Palisade State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Palisade State Park sits in the heart of Utah. Picturesque Palisade Reservoir is surrounded by rolling hills and mountain peaks. Located five miles south of Manti, Utah, the park offers a variety of activities and campgrounds for visitors to enjoy.
Head for the beach and swim and boat on the reservoir. The park has its own boat rental service for non-motorized watercraft like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats. Spend the day fishing for Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, and Cutthroat Trout. Hike through the surrounding hills and experience breathtaking valley views.
Hop on an off-highway vehicle and navigate the Arapeen trail system. Experience Skyline Drive, a winding trail at 10,000 feet along the Wasatch Plateau.
Golfers can hit the links at the famous Palisade Golf Course. Play 18 holes at 6,000 feet elevation surrounded by majestic mountains and canyons. Don’t forget your camera when you’re packing your clubs.
Choose from three RV campgrounds, one of which features sites with full-hookups. Access modern restrooms with hot showers, and walk out of your trailer onto the beach. Spend the evening cooking the day’s catch on the grill and relaxing by the fire.
Escape the everyday and experience the great outdoors at Palisade State Park.
RV Rentals in Palisade State Park
Transportation
Driving
Palisade State Park is located in the geographic center of Utah. You’ll find it tucked into the hills five miles south of Manti, Utah, and two hours outside of Salt Lake City.
Visitors can access the park by exiting Interstate-15 and heading toward Nephi, Utah. Continue south on US 89 to travel to the small town of Sterling, Utah. Head east for two miles on Palisade Road to enter the park.
The campgrounds can be accessed by a loop that circles the Palisade Reservoir. The roads are wide and paved to easily accommodate RVs, trailers, and those towing watercraft and off-highway vehicles. Roads are plowed in the winter months to keep the park accessible.
The speed limit throughout the park is 15 mph and strictly enforced.
Parking
Park only in designated parking areas at campsites, the golf course, and swimming areas. Keep vehicle wheels on pavement at all times.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Palisade State Park
Campsites in Palisade State Park
Reservations camping
Sandpitch Campground
Sandpitch Campground features eight RV sites with full hook-ups. Each site includes parking for one vehicle, a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Easily walk to restrooms and hot showers, as well as to the park’s boat rental station. Culinary water and a sewage disposal stations are also available. Pets are allowed but should remain on a six-foot leash. No generator use is allowed during quiet hours from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Arapeen Campground
Arapeen Campground provides RV sites without hook-ups. It is ADA accessible, and sits between the Palisade Golf Course and a swimming beach. Each site includes parking for one vehicle, a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Easily walk to restrooms and hot showers. Culinary water and a sewage disposal stations are also available. Pets are allowed but should remain on a six-foot leash. No generator use is allowed during quiet hours from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Pioneer Campground
Pioneer Campground offers RV sites without hook-ups. It sits on a swim beach and is near the Palisade boat ramp. Each site includes parking for one vehicle, a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Easily walk to restrooms and hot showers. Culinary water and a sewage disposal stations are also available. Pets are allowed but should remain on a six-foot leash. No generator use is allowed during quiet hours from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Seasonal activities in Palisade State Park
In-Season
Swimming and Boating
Palisade Reservoir is the perfect place for a day on the water. Grab your sunscreen and swim or sunbathe at one of the many swim beaches and picnic areas. The park has its own rental service for watercraft, lifejackets, and paddles. Electric motor-powered boats and non-motorized watercraft only are allowed on the lake. Enjoy the waves by paddle boat, paddleboard, canoe, or kayak. The boat launch is located near the Pioneer Campground and group pavilion.
Golfing
Palisade Golf Course is a one-of-a-kind experience for novice and expert golfers. Play 18 holes in the shadow of majestic mountains while you skirt canyons and the Palisade Reservoir. The scenic views and 6,000 foot elevation mean you should be sure to pack your camera with your clubs. Enjoy the clubhouse with full amenities including golf shop, restaurant, equipment and clothing rental, driving range, and private and group lessons. Reserve your tee time up to a week in advance.
Hiking
Whether you’re an avid hiker or looking to take an easy scenic stroll, Palisade State Park offers a variety of exciting trails. Explore the perimeter of the reservoir and historic dam on the one and a half mile long campground loop, or head to the west side of the lake to hike up trails that lead you to the peaks of the surrounding hills. Once at the top, you’ll experience breathtaking views of the valley below.
Off-Season
Snow Sports
When cooler temperatures set in, a wealth of new activities become available to park visitors. The scenic views and trails can be enjoyed by cross-country skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile. Ice skate on the frozen reservoir, or enjoy an off-season golf tournament. Anglers can walk out onto the lake and spend the day ice fishing for Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, and Cutthroat Trout. Depending on the amount of snow, certain off-highway vehicle trails will remain open for use as well.
Fishing
Palisade Reservoir is a favorite fishing spot for locals and visiting campers. Grab a valid Utah fishing license and set up shop on the shore or on the lake. Only electric motors or non-motorized boats are allowed on the water. The reservoir is home to Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, and Cutthroat Trout. You’ll also see a few goldfish that help balance the ecosystem of the lake. A limit of four trout is placed on a day of fishing. Fishing is not permitted from the swim beaches.
Off-Highway Vehicle Riding
Palisade State Park is known for its extensive system of off-highway vehicle trails. Ride your OHV to nearby Six-Mile Canyon and access Skyline Drive, a 10,000 foot high trail that travels along the Wasatch Plateau. Visit the OHV Trail Information Kiosk at the Gold Hill group site for maps of the area, the Arapeen Trail System, and other day trips you can take from the park. The trails vary in difficulty from easy to moderate.
