OTTER CREEK STATE PARK
Year-round fishing and boating on 3,120-acre Otter Creek Reservoir are the park's featured activities. The park is four miles northwest of Antimony on State Route 22. Camping and picnicking units, modern rest rooms with hot showers, fish cleaning and sewage disposal stations, boat launching ramp and courtesy docks are available.
In the fall of 1897, construction began on one of the oldest dam projects in Utah, creating what is now Otter Creek Reservoir. Local Mormons in the area needed a source of irrigation water for farming in the area where they had chosen to live. Many of the farmers had experience with building irrigation canals, but knew nothing about constructing a dam. After applying for water rights, members of the Otter Creek Reservoir Company were denied the financial assistance they needed to take on the project.
Despite the lack of funds to build the dam, it was decided to go ahead and begin construction. Robert Dixon Young, who had no prior experience in dam construction, was appointed supervisor of the project. With the help of local volunteers and homemade equipment, construction began in 1897. A year later, financial assistance was finally approved and the proper equipment to complete the project was purchased.
Once the 40-foot-high dam was complete, state engineers described it to be one of the best and more secure earth reservoir dams in the country. The original dam structure held up very well over many years, although some recent improvements have been made by the state.
Day-UseFishingyes
Picnickingyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
1. Otter Creek State Park offers a large reservoir for swimming.
2. The park's sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and building sandcastles before taking a swim.
3. Lifeguards are not on duty, so swimmers should exercise caution while in the water.
4. Swimming areas aren't roped off; visitors can enjoy open-water swimming at their own risk.
5. Children must be supervised by adults when near or in the water to ensure safety.
6. The lake's clear waters offer good visibility during daytime hours making it ideal for casual swims.
7. Water temperatures vary seasonally but typically remain comfortable enough throughout summer months suitable for long-distance swims.
8. Swimming after dark isn't recommended due to lack of lighting around the area.
The park offers a variety of fishing options, including boat and shore fishing. Anglers can catch Rainbow Trout year-round. Other species include Smallmouth Bass and Wipers (a hybrid striped bass). Ice-fishing is popular during winter months when the lake freezes over.
Otter Creek State Park is
Otter Creek State Park offers picnic areas with tables and grills. Some sites have shelters, restrooms, and water access nearby.
Biking enthusiasts can explore several trails within this natural haven. However, one must exercise caution due to varying terrains.
The park's multi-use paths are open for biking but require careful navigation because of shared usage with hikers and horseback riders.
Mountain bikers should be wary as the terrain is challenging in certain areas; helmets and protective gear are highly recommended.
For those seeking a leisurely ride, there exist less strenuous routes that still offer beautiful views of nature's bounty.
Remember: always respect wildlife you may encounter on your journey - keep safe distances at all times.
Lastly, ensure bikes remain on designated pathways to preserve delicate ecosystems found throughout the area.
Birdwatchers can spot various species such as the American White Pelican, Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. Other birds include Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, Osprey and Golden Eagles. The park also houses a variety of waterfowl like Mallards and Canada Geese.
Travel east 11 miles on U-62 from the junction of US89 and U-62, where U-62 turns north, continue east for .5 miles on U-22.