The Most Popular Lakes and Reservoirs in Utah

Utah is known for its desert beauty, but the state is also full of freshwater gems—lakes and reservoirs that draw locals and visitors for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Whether you’re looking for recreation near your land or planning a weekend getaway, these are the most popular bodies of water in Utah.

1. Bear Lake

Location: On the Utah-Idaho border (Rich County, Utah)

Known as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" for its turquoise-blue water, Bear Lake is one of Utah’s most scenic and visited lakes.

• Size: 109 square miles
• Activities: Boating, jet skiing, sailing, fishing, beaches
• Nearby towns: Garden City, Laketown

Bear Lake is split between Utah and Idaho, and it’s especially popular in the summer for family vacations and water sports.

2. Utah Lake

Location: Utah County (west of Provo)

Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake entirely within Utah, with easy access from Utah Valley cities like Provo and Orem.

• Size: 148 square miles
• Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking
• Challenges: Shallow water, seasonal algae blooms
• Nearby attractions: Utah Lake State Park, Provo River Delta

Despite occasional water quality issues, it remains a go-to for anglers and boaters along the Wasatch Front.

3. Deer Creek Reservoir

Location: Wasatch County (near Heber City)

Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Deer Creek is a favorite for day trips and weekenders.

• Size: 2,965 acres
• Activities: Windsurfing, boating, fishing, camping
• Access: Highway 189 between Provo and Heber
• Fish species: Rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, walleye

This reservoir offers stunning views of Mount Timpanogos and proximity to Heber Valley landowners.

4. Starvation Reservoir

Location: Duchesne County (near Duchesne and Fruitland)

Located in eastern Utah, Starvation Reservoir is popular with landowners, campers, and anglers seeking peace and space.

• Size: 3,500 acres
• Activities: Boating, fishing, paddleboarding, free camping
• Fish species: Walleye, perch, trout, smallmouth bass
• Nearby: Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation

This reservoir is a major draw for buyers looking for 5- to 40-acre parcels near water.

👉 See properties near Starvation Reservoir ›

5. Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Location: Northeastern Utah (Daggett County, extends into Wyoming)

This massive reservoir stretches across the Utah-Wyoming border and is known for deep water and trophy fishing.

• Size: 42,000 acres
• Activities: Houseboating, kayaking, cliff jumping, trout fishing
• Fish species: Lake trout, kokanee salmon, rainbow trout
• Access towns: Manila, Dutch John

With canyon walls and cool high-altitude weather, it’s a favorite for multi-day boating trips.

6. Jordanelle Reservoir

Location: Wasatch County (east of Park City)

A newer and well-developed reservoir near Park City, Jordanelle is known for its marinas and easy highway access.

• Size: 3,300 acres
• Activities: Wakeboarding, paddleboarding, fishing, modern campsites
• Nearby towns: Heber City, Midway, Park City
• State Park: Jordanelle State Park

Jordanelle is ideal for those who want recreation close to Utah’s resort corridor.

7. Lake Powell (Glen Canyon Reservoir)

Location: Southern Utah / Northern Arizona border

One of the most iconic reservoirs in the U.S., Lake Powell draws over 2 million visitors annually.

• Size: 161,390 acres (when full)
• Activities: Houseboating, cliff diving, canyoneering, kayaking
• Notable sites: Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Antelope Canyon (nearby in AZ)
• Access points in Utah: Bullfrog Marina, Halls Crossing, Wahweap (AZ)

Due to prolonged drought, water levels vary—but it remains a premier destination for long-distance boating and desert adventures.

8. Sand Hollow Reservoir

Location: Washington County (near Hurricane, UT)

This red-rock-framed reservoir is popular with Southern Utah residents and tourists visiting Zion National Park.

• Size: 1,322 acres
• Activities: ATV riding on nearby dunes, boating, scuba diving
• Fish species: Largemouth bass, bluegill
• Nearby: Sand Hollow State Park, St. George

It’s one of Utah’s warmest reservoirs and a year-round destination.

9. Strawberry Reservoir

Location: Wasatch County (east of Heber City)

Strawberry is a cold-water fishery known for trout fishing and calm boating.

• Size: 17,000 acres
• Fish species: Cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon, rainbow trout
• Activities: Fishing, canoeing, camping
• Nearby towns: Daniels Summit, Soldier Creek

Its high elevation means cooler temperatures and consistent summer fishing.

Planning Your Land Around Utah’s Best Lakes

If you're buying land for recreation, investment, or off-grid living, proximity to a popular reservoir can increase your property's long-term value and use. Starvation, Deer Creek, Strawberry, and Jordanelle offer access to boating, water storage, and nearby amenities without the tourist crowds of Lake Powell or Bear Lake.

👉 Explore Utah land near water ›
👉 Talk to a land expert about which lakes are near available properties ›

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