RVing In Utah Just Got Better With These New State Parks

RVing In Utah Just Got Better With These New State Parks

You’re probably already familiar with Utah’s natural wonders. You may already know about its incredible national parks, such as Zion National Park and Arches National Park, which are part of the legendary “Mighty Five.” But did you know Utah also has another 44 state parks? 

Well, more and more people are finding out! In fact, in 2020 Utah saw a 33% increase in visitors. A total of 10.6 million people visited Utah’s parks in 2020! And it’s no wonder why; this beautiful state’s landscapes are some of the most impressive in the country.

If you’re camping or RVing in Utah, there’s already tons to do and see. But soon, there’s going to be even more! Earlier this year, Utah’s state legislature approved a bill to expand and improve their state park offerings. 

Brand new destinations for RVing in Utah

Utah is designating $120 million for the parks projects. This money will improve existing parks as well as create two brand new state parks. The improvements will add 100s of new campgrounds and 1000s of new parking spots to parks all across the state, plus other improvements like new hook-ups.

These improvements are great news for anyone who’s planning on RVing in Utah. But what about those two brand new Utah state parks?

Utah is spending $36.5 million of the budget specifically for the creation of these parks. The first park is Utahraptor State Park which will be in Grand County. Here is also where you can also find Dead Horse State Park and Arches National Park. The second park is Lost Creek State Park, which will be in Morgan County and will be that county’s second state park. 

Planning for these parks is still in the early stages, with one slated to begin construction this year. So, what do we know so far about each park so far? Let’s take a look.

Utahraptor State Park

You may notice this park’s name is a little unusual. “Utahraptor” sounds a bit more Jurrasic Park than it does a state park! But in fact, Utah’s new state park takes its name from one of the state’s oldest and most famous residents.

Fossils of “Utahraptor ostrommaysi” better known as simply the Utahraptor, were first discovered near Moab in the Dalton Wells Quarry in 1975.  These massive carnivores stalked ancient Utah millions of years ago and stood as tall as a full-grown person! And of course, they take their name from the state in which they were discovered. Their name literally means “Utah’s predator”.

This park is being created to help protect this incredible legacy. Utah will construct in the area of Dalton Wells Quarry to preserve and protect the area, which contains extremely rich deposits of Cretaceous dinosaur fossils. In addition to conservation, this park will also provide various recreation options to visitors when it opens. 

Just like Lost Creek, Utahraptor State Park is still in the early planning stages. However, it’s expected to be 7,000 to 8,000 acres and have multiple modern campgrounds and facilities such as restrooms. The park is scheduled to begin construction next year and will open to the public later in the same year. If you’re going to be RVing in Utah in 2022, you’ll definitely want to see this historic attraction!

Lost Creek

You’ll be able to find Lost Creek State Park along the shores of the Lost Creek Reservoir, from which it gets its name. And in fact, this won’t be the first time there’s been a state park here: the reservoir was previously the site of a state park of the same name until it closed in the 2000s. 

The area has remained open to the public, however. It’s already a popular fishing destination, and it features some basic facilities such as a boat ramp and pit toilets. But with the revival of the state park, the facilities are sure to greatly improve. 

Currently, they’re still finalizing the plans for the park. But you can be sure it will have plenty of aquatic recreation opportunities! Lost Creek State Park still doesn’t have an official date to start construction. But soon everyone RVing in Utah will be able to take advantage of this beautiful area!

Ready to go RVing in Utah?

With two new parks on the way, a visit to the Beehive State has never been more exciting. Whether you want to be out on the water at Lost Creek State Park or getting in touch with your inner paleontologist at Utahraptor State Park, the future of RVing in Utah is looking bright! And with all the improvements to the existing parks, it’s going to be hard to decide which Utah state park you want to visit first.

For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campgrounds and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. RV LIFE Campgrounds is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV LIFE Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.