what a way to kickoff Utah! as we made it early to the State, we decided to start with the Great Salt Lame State Park. the fee is $10 per vehicle, but goes higher with other trucks and boats once you park, right after the entrance, you can walk out to 1) the actual beach, which has salts and the crystal clear river, 2) the pier with boats, 3) the overview or 4) other trails. in any case, toy also have a map of the State Park my favorite thing to do here was walk the beach and check out the water. i got my best pics here, as you can climb the rocks and get better views. you def smell the nature, fish and algae once you walk closer, but the experience is one of a kind Th, Salty Park! Utah will be fun read more

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We visited Great Salt Lake State Park, which has a $10 entry fee. The views were nice, but honestly not worth much walking around. The smell was overwhelming-like dead fish--and after about a mile of walking, things went downhill fast. My husband and I both started sinking into the mud, nearly to our knees. It was a horrible feeling, and getting unstuck was messy and stressful. By the time we freed ourselves, our shoes and legs were completely drenched in smelly, muddy water, and we still had to walk about a mile back like that. When we asked at the welcome center where we could rinse off, they told us to use the showers near the bathrooms--but those required a code we hadn't been given. After some effort, we eventually got access, but we were uncomfortable and smelly the entire time. If not for that mishap, the stop would have been more enjoyable. On the positive side, it is pet-friendly, and the views from the shoreline were worth a few quick photos. Just be very cautious if you plan to walk near the water's edge. read more

This state park was established in 1978. It's 4,300 ft above sea level & there are 16 miles of shores. I didn't realize that this is the second saltiest body of water, only the dead sea is saltier. We paid $10 to park our car & started at the visitor center. There is a Yacht Club, 300 slip marina along with a boat ramp. The lake is popular for swimming & picnicking with restrooms and showers. The visitor center had restrooms and a small gift shop. In the large parking lot, we saw cars with license plates from all over the country. There were picnic tables outside. It wasn't a beach day, but there were people walking along the salt dunes. The Salt Lake is a major stop for millions of birds, including American white pelicans, brine flies & spiders. The spiders were everywhere and they were pretty huge; I was grossed out. Pronghorn antelope, bison, cottontail rabbits, garter snakes, gopher snakes, red foxes, deer, & rattlesnakes live here. read more

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Great State park. Admission was reasonable and with beach access. So much to learn about how this area was formed thousand of years ago how the lake is a massive ecosystem and how it is connected now. The historical exhibition in the Park sales store was very informative about the lake receding and what lives in it. Stunning views. read more

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Looking for a place close to Hwy 80 since we were moving on to Wyoming. State parks are usually decent places to lay your head when passing thru. This was by far the worst place we've ever stopped to camp! Was Utah having a hard time coming up with an idea for a state park? This place is a dump! It smells so bad, the wind was intense and it's just not pretty. Stay away from the gross beach. Smelting plant across the street is lit up like a city all night. And the bugs...gnats and flies. read more

This place it the worst part ever. The mud is quick sand it's hot and the whole beach stinks like an outhouse there are dead seagulls everywhere and also there are billions of gnats that swarm you feet if you step even 6 ft from them. I you want the experience of getting stuck in quick sand go to the great salt lake beach. P.S this review was written by a 12 year old so don't mind the non existent comas. read more

Great Salt Lake State Park - So me and my son took a walk on the great salt lake beach if you see black mud that looks solid don't step in it - Parks Near Me - Magna, Utah

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It's honestly pretty nasty to come here. The ground is littered with dead bird bones, there are random super sticky areas of mud, and the water (with which you can do anything with) feels like it's a 20 mile walk to get to it. I went by the marina once, and the large near it rocks were infested with thousands if not millions of spiders. Maybe this was a cool park back in the day, but now it's not worth going to read more

Let's face it - if you're in the area you probably came for the Great Salt Lake. The state park is simple and no frills, offering a small welcome site with a gift shop and some minor info. Plenty of parking, but I would have expected a bit more in terms of information and improved exhibits. It felt more like something put together by children from years past, which isn't a bad thing but also came off as lacking. Other signs that things had not been updated in a while were the amount of COVID warnings and signage from peak pandemic time. The staff were very pleasant, and bathrooms a hot commodity having a line the entire time we were there. I cannot imagine the line if a bus or group were to come through and while the large bathrooms are nice I think there might be an opportunity should the location ever renovate to add a few more. The lake itself is what you've heard about. It stinks. It's peaceful. There's bugs. There are shrimp. It's an interesting assortment that feels otherworldly. I forgot to bring something like a towel or water shoes to step in so I do recommend you be prepared from that angle so you can get the full experience. Maybe not fully immersing but at least stepping past the ankles. read more

