Great Salt Lake State Park
Magna, UT
A marina and visitor center on the south shore beside the old Saltair pavilion, the easiest place from Salt Lake City to walk to the salty water. Exit 104 from I-80; sunsets over the lake are the draw.
Great Salt Lake State Park, also called Great Salt Lake State Marina, lies on the south shore of the Great Salt Lake near Magna, Utah, about 26 kilometres west of Salt Lake City (I-80, Exit 104). The lake is a remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville, about 120 kilometres long and 55 kilometres wide, and far saltier than the sea: salinity ranges from 5 to 28 percent. Fish cannot survive in it, but algae, brine flies and brine shrimp thrive.
Migratory birds feed on them. More than 257 species have been recorded, including ducks, geese, gulls, pelicans and eagles, which makes the park popular with birdwatchers. It has been a state park since 1978 and has a marina with 300 slips. There are also a visitor center, a sandy beach and an observation platform. Camping is possible, with five sites with hookups and two basic tent sites on the beach.
Important: the water level fluctuates strongly. In late May 2026, according to the Deseret News, levels were critically low; two dozen sailboats (reports say 23 to 24) had to be lifted out of the marina by crane. According to KJZZ the park remained open for recreation. Before you visit, check whether the marina, boat ramp and beach are accessible.
- Nearest town
- Magna, UT
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 40.7337, -112.2110
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
© Ben P L from Provo, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0Temple Square
© m01229 from USA · CC BY-SA 2.0Antelope Island State Park
© Ken Lund from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Edited slightly prior to uploac by Daniel Case · CC BY-SA 2.0Timpanogos Cave National Monument
© Farragutful · CC BY-SA 4.0Park City Main Street
Campsites nearby
- Salt Lake City KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover15 mi from Great Salt Lake State ParkTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Pony Express RV ResortMotorhome stopover16 mi from Great Salt Lake State ParkMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Grantsville Resevoir CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Great Salt Lake State Park · 24 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
- Camp KostopulosCampsite23 mi from Great Salt Lake State Park
- Mountain Shadows RV ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Great Salt Lake State ParkMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Cottonwood CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Great Salt Lake State Park · 3 pitchesTentsCaravansToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in Utah · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Great Salt Lake State Park?
Great Salt Lake State Park is in Magna, UT, at GPS 40.7337, -112.2110. It is about 15 mi from Tooele.
Can you camp near Great Salt Lake State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Salt Lake City KOA Holiday, about 15 mi away; within 25 mi there are 67 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Great Salt Lake State Park?
Great Salt Lake 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 Great Salt Lake State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Temple Square (17 mi), Antelope Island State Park (22 mi), Timpanogos Cave National Monument (33 mi) and Park City Main Street (38 mi).
When is the best time to visit Great Salt Lake 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)