Written by Brandon Breach • Last Updated May 19, 2023
The 7 Best Places to Paddleboard Near SLC
Utah county • 65 Mins from Downtown SLC
#1 Tibble Fork Reservoir
Tucked away in American Fork Canyon, Utah, you'll discover two mesmerizing lakes that rank among our favorites - Tibble Fork Reservoir and Silver Lake Flat Reservoir. Nestled in the canyon's embrace, Tibble Fork boasts a tranquil setting that's just a stone's throw from AJ Motion Sports SUP Rental Shop in Sandy, Utah. This lake is a treasure trove for non-motorized water enthusiasts, offering breathtaking vistas and a calm, motor-free water surface.
Tibble Fork is more than just a lake. It's equipped with a restroom, an information booth manned by the forest service, a sandy beach for lounging, and a specialized kayak launch ramp - ideal for setting off on your SUP or kayak adventure, or even for a spontaneous dip.
However, the lake's popularity, combined with its compact size, often makes it a busy spot, particularly on weekends. If you're looking for a quieter retreat, don't worry - just drive up the dirt road north of the parking lot to Silver Lake Flat Reservoir. This hidden gem may be a tad smaller and requires a short detour along a dirt road, but its secluded location means it's often overlooked, making it a peaceful hideaway.
Silver Lake Flat, while lacking amenities, makes up for it with its prolific fish life - it's an angler's paradise, teeming with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout. Although all you'll find here is a gravel parking lot and a small dock, the serene views and tranquil atmosphere make the extra 10-minute drive well worth it.
Tibble Fork is more than just a lake. It's equipped with a restroom, an information booth manned by the forest service, a sandy beach for lounging, and a specialized kayak launch ramp - ideal for setting off on your SUP or kayak adventure, or even for a spontaneous dip.
However, the lake's popularity, combined with its compact size, often makes it a busy spot, particularly on weekends. If you're looking for a quieter retreat, don't worry - just drive up the dirt road north of the parking lot to Silver Lake Flat Reservoir. This hidden gem may be a tad smaller and requires a short detour along a dirt road, but its secluded location means it's often overlooked, making it a peaceful hideaway.
Silver Lake Flat, while lacking amenities, makes up for it with its prolific fish life - it's an angler's paradise, teeming with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout. Although all you'll find here is a gravel parking lot and a small dock, the serene views and tranquil atmosphere make the extra 10-minute drive well worth it.
Weber County • 60 Mins from Downtown SLC
#2 Causey Reservoir
Just past Ogden and nestled near Huntsville, Utah, lies the captivating Causey Reservoir. This 140-acre wonder, far removed from motorized boats, serves as an idyllic sanctuary for kayaks, SUPs, swimmers, divers, and anglers. With its stunning mountain vistas and vast exploratory potential, Causey promises an unforgettable adventure.
The reservoir is a real bargain, as it's free of day and parking fees. However, parking spaces along the road can fill up quickly, so an early start is advised. It's a pet-friendly destination, with many visitors bringing along their four-legged companions. For those looking to extend their visit, Causey offers plenty of car camping and hike-in camping spots. Plus, you'll find hiking trails suitable for varying skill levels, and an abundance of fish including Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, and Cutthroat Trout.
Amenities Include: Car camping options, public restrooms, diverse hiking trails, and cliff jumping opportunities.
Tip: Parking can be tight, so it's best to arrive early. The area is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your canine companion. If you're an angler, don't forget your fishing gear - the reservoir is teeming with diverse fish species!
The reservoir is a real bargain, as it's free of day and parking fees. However, parking spaces along the road can fill up quickly, so an early start is advised. It's a pet-friendly destination, with many visitors bringing along their four-legged companions. For those looking to extend their visit, Causey offers plenty of car camping and hike-in camping spots. Plus, you'll find hiking trails suitable for varying skill levels, and an abundance of fish including Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, and Cutthroat Trout.
Amenities Include: Car camping options, public restrooms, diverse hiking trails, and cliff jumping opportunities.
Tip: Parking can be tight, so it's best to arrive early. The area is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your canine companion. If you're an angler, don't forget your fishing gear - the reservoir is teeming with diverse fish species!
Wasatch county • 40 Mins from Downtown SLC
#3 Jordanelle Reservoir
Since the mid-90s, Jordanelle Reservoir, sustained by the Provo River and bound by the Jordanelle Dam, has emerged as one of Utah's premier reservoirs. The Jordanelle spans nearly 5 square miles of refreshingly cool water; this recreational haven features meticulously maintained camping and boating facilities and scenic, meandering trails.
