Quail Creek State Park in Hurricane, Utah offers a striking desert reservoir surrounded by vivid sandstone cliffs, warm swimming waters, and year-round outdoor recreation.
Quail Creek State Park was developed following the construction of the Quail Creek Dike and reservoir system, which was built to provide water storage for Washington County in southwestern Utah. The reservoir spans roughly 600 acres and sits at an elevation that keeps it warmer than many Utah lakes, making it one of the few spots in the state where swimming is comfortable for much of the year. Visitors come for a range of activities, from wakeboarding and kayaking on the open water to casting lines from the shore or a small boat.
The surrounding terrain is classic Mojave Desert transition zone, marked by red and orange sandstone formations, sparse desert shrubs, and the wide open skies that define this corner of Utah. Picnic areas and a paved boat ramp make the park accessible for day-trippers and families. The campground offers sites with views of both the water and the surrounding cliffs, so evenings here carry a particular stillness, lit by desert sunsets that move through deep orange and purple before dark.
The park sits within easy reach of St. George, Hurricane, and the broader network of southern Utah's public lands, placing it at the center of a region rich with geological drama. For visitors seeking a quieter alternative to the crowds of Zion or Bryce Canyon, Quail Creek State Park offers genuine natural beauty on a more intimate and unhurried scale.
Visit during spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the reservoir's red-rock reflections are at their most vivid.
Try fishing for largemouth bass and rainbow trout, both of which are regularly stocked in the reservoir.
Bring water shoes for the rocky shoreline areas, where footing can be uneven near the water's edge.
Arrive early on summer weekends to secure a shaded picnic spot, as the park fills quickly once temperatures climb.
Take a short drive to nearby Zion National Park, just twenty minutes away, to extend your day with canyon hiking.
Paddle Quail Creek with a certified guide and explore desert lake cliffs and coves
Rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or fat bike right on the lake
Choose your boat and set your own course on Quail Creek Reservoir
Rent a 3-seat Sea-Doo Spark Trixx for 5.5 or 8.5 hours
Build safer, more efficient paddle strokes with certified coaching
Explore Quail Creek Reservoir by Jet Ski
Relax on Quail Creek’s waters while a captain takes the helm
Ride Quail Creek’s waters with Jet Ski gear included
Relax on Quail Creek’s waters with a captain at the helm
Ride Quail Creek Reservoir on a GTX Sea-Doo Jet Ski
Explore Quail Creek's waters while your captain takes the helm
Cruise Quail Creek Reservoir by Jet Ski with no trailer needed
Explore Quail Creek Reservoir from the dock—no trailer needed
Explore Quail Creek's red-rock waters by Jet Ski
Cruise Quail Creek’s red-rock waters without towing a trailer
Explore Quail Creek Reservoir by Jet Ski
Cast, cruise, and enjoy complimentary catch cleaning on Quail Creek
Explore Quail Creek Reservoir on a full-day Jet Ski rental
Take the controls for a self-guided ride on Quail Creek Reservoir
Ride through Southern Utah’s red rock country to Toquerville Falls
Chart your own off-road route to Toquerville Falls
Take the open road through Southern Utah as the desert sun goes down
Ride a Jet Ski at Quail Creek State Park—no trailer needed
Ride Quail Creek Reservoir on a Kawasaki Jet Ski with safety gear included
Choose your boat for a flexible day on Quail Creek Reservoir
Set out on Quail Creek with a boat built for your day on the water
Shape your own waves at Quail Creek, from wakeboarding to cruising
Cruise Quail Creek Reservoir with room to relax, connect, and explore
Wake surf, wakeboard, or cruise directly from the Quail Creek dock
Choose a boat for cruising, fishing, or water sports
Cruise or surf Quail Creek with a boat sized for your group
Choose your boat and set your own pace on Quail Creek Reservoir
Cruise Quail Creek your way with boats for watersports or relaxed lake time
Explore Quail Creek Reservoir by Jet Ski with no trailer needed
A full week to cruise and play on Quail Creek Reservoir
Choose your boat and spend the day cruising Quail Creek Reservoir
Paddle Quail Creek, Then Soak at Zion Canyon Hot Springs