Located in Paiute County in Utah (about 12 miles from Antimony), Otter Creek Reservoir is popular for fishing and camping, among other recreation opportunities. The large reservoir, which is at an elevation of 6400 feet, is about three hours south of Salt Lake City and offers cool clear water and good fishing year-round. The land surrounding the reservoir is dominated by sagebrush. The Parker Mountains are to the east, with Monroe Mountain seen west of the reservoir. A variety of wildlife makes their home in the Recreation Area, including deer, antelope, elk, and raptors.
It is not hard to keep busy when spending time at the Otter Creek Reservoir Recreation Area. Those who enjoy riding ATVs can find access to the Paiute ATV trail from the Recreation Area. Boating is popular on Otter Creek Reservoir and it is a great location to use as a home base for trips into surrounding public lands. The BLM maintains a few semi-primitive campsites along the Reservoir’s west side.
When looking for a place for outdoor adventure in central Utah, Otter Creek Reservoir Recreation Area has plenty to offer, both within the Area itself, as well as within its surroundings, making it a perfect choice for an RV adventure!
From Cedar City Utah, take I-15 north to UT-20 E (exit 95) toward US-89. Turn right onto UT-20 E and continue for 20 miles. As you approach US-89 N, you will pass Bear Valley RV and Camping Resort on your right. Next, turn left onto US-89 N, a paved, two-lane road, where you will proceed for 21.3 miles. When you reach the junction for UT-62, turn right. After driving for 12 miles, continue straight onto UT-22 S, another two-lane paved road that will take you to the reservoir. At an elevation of over 6300 feet, snow is possible during winter months, so it is helpful to keep an eye on the weather prior to traveling to the Reservoir.
Parking is available at the Otter Creek Reservoir Recreation Area.
Public transportation is not available to the Otter Creek Reservoir Recreation Area.
The campground, which is located at the southern end of the reservoir at Otter Creek State Park, offers 52 standard campsites along with one group site. The campground is able to accommodate RVs and trailers that are up to 45 feet long and electric hook-ups are available at some of the sites.
There are plenty of amenities at the campground, including modern restrooms, hot showers, a boat launch, beach access, drinking water, and a dump station. Each site has a picnic table, a grill, and a firepit. Camping at Otter Creek State Park offers easy access to the Otter Creek Reservoir Recreation Area, as well as the many other recreation options located nearby.
Located west of Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon National Park is Sunset Campground, which has sites for both RVs and tents, totaling 100. Sites at the campground do not have hook-ups, though during summer months a dump station is available near North Campground (for a fee) and near the dump station is potable water. There is a shuttle stop at the campground’s entrance, making it easy to hop on and explore the park.
The campground has portable toilets and each site has a fire grate. Laundry facilities are available for campers. Reservations can be made to camp at Sunset Campground, which is in a great location to explore the natural beauty of its surrounding area.
While spending time in the Otter Creek Reservoir Recreation Area, there are plenty of opportunities for exploring by ATV. The Paiute ATV trail can be accessed from the Recreation Area; this is an extensive trail system for ATVs that spans three State Parks and offers access into the communities along the trails.
Explore the trails and beautiful surroundings for hours or for days. Trails are well maintained and offer plenty of opportunity for adventure!
A State Park since 1965, Otter Creek State Park offers plenty of outdoor adventure recreation options. Otter Creek is known as one of the premier trout fisheries in the state of Utah and is popular among those looking to fish for trout (rainbow, cutthroat and brown) and smallmouth bass.
A boat launch makes it easy to head to deeper waters and fishing opportunities. Those who enjoy birding are in luck; many species stop and feed at the reservoir during their travel along the Pacific Migratory Bird Flyway.
Looking to spend some time fishing? A year-round activity at the Otter Creek Reservoir, anglers can fish for a variety of species. A private marina can be found at the reservoir, where you can purchase bait, tackle and other items needed to fish.
Choose to fish out in the Reservoir on a boat, or give Fisherman’s Beach, Tamarisk Point and South Point a try, where there is fishing access. Enjoy the solitude of the area while possibly catching your next meal!
A little more than an hour away from Otter Creek Reservoir Recreation Area is Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon includes a series of natural amphitheaters and within the National Park you can view hoodoos, which are spires of rocks that have been uniquely eroded.
There are four main viewpoints within the park, where you can gaze at its amazing scenery. Plenty of hiking trails are available so that visitors can explore the hoodoos up close. There are also opportunities to explore the park on horseback!
Bryce National Park’s North Campground has 99 campsites, some of which accommodate RV and trailers while others are for tent camping. There are no hook-ups available at the campground, though potable water is available. The campground is open all year and flush toilets are available. Laundry facilities are also available seasonally.
Sites are first-come, first-served, with each offering a fire grate. A dump station is located at the south end of the campground and is available for use during the summer months for $5. Stay at North Campground and enjoy easy access to Otter Creek Reservoir Recreation Area as well as Bryce Canyon National Park.
Butch Cassidy, who was born Robert LeRoy Parker, was a train and bank robber in the American Old West, who also led a gang of outlaws known as the “Wild Bunch”. You can now visit his childhood home, which is located about one mile south of Circleville. The home was recently renovated and is now an attraction for those traveling on U.S. Highway 89.
Admission is free and parking is plentiful. As the site is very close to the Paiute ATV Trail, ATV enthusiasts can visit it as a part of their adventure!
Just because there is snow on the ground does not mean you won’t find plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun! The Fishlake National Forest and the Tushar Mountains offer options for outdoor adventure during the winter months, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Cooler weather does not have to stop you from having a blast outdoors in the area; you will find plenty to see and do!