The reservoir creates a consistent, small wave environment perfect for intermediate SUP boarders thanks to a steady stream of boating and wave runner activities. At the same time, the expansive water surface also provides ample space for beginners to practice their balance. In addition, a courtesy dock is available during the summer months to facilitate easy launching for sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards.
We at STAGE have a particular fondness for Jordanelle due to its strategic location close to Park City, Heber, and Salt Lake City. In addition, it's one of the largest and nearest paddleboard locations to our base in Sandy, Utah. So if you're an adventurer planning a weekend escape or a sunny day trip, Jordanelle is your go-to spot.
Amenities Include: Restrooms with showers, a parking lot, a park office, an entrance station, a boat ramp, concessions, dry storage, covered boat storage, and a dump station.
Tips:
Aim to arrive early, and bring a towel and umbrella for beach use.
If available, seize one of the pavilions equipped with built-in BBQs.
Remember, weekday visits can save you money as compared to weekends!
The reservoir creates a consistent, small wave environment perfect for intermediate SUP boarders thanks to a steady stream of boating and wave runner activities. At the same time, the expansive water surface also provides ample space for beginners to practice their balance. In addition, a courtesy dock is available during the summer months to facilitate easy launching for sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards.
We at STAGE have a particular fondness for Jordanelle due to its strategic location close to Park City, Heber, and Salt Lake City. In addition, it's one of the largest and nearest paddleboard locations to our base in Sandy, Utah. So if you're an adventurer planning a weekend escape or a sunny day trip, Jordanelle is your go-to spot.
Amenities Include: Restrooms with showers, a parking lot, a park office, an entrance station, a boat ramp, concessions, dry storage, covered boat storage, and a dump station.
Tips:
Aim to arrive early, and bring a towel and umbrella for beach use.
If available, seize one of the pavilions equipped with built-in BBQs.
Remember, weekday visits can save you money as compared to weekends!
Weber County • 60 Mins from Downtown SLC
#4 Pineview Reservoir
Pineview Reservoir, boasting a rich diversity of fish, an expansive beach, and the warmest waters in Northern Utah, is a dream destination for locals. With approximately 4 square miles of 40-foot-deep warm water, it's an unmissable stop for every Utah resident. A constant hive of activity during the summer, Pineview's exceptional windsurfing, swimming, and fishing opportunities make it the busiest reservoir of its size in all of Utah.
Pineview caters to visitors with three large swimming areas, complete with sandy beaches and plentiful day-use spaces. The reservoir provides convenient water access points in all four directions, enhancing its user-friendly appeal. Anglers will relish the chance to catch Blue Ribbon Trophy Tiger Muskie, a challenging species that is a much-coveted catch.
Weber county kindly reminds all explorers to be responsible for their waste, ensuring they pick up all trash and recycling. Please note that as of mid-June 2017, alcohol is no longer permitted.
Amenities Include: Three paved launch ramps, modern campgrounds, and contemporary lodging options.
Tip: Free beaches are available before Cemetery Point, perfect for a budget-friendly day trip. Be sure to arrive early to secure your spot on these popular sands.
Pineview caters to visitors with three large swimming areas, complete with sandy beaches and plentiful day-use spaces. The reservoir provides convenient water access points in all four directions, enhancing its user-friendly appeal. Anglers will relish the chance to catch Blue Ribbon Trophy Tiger Muskie, a challenging species that is a much-coveted catch.
Weber county kindly reminds all explorers to be responsible for their waste, ensuring they pick up all trash and recycling. Please note that as of mid-June 2017, alcohol is no longer permitted.
Amenities Include: Three paved launch ramps, modern campgrounds, and contemporary lodging options.
Tip: Free beaches are available before Cemetery Point, perfect for a budget-friendly day trip. Be sure to arrive early to secure your spot on these popular sands.
Morgan county • 60 Mins from Downtown SLC
#5 East Canyon Reservoir
East Canyon Reservoir, a timeless favorite for both locals and tourists, was established in the early 1960s. This historic state park, steeped in heritage, has been a haven for boaters, anglers, and campers for over half a century. East Canyon is renowned for its historic trails, including the notable Mormon Pioneer Trail, once tread by the Donner Party and the Pony Express.
Spanning a square mile, East Canyon State Park's reservoir is a fantastic playground for paddleboarders of all skill levels. With its impressive range of activities – from exceptional fishing and camping to Yurt and Cabin services, and historically significant trails – East Canyon is a dynamic playground in Northern Utah. You can even catch a glimpse of the remnants of a Mormon-built stronghold, Fort Wells.
We cherish East Canyon for its beautiful, winding canyon drive and its close proximity to Salt Lake City. The calm waters perfectly cater to our needs, the wildlife is abundant, and the area's rich history adds an extra dash of intrigue.
