Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation

09/04/2026

PARK UPDATE: 9/4/26
Stage 1 fire restrictions rescinded in Duchesne County (including Fred Hayes State Park)

Send a message to learn more

08/20/2026

PARK UPDATE!
We will be downgraded to Stage 1 fire restrictions on Friday (8/20/26)

08/19/2026

Looking for a fun way to enjoy the outdoors at Fred Hayes State Park? Check out our archery range!

Our range features 9 stations with a variety of 3D targets, giving you plenty of opportunities to practice your aim and test your skills. From beginners to experienced archers, there’s something for everyone! 🌲🏹

Don’t have your own equipment? No problem! Bows and arrows can be borrowed at the main booth so you can give archery a try during your visit.

Go straight after the entrance booth and hang a right at the Osprey nest!

Grab your gear, take aim, and see how close you can get to the bullseye! 🎯

08/11/2026

🚨 BOAT SLIP DOCK UPDATE 🚨

Due to the current low water levels at Fred Hayes State Park, the Boat Slip Dock is currently out of the water and is unusable.

If you have an upcoming reservation for the Boat Slip Dock, you have two options:

💰 Request a refund at the entrance booth
🛥️ Use the Courtesy Dock from 8:00 PM–8:00 AM

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as water levels continue to change.

Thank you for helping us keep everyone informed and safe! 💙

08/08/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Military Appreciation Day! 🇺🇸

Today, we’re taking a moment to recognize and thank the brave men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our country. Your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our freedom mean so much to us. ❤️🤍💙

As a small way of saying thank you, former and active military personnel can enjoy free vehicle admission for day use to Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation!

Whether you’re coming out to fish, camp, enjoy the water, or simply relax and take in the scenery, we’re honored to welcome you to the park.

Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸

08/05/2026

POV: You’re a seasonal at Fred Hayes getting sites ready for campers

08/04/2026

💧 Where Does the Water in Starvation Reservoir Come From… and Where Does It Go? 💧

Have you ever looked out across Starvation Reservoir and wondered where all that water comes from?

Most of the water flowing into Starvation Reservoir comes from the Strawberry River, which begins high in the Uinta Mountains. Snowpack melts each spring and feeds streams and rivers, carrying fresh mountain water into the reservoir. Additional water also enters from smaller creeks and seasonal runoff throughout the watershed.

The water stored in Starvation Reservoir is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which operates Starvation Dam. Reservoir releases are carefully planned throughout the year to balance water storage, irrigation needs, downstream river flows, flood control, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreation.

So, where does the water go after leaving the reservoir?

Water is released through Starvation Dam back into the Strawberry River, where it eventually joins the Green River. From there, it flows into the Colorado River, providing water for communities, agriculture, recreation, wildlife habitat, and ecosystems across several western states before ultimately reaching Mexico.

Starvation Reservoir does much more than provide a beautiful place to boat, fish, and camp. It also helps:
🌊 Store water from spring snowmelt for use throughout the year.
🚜 Supply irrigation water to local farms and ranches.
🐟 Support healthy fish and wildlife habitats.
🛡️ Help reduce downstream flooding during high runoff years.

Every drop of water has quite the journey! From the snowy peaks of the Uintas to one of the most important river systems in the American West.

The next time you’re enjoying a day at Fred Hayes State Park, take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey the water beneath your boat, paddleboard, or fishing line has taken, and the careful management that keeps this valuable resource flowing for people and wildlife alike.

07/31/2026

Due to the current low water levels at Fred Hayes State Park, we want to let our visitors know that none of the marina docks are ADA accessible at this time. This includes the wedge dock, boat-slip dock, courtesy dock, and fishing dock.

We understand this may be disappointing, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Water levels have made it impossible to maintain accessible dock connections safely.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor conditions. If you have questions about current lake access or need assistance planning your visit, please contact the park, we’re happy to help.

Thank you for your understanding, and we’ll share updates as conditions change.

07/29/2026

🐍 Wildlife Wednesday: Midget Faded Rattlesnake 🐍

Small but mighty, the Midget Faded Rattlesnake is one of Utah’s most fascinating native reptiles! Found primarily in eastern Utah’s rocky canyons and desert landscapes, this unique rattlesnake is known for its smaller size and beautifully faded colors that help it blend seamlessly into its surroundings.

Here are a few fun facts:
🪨 Adults typically grow to only 18–24 inches long, making them one of the smallest rattlesnake subspecies in North America.
🎨 Their gray, tan, and dusty pink coloring provides excellent camouflage among Utah’s sandstone cliffs and rocky terrain.
🐭 They help maintain a healthy ecosystem by feeding on rodents and other small animals, naturally keeping populations in balance.
⚠️ Like all rattlesnakes, they would rather avoid people than confront them. Their rattle serves as a warning, giving you a chance to back away safely.

If you’re exploring Utah’s beautiful desert country, remember to:
• Stay on marked trails whenever possible.
• Watch where you place your hands and feet around rocks and logs.
• Give all wildlife plenty of space and never attempt to approach or handle a snake.

The Midget Faded Rattlesnake is an important part of Utah’s incredible biodiversity. By respecting wildlife and observing from a safe distance, we can help ensure these remarkable reptiles continue to thrive in their natural habitat.

If you encounter one of these beautiful creatures in our developed areas, give us a call! We will come relocate the snake away from populated areas!

📸: Gaige Reilley + Employees

07/25/2026

Park update #1 10am
Lower boat parking is full. We have started to park boats up by the Mountain View campground. Day Use parking to follow shortly.

Park update #2 11:30am
Boat and Day Use by the beach are full. Boats are being parked in the MV parking lot and Day Use is being parked in our overflow.