Millsite State Park
Huntington, Utah · Price Field Office
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- reservoir
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- No fee found
- SEASON
- Varies by conditions
About Millsite State Park
Millsite State Park sits on the south end of Millsite Reservoir at the mouth of Ferron Canyon in Emery County, Utah, about 3.4 miles from the town of Ferron. The Utah State Parks system manages the 638-acre park and reservoir, which was formed by a multipurpose dam completed in 1970, and officially lists swimming among the water's recreational uses alongside boating, waterskiing, and fishing.
The park lies at roughly 6,100 feet elevation where Ferron Canyon opens onto the reservoir, with sandstone canyon walls northwest of the park bearing Native American rock art and pioneer graffiti. An 18-hole golf course sits adjacent, and off-highway-vehicle and mountain bike trails run nearby in the canyon.
Swimming at Millsite State Park
Swimming is an officially designated use of Millsite Reservoir, a reservoir-lake setting rather than a natural swimming hole; the park does not describe a specific swim beach, lifeguard service, or roped-off swim area, so swimmers share the open reservoir with boaters and anglers.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Salt Lake City, travel roughly 165 miles south and east; the park is off State Route 10 at the town of Ferron, then four miles west on Ferron Canyon Road.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Millsite is a drive-up reservoir park - day-use area, picnic sites, and boat ramp sit directly off the parking area, so no hike is needed to reach the water. Separate OHV and mountain-bike trail networks exist nearby in Ferron Canyon but are unrelated to swim access.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Millsite is an open reservoir shared with motorboats and waterskiers; the official park page does not describe a roped-off swim beach, lifeguard service, or graduated shallow entry. Families should supervise closely and stay clear of the boat ramp/launch lane. Reservoir was reported at 31% capacity at time of research, which can mean uneven, rocky, or muddy shoreline entry rather than a groomed beach.
Parking
Paid
Day-use/park entry fee is collected via self-service fee envelope at the entrance station or online through Utah State Parks' Park Pass system; the exact dollar amount was not published on the pages reviewed. Parking is at the developed day-use area near the campground and boat ramp, not roadside.
Restrooms
Yes
On-site restroom and shower house near the day-use/campground area (park's own status update: 'Restroom and shower house is open and our water is on!'). Exact building location relative to the swim area not specified on the official page.
Hours
Summer: 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Winter: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day (per Utah State Parks official page).
On the water
Restrictions: Boat ramp was posted 'Launch At Your Own Risk' due to low reservoir water levels (31% capacity at time of research). Boat decontamination inspections for aquatic invasive species are by appointment only.
Official sources (Utah State Parks, Wikipedia) confirm the reservoir supports boating, waterskiing, and fishing generally. Non-motorized craft such as kayak, canoe, or paddleboard are not explicitly named in any source found, and no restriction against them was found either - their permissibility is likely but unconfirmed, so they are intentionally left out of the allowed list per the no-guessing rule.
Backstory
Millsite Reservoir was created by a multipurpose dam completed in 1970 as part of the Ferron Watershed Project; an earlier dam at the same site had served a flour mill, which gives the park its name.
Millsite State Park: FAQ
Is Millsite State Park kid friendly?
Millsite is an open reservoir shared with motorboats and waterskiers; the official park page does not describe a roped-off swim beach, lifeguard service, or graduated shallow entry. Families should supervise closely and stay clear of the boat ramp/launch lane. Reservoir was reported at 31% capacity at time of research, which can mean uneven, rocky, or muddy shoreline entry rather than a groomed beach.
Do I need to hike to reach Millsite State Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Millsite State Park?
Day-use/park entry fee is collected via self-service fee envelope at the entrance station or online through Utah State Parks' Park Pass system; the exact dollar amount was not published on the pages reviewed. Parking is at the developed day-use area near the campground and boat ramp, not roadside.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Millsite State Park?
Official sources (Utah State Parks, Wikipedia) confirm the reservoir supports boating, waterskiing, and fishing generally. Non-motorized craft such as kayak, canoe, or paddleboard are not explicitly named in any source found, and no restriction against them was found either - their permissibility is likely but unconfirmed, so they are intentionally left out of the allowed list per the no-guessing rule.
What are the rules at Millsite State Park?
As of the most recent park update, Stage 2 fire restrictions were in effect (no open fires of any kind; only approved portable camp stoves permitted), and the boat ramp was posted 'Launch At Your Own Risk' due to low reservoir water levels.
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