Antelope Island State Park
Syracuse, UT
The largest island in the Great Salt Lake, reached by an 11 km causeway, with a free-roaming bison herd, pronghorn and beaches. Fielding Garr Ranch dates from 1848. Bring insect repellent in late spring.
Antelope Island State Park occupies the largest island in Utah's Great Salt Lake, north of Salt Lake City. The island is about 24 km (15 miles) long and just under 11,000 hectares. A 7-mile (11 km) causeway leads across from I-15 (exit 332). Lonely Planet names white-sand beaches, birds and bison as the main draws.
Depending on the source, the bison herd numbers 500 to 750 animals (Lonely Planet: about 600). It descends from animals brought to the island in 1893; sources give the founding number as twelve or 17. Each autumn riders round the herd up for veterinary checks. In spring and autumn migratory birds stop here and feed on brine shrimp. Fielding Garr Ranch dates to 1848, and Garr is regarded as the first permanent settler. More than 58 km of trails invite hiking and cycling.
Practical notes: from April to June gnats are a nuisance, in summer mosquitoes; repellent and long sleeves help. The brine flies along the shore do not bite. The island is an International Dark Sky Park. Bridger Bay Campground has 64 sites; check fees and conditions in advance.
- Nearest town
- Syracuse, UT
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.0530, -112.2470
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
.jpg){kind=link}
Campsites nearby
- Ladyfinger CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Antelope Island State Park
- Bridger Bay CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Antelope Island State Park
- White Rock BayCampsite2 mi from Antelope Island State Park
- Valley View RV ResortMotorhome stopover15 mi from Antelope Island State ParkMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Cherry Hill CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Antelope Island State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Pony Express RV ResortMotorhome stopover22 mi from Antelope Island State ParkMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Utah · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Antelope Island State Park?
Antelope Island State Park is in Syracuse, UT, at GPS 41.0530, -112.2470. It is about 17 mi from Farmington Bay.
Can you camp near Antelope Island State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ladyfinger Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Antelope Island State Park?
Antelope Island State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Great Salt Lake: salt flats, Antelope Island and Golden Spike and Bison, salt crust and the golden spike – by camper around the Great Salt Lake to the Bonneville Salt Flats.
What is there to see near Antelope Island State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Great Salt Lake State Park (22 mi), Temple Square (27 mi), Spiral Jetty (34 mi) and Golden Spike National Historical Park (42 mi).
When is the best time to visit Antelope Island State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)