Antelope Island State Park


If you are planning a camping trip in Utah, be sure to visit Antelope Island State Park! This surprising wilderness area is just minutes from a major metropolitan area, but feels isolated and remote. You'll think you've travelled to the ends of the earth!

Add to that opportunities to

  • swim in the Great Salt Lake
  • see bison and antelope roaming freely
  • hike
  • bike
  • ride a horse
  • go boating or kayaking

... and you've got a unique camping experience!

Antelope Island 2025

Portable Shower for Camping

This portable rechargeable camping shower set means you can shower anywhere!

Read more at Amazon here and find the best price!!

“As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.”



Antelope Island State Park


The island

Antelope Island State Park was once a true island, but now it is connected to the mainland by a 7.5 mile causeway.

Be sure to bring everything you need with you, because there are no shops or services on the island except for a beach restaurant and a small gift shop. (Don't forget the camping fuel, like we did!)

There is a beautiful, modern visitors' center, staffed by helpful park rangers and full of interesting displays about the park's history, physical features and wildlife.

There is also a historic ranch, horse stables and a marina.


The campground

The campground is open year-round, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. There are 25 sites, with lots of space between them.

Antelope Island campsites

The sites are large enough for RVs, but there are no hook-ups. There is a sani-station.

There are outhouses and drinking water taps.

Since there is very little shade on Antelope Island, each campsite has its own sun shelter over the picnic table.

Antelope Island campsite

The sites have concrete pads and fire pits.


The beach

One of the highlights of Antelope Island State Park is the sandy beach. At the beach you'll find a small restaurant, restrooms and pay showers.

Antelope Island beach view

The water in the Great Salt Lake is several times saltier than ocean water!

We decided to go for a swim. It took a long time to wade out deep enough to try.  I wished that I was wearing beach shoes, because the bottom of the lake is very oozy and gushy. Once I finally got out to knee-depth, I just lay down in (or is that on?) - the water. It was a very strange sensation.

If you decide to go in the water, you'll definitely want to shower afterwards to remove the salt. Be sure to bring quarters for the pay showers!


The wildlife

About 600 bison roam free on the island! You can't miss them.

Bison were first introduced to the island in 1893, and have thrived ever since. Most hang out together near the few freshwater springs, and a few solitary males roam closer to the campground.

bison on Antelope Island

Every November there is a bison roundup. You can watch the animals being herded by cowboys on horseback and in helicopters!  The bison are weighed, measured, vaccinated, tested for disease and for pregnancy, and tagged with a microchip. To keep the herd at a manageable size, excess bison are auctioned off.

We saw lots of bison when we were there, and also saw a few antelopes, voles, rabbits and lizards. Deer, bobcats, coyotes and pronghorn sheep live on the island too.

If you are a birdwatcher, Antelope Island will seem like paradise. The Great Salt Lake supports a huge brine shrimp population that attracts scores of migrating birds. Nearly 250 bird species have been observed on Antelope Island. We recognized avocets and grouse and saw lots more that we couldn't identify.


The view

The view from just about anywhere on Antelope Island is incredible.

Antelope Island view

Be sure to bring your camera!


The ranch

The Fielding Garr Ranch operated from 1848 until 1981. It has been maintained as a tourist attraction. Visitors can wander through the buildings, see interpretive displays, and even try on period clothing or sit on the furniture!

Lying down on a rope bed was fun, and made us appreciate our comfy mattresses at home. We liked the coldhouse where milk and butter were stored, and the bunkhouse where the ranchhands lived.


Other activities

Horseback riding

Go on a guided horseback ride across the plains.

horseback riding on Antelope Island

Riders must be at least 6 years old. Reservations are recommended. Call 1-888-878-8002.


Boating

There's a marina and boat ramp on Antelope Island.

Bring your own boat, or rent a jet boat, kayak or paddleboat. Call 801-698-6288 for more information.


Hiking

There are lots of opportunities for hiking at Antelope Island State Park. Whether you prefer a flat hike or an uphill climb, you'll find a trail to suit your family. Be sure to carry lots of water!


Biking

There are a number of biking trails on the island - something for every skill level.

If biking on a nice flat road is more your style, this is the place to do it! The road is smooth and the shoulder is wide - and there's not much traffic. You can even rollerblade on the roads.

Antelope Island has something for everyone!

Antelope Island sunset

Now that you know about Antelope Island State Park, visit the Camping Family home page for tips on planning your trip!


Most Popular

Camping Lists

Food Ideas

Screen Tents

Tin Foil Dinners

Planning your Trip


Product of the Month

Camp Stove 2025

Iwatani Camp Stove

The perfect portable cooktop!

CLICK HERE for more information and best price



Recent Articles

  1. Folding Table And Chair Sets For Camping - Which Will Suit You Best?

    Apr 24, 25 07:32 AM

    Picnic table and bench set and a tent
    Find out which folding table and chair sets for camping will be best for you! What's important, what to look for, and what to avoid.

    Read More

  2. Youth Sleeping Bags: Find The Best Types of Children's Sleeping Bags

    Apr 23, 25 11:43 AM

    smiling boy in sleeping bag
    Choose good quality youth sleeping bags for your children using this handy guide - and enjoy a great night's sleep for the whole family!

    Read More

  3. Washer Toss Game: Rules For A Fun Game To Play While Camping

    Apr 23, 25 10:54 AM

    washer toss game tcf
    Have fun playing the washer toss game with your family next time you go camping! It's easy to learn, portable, and fun for all ages.

    Read More

Find Us on FB 2025

Like and Follow Us HERE