice campground! The park is kept very clean.' 2. 'Individual camp sites are a little close to each other, but there are enough trees to help make each spot feel remote and private.' 3....

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The group campsite received mixed reviews. While it offers a covered pavilion and waterfront location, it has been reported as prone to flooding with limited tent space.

Based on 13 reviews

0 review