Great Salt Lake State Park

About this activity

There are some beautiful landscapes and state parks in Utah, and the Great Salt Lake State Park is one of them!

Did you know that the Great Salt Lake is actually the largest lake west of the Mississippi River? That's pretty impressive! It's also one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world (and also a remnant of the ancient freshwater Lake Bonneville) - similar to that of the famous Dead Sea where you can float!

Great Salt Lake is actually a huge 75 miles long and 35 miles wide as its widest point, but despite its size the lake is actually quite shallow at only 14ft deep on average. The deepest point is 34ft.

At its average level of 4,200 feet, the area of the Great Salt Lake is 1,700 square miles and did you know that in 1987 when the lake was at its highest level of 4,211.85, the surface area increased to 2,400!

Since 1849 when the first scientific measurement of the lake was taken, the shoreline has varied by as much as 15 miles! How amazing is that!?

You might think its also just a lake but there are actually eight official islands within Great Salt Lake. During low lake levels, some of the islands become peninsulas.

The islands range in size from a whopping 28,000 acres for Antelope Island, to the small 22 acre Hat Island. 

Your time at the Great Salt Lake State Park can be enjoyed through a day trip - make sure you stop at their Visitor Center where you can learn all about the lake, where to go and grab that souvenier.

Or you can spend some extra time there by utilising their campground. Partial hookup campsites are available near the visitor center and you can also enjoy suites that overlook the beautiful Great Salt Lake.

If you like to get back to nature, they now offer Primitive Beach Camping too! There are no hookups or vehicle access on the beach, they are tent only, its worth noting.

Also at the lake you'll find the Great Salt Lake State Marina which is home to the Great Salt Lake Yacht Club - home to the saltiest sailors on earth!

Make sure you have your camera as you can enjoy the beautiful views of Great Salt Lake, nearby Antelope Island State Park, and Black Rock.

Keep an eye out for the nearby Saltair Resort, which is a modern-day remnant and symbol of the original Saltair. This was built on pilings over the shore area of Great Salt Lake and offers concerts and a concession service for souvenirs!