Great Salt Lake State Park - Obligatory bathroom photo. - Parks Near Me - Magna, Utah

Maybe I misread or didn't totally understand what I was going to in order to truly appreciate it. However I can say that this was one of those spots you stop at long enough to say "been there" and move on. I was visiting Salt Lake City and someone recommended we take a ride out here however what they failed to mention is the $10 entrance fee ($5 if you are over 65 and a LOCAL resident). We literally parked the car, walked around, was met with a funky smell (that is due to the bacteria or the organisms in the water), took a few pictures and moved on down the highway. I saw people walking on the "beach" as well as the trail, however it's not the prettiest beach nor the most welcoming. They do have a visitors center that tells you more about why the water stinks as well as other interesting facts as well as a gift shop to buy souvenirs as well as treats or use the bathroom. For me, it's a been there done that and I'm good. read more

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So disappointed I paid $20 to get into the park. Park right outside at the old museum instead! It's just before the driveway to the gift shop. I had a feeling that's what I should've done. You'd get the same great photos without walking through hard sand with sooooo many bugs and spiders. The water was infested with tiny bugs jumping everywhere. We didn't go near the water at all. The gift shop needs to be redone as well. Super old and dirty. Nothing worth buying for memories. There is one restroom inside if you need it. There are a lot of other places in Utah for better photos like Deer Creek, The Capital or Provo canyon. read more

Beautiful state park, very clean and makes for a friendly morning stroll, before the hot summer sun. There is also a boat tour office for those who wants to boat cruise around the great salt lake . Very pretty park. read more

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Stopped here for a quick peak at the lake on our way to the airport. The nice thing it's only about 10 miles away which is super easy to get to. For a car up to 8 people it cost $10 for entry/parking. There is a campground too where people with RVs were staying. A small visitors center had some souvenirs to purchase and information about the history of the lake and the few creatures that live in it. There are a few lookout spots and you can walk down to the beach. Beware it stinks pretty bad like rotten eggs heading to the beach because of all the salt sediment. Pro tip: turn around and see the smelter which is just shy of the being as tall as the empire state building! 1215 feet. read more

Great Salt Lake State Park - Parks Near Me - Magna, Utah

Great Salt Lake State Park was are first stop while visiting Utah. The background drop is beautiful and the park is very clean but it's like attack of the bugs out there. There are fly's everywhere especially near the shoreline, but if you're away from the shoreline it is a great place to visit. Also, there are a lot of spiders so just be careful because they're everywhere since it's their habitat. There is an information center inside that displays information about the lake and they also have a short movie that offers information about the lake. read more

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Racist and rude old men at parking booth and in the golf cart by the visitor center. The visitor center closes at 8pm today. At 7:45 he said "You can't go in there." Then a white couple came up behind me and said oh is it closed? The same guy who works there said you can go in, you have 15 min. What is that? I told the first guy at the booth he can be nicer. The second guy drove off in his golf cart saying they closed at 7:30. Nope, I checked the website and it said 8pm. Did not feel welcome at all. They were happy to take my parking money. read more

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This is a beautiful park with extraordinary views of the Utah landscape. We stumbled upon this park by accident while searching for a place to meander and hike; what a find! We hiked around for about an hour and experienced lovely views amidst our leisurely stroll. The playground at the bottom is perfect for kids of all ages and it's all clean and clearly well taken care of. Utah does a fantastic job of keeping care of their parks and public recreational areas. The bathrooms were clean and tidy as well. My only complaint is that the metal toilets must be freezing in the winter..:no thank you! This park is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life but yet right in the midst of it all, check it out! read more

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We went out for the moon walk-what an amazing experience to see the moon rise on the shores of the lake-mad even better by our guide who did an amazing job ! Thank you Holly!! read more

Great Salt Lake State Park - Moon rise - Parks Near Me - Magna, Utah

OMG.... This leaves real bad taste of Utah. We were traveling thru salt lake and wanted to see the great Salt Lake City. What a mid take to co E to the visitor center. First of all, they charge $10 for parking to visit visitor center. Why. They do t want out of state visitors to come to Utah visitor center??? Second, they had no running water. So all restrooms were closed and had Porto-potties. All drinking fountains were not working and had bugs around so so gross. Nothing was maintained. If they were having water issues, why charge $10? I am not recommending this place. Visitor center has nothing to see or any things to buy. NOT Worth coming here. What a rip off! read more