Amenities Include: Restrooms with showers, parking lot, dump station, entrance station, boat ramp, concession, and dry storage.
Tip: East Canyon tends to get crowded fast, so booking a campground in advance or arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot! The water can be chilly, so remember to pack a towel for drying off after your aquatic adventures!
Spanning a square mile, East Canyon State Park's reservoir is a fantastic playground for paddleboarders of all skill levels. With its impressive range of activities – from exceptional fishing and camping to Yurt and Cabin services, and historically significant trails – East Canyon is a dynamic playground in Northern Utah. You can even catch a glimpse of the remnants of a Mormon-built stronghold, Fort Wells.
We cherish East Canyon for its beautiful, winding canyon drive and its close proximity to Salt Lake City. The calm waters perfectly cater to our needs, the wildlife is abundant, and the area's rich history adds an extra dash of intrigue.
Amenities Include: Restrooms with showers, parking lot, dump station, entrance station, boat ramp, concession, and dry storage.
Tip: East Canyon tends to get crowded fast, so booking a campground in advance or arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot! The water can be chilly, so remember to pack a towel for drying off after your aquatic adventures!
Box Elder County • 90 Mins from Downtown SLC
#6 Willard Bay Reservoir
A picturesque blend of warm waters stretching nearly 20 miles and remarkable wildlife, Willard Bay is located just 12 miles northwest of Ogden. Despite celebrating its 50th anniversary, the recently renovated bay continually impresses visitors with its top-tier day-use and camping facilities, along with a stunning panoramic view of Utah's majestic mountains.
Willard Bay, with its wide sandy beaches, covered pavilions, and expansive 10,000-acre water surface, forms a vast playground for groups of varying sizes and skill levels. It's a hot spot for fishing in Northern Utah, with a rich variety of catfish, crappie, and smallmouth bass. The bay's allure attracts over 200,000 visitors each year.
For anyone seeking a scenic adventure in Utah, Willard Bay is an essential visit. We at STAGE are particularly fond of it due to its proximity to the historic city of Ogden and the stunning views from its warm waters. The bay's location makes it an ideal retreat to escape the summer heat.
Amenities Include: A dump station, restrooms with showers, a parking lot, a boat ramp, dry storage, a concession stand, a fish cleaning station, and an entrance station.
Tip: Before you head to the bay, ensure your boat is mussel-free and carry proof of this. Failing to do so may prevent you from launching your boat into the water!
Willard Bay, with its wide sandy beaches, covered pavilions, and expansive 10,000-acre water surface, forms a vast playground for groups of varying sizes and skill levels. It's a hot spot for fishing in Northern Utah, with a rich variety of catfish, crappie, and smallmouth bass. The bay's allure attracts over 200,000 visitors each year.
For anyone seeking a scenic adventure in Utah, Willard Bay is an essential visit. We at STAGE are particularly fond of it due to its proximity to the historic city of Ogden and the stunning views from its warm waters. The bay's location makes it an ideal retreat to escape the summer heat.
Amenities Include: A dump station, restrooms with showers, a parking lot, a boat ramp, dry storage, a concession stand, a fish cleaning station, and an entrance station.
Tip: Before you head to the bay, ensure your boat is mussel-free and carry proof of this. Failing to do so may prevent you from launching your boat into the water!
Morgan county • 60 Mins from Downtown SLC
#7 Highland Glen Park
Nestled just south of Lone Peak High School, Highland Glen is a community pond surrounded by a park complete with a beach volleyball court, picnic pavilions, and a fantastic playground for kids. This serene location is a fantastic spot to hone your paddleboarding skills and is popular among beginners to the sport. In addition, it's a common haunt for anglers casting their lines for rainbow trout and channel catfish.
Highland Glen Park is an excellent choice for those wanting to take a few hours out of their day for a refreshing dip in the water and a family outing in the sun. Beginners and novices will find this tranquil spot particularly inviting. We at STAGE recommend this pond for a serene day of fishing off the pier.
Amenities Include: Restrooms, picnic areas, and a fishing pier.
Tip: Highland Glen is a terrific choice for a day trip, particularly for introducing young ones to the art of fishing. Fishers often report a flurry of bites!
Highland Glen Park is an excellent choice for those wanting to take a few hours out of their day for a refreshing dip in the water and a family outing in the sun. Beginners and novices will find this tranquil spot particularly inviting. We at STAGE recommend this pond for a serene day of fishing off the pier.
Amenities Include: Restrooms, picnic areas, and a fishing pier.
Tip: Highland Glen is a terrific choice for a day trip, particularly for introducing young ones to the art of fishing. Fishers often report a flurry of bites!
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