Fishing, swimming, and hiking are the main draws at Steinaker State Park Campground, a 31-site facility built around a small reservoir about five miles north of Vernal. The lake gives campers direct access to water-based recreation, with a sandy beach, pavilions, and a group site that sits close to the water's edge. A nature trail runs along the lake's perimeter, and the Eagle Crest trail, accessible from the group site, climbs high enough to look out over the reservoir and the valley toward town.
Site selection matters here. The upper level of the campground, sites 1 through 8, has full hookups with 50-amp electric, water, and sewer, and campers who have stayed there note more space between sites than in the lower areas. Sites closer to the lake tend to fill first and book out well in advance, particularly those shaded by cottonwoods. The vegetation across most of the campground is sparse, mostly sagebrush and juniper, so shade is limited outside those lakeside spots. As Steve H. describes it, it's a "very pleasant cg around a smallish lake near Vernal, UT," with a flush toilet and shower building alongside the pit toilets, plus a dump station on site.
RVs up to 54 feet can be accommodated, though the layout requires attention. Site 7 is the easiest full-hookup pull-through to navigate, while site 8 involves a tight quarter-turn with a large tree and two posts at the front that have caught more than a few rigs. Water pressure runs low, around 25 to 30 psi, so travelers with large tanks may want to fill up and rely on an onboard pump. Cell service on Verizon hovers between one and two bars, with better data performance in the mornings. WiFi is available on site.
One practical note on water levels: at least one reviewer observed the reservoir running significantly low and suggested nearby Red Fleet State Park as an alternative for swimming. Conditions vary by season and year, so it's worth checking current lake levels before planning a water-focused trip. Reservations are available and recommended, especially for hookup sites and the cabin or yurts. Nightly rates run from $30 for basic sites to $50 or more for full hookups, with weekly discounts reportedly available.
Steinaker works well as a base for the Vernal area's broader offerings, including dinosaur museums, OHV trails, and the short hike to Moonshine Arch just down the road from the park entrance. The camp hosts have consistently drawn positive mentions for being helpful and approachable. If you're planning to hike to Moonshine Arch, skip the mapping apps and ask the gate host for directions instead.
Description
Sandy beaches, swimming, boating and waterskiing top the list of activities at Steinaker. Anglers enjoy fishing year-round for rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Located in the heart of Dinosaurland, the park is seven miles north of Vernal, just off Utah Highway 191 in northeastern Utah. Off-highway vehicle riding areas are nearby.
- Fees for damage to the cabin or yurt are the responsibility of the person or persons named on this reservation. Actual costs associated with repairing any damage or excessive cleaning will be charged to the person named on this reservation
- Gates close at 10 p.m. No admittance after that time.
- Firewood is available for sale at the park.
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Visit stateparks.utah.gov to learn current conditions, fire restrictions, and other important information for each individual state park. Refunds are not given for changing park conditions such as changing water levels or fire bans.
All campsites and yurts are available for reservation on a four-month rolling basis. For example, on January 10 individual sites are available for reservation through May 10. You can book a maximum of 13 days beyond the last date of the reservation window. For more information please contact our Reservation Call Center at 800-322-3770 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) Monday through Friday. The call center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
All Reservations that extend beyond The Furthest Arrival Date Must Wait 21 Days Before Changes Can Be Made
By a vehicle having a camper or RV, that means it is a camping unit, not an extra vehicle.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSteinaker State Park Campground is located in Utah near Vernal
Directions
Take 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.to the park.
Address
4335 NORTH HIGHWAY 191
Vernal, UT 84078-7800
Coordinates
40.51799664 N
109.541991 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/14/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/14/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/14/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/14/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 30 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 2 hrs 35 min from Provo, UT
- 2 hrs 51 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 3 hrs 18 min from Ogden, UT




































