Red Fleet State Park in Utah (The Complete Guide)
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Red Fleet State Park is a beautiful park in northeast Utah. With tons of opportunities for unique outdoor activities, it’s one of my favorite state parks in Utah.
From swimming to camping to hiking to 200-million-year-old dinosaur tracks, this state park should definitely be on your list of places to see in Utah!
This guide will cover:
- how to get there
- fees and park info
- things to do
- where to stay
- things to do nearby
Let’s get started!
Where is Red Fleet State Park?
Red Fleet State Park is located 12 miles north of Vernal on Highway 191 in northeast Utah.
The park is about 3 hours from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Fees & Park Info
- Hours: The park is open year-round with no holiday closures. In the Summer, it’s open from 6 am to 10 pm. In the winter it’s open 8 am to 5 pm.
- Fees: The day-use fee is $10. For Utah seniors 62 and older the cost is $8. There are additional fees for camping, see below.
- Pets: Pets are allowed but must be on a maximum 6 ft leash. They are not permitted on developed beaches.
- Alerts: For current alerts or restrictions, check the state website.
Things to do at Red Fleet
Red Fleet State Park is sometimes called “little Lake Powel” because of the beautiful red rock. There are plenty of activities in the park to take advantage of.
Swimming
One of the most popular things to do in the park is of course swim in the beautiful blue water surrounded by red rock cliffs. The water is so refreshing on a hot summer day.
There’s a beach easily accessed from the day-use parking area.
There are also plenty of places to jump off the sandstone cliffs and into the water. Jumping or diving from rocks or cliffs is allowed from heights of 15 feet or less from the surface of the water.
Please note that the water gets very deep right offshore!
Boating or Paddling
There’s a boat ramp in the park if you have your own boat.
There are also paddle craft rentals in the park. You can rent canoes, kayaks, SUP’s and pedal boats. Prices vary depending on how long you want to rent. You can rent them for 1 hour up to a full day.
I brought my own packraft and we paddled around all afternoon. It was so much fun.
Hiking to the Dinosaur Trackway
Perhaps the most unique thing you can do at Red Fleet is a hike to 200-million-year-old dinosaur tracks!
Can you find the tracks in the photos above?
The hike is a 3-mile round trip trail to the dinosaur track site.
Directions: Dinosaur tracks trailhead
The hike has a lot of uphill and downhill. In the summer, it is SO hot and the hike has very little shade.
The tracks are very difficult to see when the sun is directly overhead, so this hike is best done in the early morning or afternoon.
Make sure you take plenty of drinking water and all your day hiking essentials.
To get to the trailhead you’ll need to drive out of the state park. The hike starts on surrounding BLM land and then crosses over into the park.
Fishing
Red Fleet is one of Utah’s premier fisheries.
You can catch rainbow trout, tiger trout, brown trout, wiper, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, and more!
Where to Stay
Camping
There are no lodges or hotels in the park, but there is a campground with RV sites, tent sites, and even tipis for rent!
Prices will vary depending on the type of site you want and the time of year.
Tipis are only available for rent in the Summer months.
The campground is definitely crowded and the sites are pretty close together (see map above).
If you’re looking for privacy, you might want to consider looking for dispersed camping on the surrounding BLM land outside of the park.
The campground has water and bathrooms.
Reservations are available for individual campsites and can be made a minimum of 2 days in advance of arrival date and up to 16 weeks in advance.
To make a reservation call (801)3223770. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lodging Nearby
Red Fleet State Park is about 15 minutes from the town of Vernal, Utah.
In Vernal, you’ll find plenty of lodging options. There are hotels and Airbnb’s for rent.
Other Things To Do Nearby
- Dinosaur National Monument – This monument is absolutely beautiful with tons of things to do. You can take a rafting trip down the Green River, hike, camp, or see a wall of over 1,500 dinosaur fossils in the rock. You’ll need a lot of time to see and do all that this park has to offer!
- Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum – This is another Utah State park museum where you can see dinosaur fossils and learn all about the surrounding land.
- Steinaker State Park – This is another state park where you can camp, boat, swim, and fish.
- Moonshine Arch – This arch is about 8 miles outside of Vernal. You can access the arch by ATV or hiking.
Are you excited to plan a trip to Red Fleet State Park now?
I already can’t wait to go back. Nothing beats that refreshing clear water on a hot summer day!
If you have any questions, ask me in the comments below.
Do the red fleet state park campsites have tables and BBQs for campers to use? Or overhead pavilions?
Yes the campsites have picnic tables with a small shade covering, grills, and fire pits!