The shaded and grassy landscape of Green River State Park provides a perfect backdrop for RVers and campers who are looking for a relaxing weekend getaway. Located along Utah’s Green River, the park is a jumping-off point for paddlers and river rafters floating through Labyrinth and Stillwater canyons.
At just 53 acres wide, the park is small, but it is a good camping location for visitors who want to park their RVs or trailers and take another vehicle to some of Utah’s most scenic destinations. Green River is located within a two-hour drive from three national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. It is also close to Goblin Valley State Park and Dead Horse Point State Park, two of Utah’s most picturesque parks in the region.
The park is named after the river that traverses much of the state. The 730-mile long Green River is a chief tributary of the Colorado River. It begins in Wyoming and flows into Utah, Colorado, and then back into Utah again. Eventually, the Green River meets with the Colorado River and empties into Lake Powell. Green River and Green River State Park are popular among photographers and provide many of Utah’s most photographed areas. Things to do at Green River State Park include fishing and boating.
Green River State Park is located approximately 182 miles southeast of Salt Lake City and 52 miles northwest of Moab, Utah. From Grand Junction, Colorado, the park is located 102 miles west. The closest town is Green River, Utah, and the park is located within the city limits of Green River, just off of Interstate 70. Guests should have no trouble navigating to the park all of the roads leading to it are paved highways and local roads.
Once they arrive in the city of Green River, all they need to do is follow signs for Green River State Park. Guests should be aware that all Utah state parks charge a day-use fee. Visitors can pay the fee at the entrance station when entering the park. Once inside of the park, all major roads are paved with a few gravel paths that are less-traveled. A large, gravel-covered area is provided near the boat launch so that visitors can easily get their boats in and out of the river.
Green River State Park Campground offers many shaded sites, giving campers more opportunity to sit outside in this beautiful desert setting. This pet-friendly campground has a total of 48 sites, with some being back-in sites and others pull-through. All of the campsites have electrical and water hookups, as well as tent pads, a table, a grill, and a fire pit. Four of the campsites even offer full hookups. When making reservations, visitors should ensure their camper or motorhome will fit by checking the individual specs for each site. The campground has modern restroom and shower facilities, sheltered picnic tables, and a dump station. Generators are permitted, but visitors must turn off them during quiet hours from 10:00 PM until 7:00 AM.
During the park's off-season, from December through February, all of the 48 campsites are available first-come, first-served basis. Guests will want to make sure that they arrive at the park early so that they can claim a campsite because once the campground is full, there are few alternate camping options within the park.
For visitors who don't enjoy traditional golf, the disc golf course at Green River State Park is a good alternative. The 18-hole course is a championship level course, but anyone can play here. Visitors don't have to worry about not having any equipment because they can rent supplies and discs at the clubhouse. Guests should be aware that they will need to contact the clubhouse in order to set up a tee time for disc golf.
The Green River is an iconic place for fishing. Anglers can go after a wide range of fish species like catfish, carp, and trout. Brown trout are native to the Green River, where the record brown trout was caught weighing in at nearly 30 pounds. There is also a community pond at the park that is stocked with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Visitors should be careful to release some of the protected species of fish back in the Green River. The Colorado pikeminnow, humpback, bonytail chub, and razorback sucker must immediately be released to help keep these species from extinction. Be aware that all anglers are required to have a Utah state fishing permit and be aware of daily catch limits. Catch and release is encouraged.
The group day-use area, located along the banks of the river, is the perfect place for campers to picnic while they watch the paddlers pass by and enjoy the outdoors. The day-use area has sheltered picnic tables, and it is located close to parking, restrooms, and the boat launch. Visitors can stay a little while, or all day. It is first-come, first-served, so guests will want to get there early. It is a popular spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful views at Green River State Park.
For guests who are wanting to take a break from the RV, the park has one rustic cabin available for reservations. The cabin is equipped with heating and air conditioning as well as basic kitchen appliances, including a microwave and refrigerator. The cabin can accommodate up to six campers and also includes a private fire ring and picnic table so that guests can enjoy their meals outside. Guests should be aware that there is no smoking or pets allowed inside the cabin.
The Green River isn’t just for white water adventures. Visitors who want to explore the beautiful river should consider renting a kayak or canoe and floating the still parts of the river. Because much of the river is isolated, inexperienced paddlers should always hire a guide. The river put-in is in Green River State Park, and the takeouts are at Mineral Bottom in Canyonlands National Park. Be aware that a National Park permit is required to paddle the Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons section of the river below Moab.
The Green River is a favorite destination for white water rafting in Utah. Many local river outfitting companies take rafters on excursions through the still waters and raging rapids of the Green River. Visitors on rafting tours will enjoy the rush of white-water rapids as well as the opportunity to play fun games in slower, calmer sections. Interested guests should contact one of the river guide companies to find out about an extreme water adventure. Rafters can expect an exciting experience along with a unique perspective of Utah geology and Native American ruins.
One of the main attractions of Green River State Park is the scenic and challenging nine-hole Green River State Park Golf Course. The course runs along the Green River and is partially shaded by cottonwood trees. The course, created to challenge experienced golfers, also accommodates those new to the sport. Golfers can play one round, or combine two rounds to equal 18 holes. Visitors can rent clubs, golf wear, carts, and other gear at the pro shop. Contact the clubhouse for tee times, course fees, and additional golfing information.