Loved my visit here! I wanted to do a lot more stuff here. Boat tour etc but it was too early in the season. The lake and surroundings are beautiful! The visitor center was bursting with information, and gifts. Including videos and tubes full of live Sea Monkeys!!! Not sure about you, but Sea Monkeys (aka brine shrimp) were constantly being advertised on TV when I was a kid. I think my mom finally broke down and bought us some, but I don't think they ever hatched. So glad I finally got to see these incredible creatures!! Definitely don't look like the "sea monkeys" on the packaging (you can buy a tiny aquarium and eggs to grow your own!). But, super entertaining to watch them frolicking in the giant clear tubes in all stages of developement. I've heard the lake can be a little stinky and buggy in the summer, so I'm glad I chose March for my trip. read more

It was a cool place to see, wouldnt say it was worth the hour drive though but i would say go once if youve never been. $10 entrance fee. Make sure GPS is set on correct place. read more

Great Salt Lake State Park - Parks Near Me - Magna, Utah

We stayed in one of the campsites.This place needs major updating. The visitor center, is small was interesting. The scenery is beautiful, do not walk on the so called beach. It smells and very soggy. The so called sand is tiny organisms decaying. We stayed 2nights and that was too long. An hour is enough! Very windy and the camp host is very unfriendly . The restrooms and showers are disgusting! We took a short hike, but absolutely nothing to do! read more

In honor of Earth Day I have to give a shout out to an early beautiful example of man-made alterations and resulting preservation measures. The Great Salt Lake State Park, perched in eye-shot of the tallest smelting smoke stake in the Rockies has receded over the decades. Caused in part by the massive development of the Salt Lake area and lower melt-water regeneration, the Park captures snapshots of the pre-historic and 21st century changes to the lake. A eye-popping panoramic view of the lake bed, exposed by diminished recharge uncovers bones of sea-creatures and salt stakes caused from evaporation. The small trailer has toilet facilities and neat souvenirs (a little vile of Salt Lake salt?) allowing you to walk around the lake perimeter and take in the beautiful rippling water and silence of life outside the city and on the boarder of the wild salt flats. read more

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Stayed in our Rv, partial hookups, full station on site. 20 mins from Salt Lake City, great staff and priced right. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and the salt lake. read more

Great Salt Lake State Park - Parks Near Me - Magna, Utah

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Definitely recommend doing the 2hr Boat Tour that includes swimming in the lake. Captain Duncan was very fun to have as my group's guide. He was informative on the history of the State of Utah and the Great Salt Lake. Would do this again in a heartbeat! read more

I know there's a lot of negative reviews but I had a great time here! Parking is $5 at the visitor's center and if you want to fly a drone, the permit is $1. My friend and I went to Stansbury Island where the water was pink (due to the algae and bacteria). It was so beautiful and the salt formations were so cool! I definitely recommend water shoes since my friend wore sandals and the salt crystals hurt her feet. The water was really shallow so it was easy to go walk to the middle of the lake. It does smell a bit but you get used to it and it was such a fun experience! I would come back especially to see the blue side (where the water is blue due to the algae). read more

Great Salt Lake State Park - Pink water! - Parks Near Me - Magna, Utah

This was a great location to be on the Great Salt Lake. There are only 5 or 6 rv camping spots but we were lucky to get one. The sunsets here are AMAZING! read more

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Lots of bugs and the Salt Water will burn your legs. It also closes relatively early at 5pm and the showers are turned off. It is not very good for paddle boarding with the wind and other boats and the salt water will hurt your legs if you have any chafing from exercising. However, the visitor center is informative with info about salt lake and has nice clean bathrooms if you make it into the marina before they close. They take a state park pass here, otherwise it is $5 to park. read more

We stayed in the RV lot. It only has 5 spots with water and electricity. We pulled in, and had a million dollar view. Highly recommend.

Came in with relatively low expectations since there didn't seem to be very good views of the Salt Lake from here based on the online reviews. However, since we didn't have time to go to Antelope Island State Park, this seemed to be the next best thing to check out the Salt Lake. Parking is $5, and there really isn't that much to see. There is a gift shop with information and a TV playing an informative video. You can walk around the Salt Lake. I liked that they had an audio tour that you can play on your phone so you can learn more about the Salt Lake. We spent maybe about 30 minutes here. read more

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First let's talk about the good. There are some rocks to scramble on and the views are pretty. It's only 5.00 to park when you come in and stop at the little guard station. The not so good: it's a bit smelly and the visitor center is inside a rickety little trailer. The beach access is only so so. There is a place where the water is deep enough to stick your feet in and wade but getting there is a little mucky and swampy and icky. The showers to rinse your feet off are across the parking lot. Not a far walk by any means but they would make more sense being on the same side as the beach access. Wear flip flop type shoes. Down a little drivable gravel path is Black Rock historic site. There is a gate blocking access to the rock so we didn't walk any further after we parked in front of it. Maybe walking to the rock is allowed but we didn't risk it. Overall I wouldn't come back here but I would like to see other views of the lake. read more

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Visited in June. $5 entrance fee. Nice viewpoint of the lake for good pano pics and vids. You can walk down to the right and see the rock structures. There are a lot of brine flies close to the water's edge and it smells there. Go to visitor's center to learn why. read more

Great Salt Lake State Park - Parks Near Me - Magna, Utah

The Salt Lake is beautiful. It was 100 degrees-so we didn't stay long. The water is thick and there are salt flies. The visitor center could use some work. It could be a refuge from the heat but it is small and not enough bathrooms. The shelves were all but empty in terms of souvenirs. The back pavement of the parking lot does nothing to abate the heat. The smell is not as bad as people make it out to be. It is a salt lake so a person should know what they are coming to see. It is a natural wonder. It was very pretty. read more

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$5 to park and you get to walk around and explore a beautiful state park and a unique body of water, really cannot go wrong. I do wish the boat rentals opened a little bit earlier in the season (that was what we wanted to do) and the information center/gift shop was a little bit bigger, but overall it was a lot of fun. read more

Great park. The sunset views are amazing. Some of our best pictures were taken during this visit read more

Great Salt Lake State Park - Parks Near Me - Magna, Utah

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Visited in November 2019. Upon entering it asked for a small fee (there was no attendant because it was off season so there was an honor system). This was one of the most beautiful places I have ever stopped. There was a small walkout to take unobstructed photos. There was a little gift shop that also had bathrooms. I miss that view! read more

Great Salt Lake State Park - Beautiful. - Parks Near Me - Magna, Utah

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We drove from downtown Salt Lake City to the state park, about a 20 minute drive in order to see the great salt Lake and it was well worth the drive even though it was pretty cold. We walked between the lake and the marina, the route the boats take to get out of the marina on to the lake. It was just gorgeous and the smell was not bad. That occurs in the heat of the summer when the brine shrimp are mating and hatching. Their was a small gift shop that had a short movie playing on a loop talking about the lake, how it was formed, the wildlife and the weather patterns. It was informative and interesting. There was a $5 fee to enter the state park and both the attendant at the gate and the clerk gift shop were friendly and helpful. Love to see the mountains as you are also looking at the lake read more

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We wanted to go swimming in the lake since we heard that you can float but there were too many brine flies to even make it to the water. I would honestly skip this lake. read more

Great Salt Lake State Park - View from the visitors center - Parks Near Me - Magna, Utah

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I agree with Drew on the review he wrote about it being difficult to review the "GREAT SALT LAKE STATE PARK" because to be honest, it isn't all THAT great. It is a big salty lake so imagine the smell of sulfur, there's a lot of that. It has dried up some so some of the things aren't as in the water as they once were. Basically my friend wanted to go when I had just moved here and she visited two months after I'd been here so I hadn't even gone to see the Great Salt Lake yet. We took a couple of photos, checked it off the bucket list, didn't recommend it to my husband who was working while we went. He has since been to the Saltair to help out with merchandise for an NF show. Maybe at sunset it is prettier? I have seen some photos on here that don't look like the photos I had of it! They are way better and somewhat makes me consider going back but then I remember. Worth seeing but don't have high expectations is my two cents on the matter. read more

4 stars for the Great Salt Lake! It's really a gorgeous place. Sunsets, walks, rides, concerts at Salt Air, antelope island. Lots to do. Lots to see. We went for the sunset and champagne. Brought some chairs and some cheese. Why not 5 stars you ask? Well, the great salt lake has lots of nats and other bugs. That might turn some people off so fair warning here. Love it. read more

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Great quiet small place outside the city to stay in our RV. Very affordable rates. Clean showers and bathroom.

We liked visiting the massive Great Salt Lake at this location because there was easy parking and a visitors center. Parking was only $3. The visitors center had state park rangers, educational activities and info, and items to purchase. It was an easy 2 minute walk to the lake shore from the visitor center. read more

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