Great Salt Lake State Park
Great Salt Lake State Park
3.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Great Salt Lake State Park and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
6 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- DLPNew Jersey1,949 contributionsSee the Salt LakeThe state Park is not that impressive but it does offer showers, bathrooms, a visitor center And a viewing area. The Brine flies are awful and I would suggest wearing a mask to get past them to the water so you do not swallow any. It is sad to see the lake drying up and the salt flats being left behind. Glad we took the opportunity to see this natural resource when in the area.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 13 July 2023
- Violette54Payson, Arizona4,208 contributionsEntrance Fee is worth it.There is a $5 entry fee per car, which was well worth the money. Silver Sands Beach is where to go to get up close and personal with the water, and it’s the only reachable place. We had been told about about mosquitos, and the smell, but when we visited, there was a light off-shore breeze and an overcast sky which popped the colors, stopped the mosquitos, and blew the smell away. There is a wide patio overlook from the Visitor’s Center from where one could walk out on the flats and reach the water, and people were doing so to explore the mudflats, but we choose not too. If you do, there is a foot washing station. Great Salt Lake has a 15% saltiness rate, less than half of the Dead Sea. There is enough parking, if everyone parks responsibly. Restrooms are in the Visitors Center. There are picnic table, a boat dock, and trailer and primitive camping. Launching a boat from the ramp is at one's own risk due to low water levels.Visited June 2023Written 24 July 2023
- LocoPeteArizona5 contributionsSeen it…we’re doneMy Lady had never seen the Great Salt Lake….so we went. Nothing like a first impression. People just pulled their sailboat out and went to the public toilet to clean out their portapotty. Rather disgusting as when I sailed we either did that business at a dump station or at home. Visitor center small but adequate. Same with viewing area. We’ve seen the Great Salt Lake (although receding) and it is now off the “bucket list.”Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 August 2023
- gr8ful4222Campbell, California1,831 contributionsScenic lake viewsWe actually had a good stop here, unlike some of the other reviewers. There are exhibits here, and it was a beautiful day, so there were several people out on the beach and swimming in the water. We were able to get some good pictures of the lake and the beach. I didn’t notice flies or even any kind of smell. Keep in mind that there is a $5 entrance fee.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 September 2023
- Linda YoungBrevard, North Carolina7 contributionsAmazing.Waded in the water a bit. Rinsed feet in provided faucet but still had crust on legs after it dried. I was here when I was a kid, way back when you wore bathing caps. I rinsed off well but didn't get the back of my head rinsed well enough. Salt flakes were falling off the back of my head. Weird.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
308 reviews
Excellent
91
Very good
89
Average
84
Poor
21
Terrible
23
MAP12
New Orleans, LA600 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
This was one of the disappointing places we stopped. We did have a nice picnic here, but could have done this somewhere else for free. We wanted to see the Great Salt Lake, so thought that the Great Salt Lake State Park would be a good place to see it. Not really. I guess if we were going out in a boat it might be worth it, but we weren't. The visitor center was very small and had the rotten-egg-smell due to the hydrogen sulfate. I expected that, but didn't expect the smell of decaying biomass (algae and brine fly pupae casings that wash ashore) smell. It was pretty overwhelming. Compared to the other State Parks we visited, this one need some work!
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda Young
Brevard, NC7 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Waded in the water a bit. Rinsed feet in provided faucet but still had crust on legs after it dried. I was here when I was a kid, way back when you wore bathing caps. I rinsed off well but didn't get the back of my head rinsed well enough. Salt flakes were falling off the back of my head. Weird.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gr8ful4222
Campbell, CA1,831 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We actually had a good stop here, unlike some of the other reviewers. There are exhibits here, and it was a beautiful day, so there were several people out on the beach and swimming in the water. We were able to get some good pictures of the lake and the beach. I didn’t notice flies or even any kind of smell. Keep in mind that there is a $5 entrance fee.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KCMLive
Washington DC, DC336 contributions
Jul 2023 • Business
I visited the Great Salt Lake while on business. Let me begin by saying I am biased.
I am from the Washington, DC area, which has the most beautiful, well maintained monuments and tourist attractions I have ever seen. BUT, SLC is named after this location, so it should be SO MUCH BETTER. This site consists of a run-down visitors center in a trailer-like structure and a concrete ramp that overlooks the Salt Lake. As others have mentioned, the number of brine flies is alarming! There is also a bad smell that will remain with you long after you leave the lake. The view is beautiful, but the sad surroundings, smell, and flies are so distracting it is almost impossible to enjoy it.
I know there is little they can do about the flies and the smell. I just WISH they invested more money in making the location more welcoming and worthy of the gorgeous location. Go see the Great Salt Lake. But please lower your expectations, hold your nose, wear a fly net, and enjoy the view.
I am from the Washington, DC area, which has the most beautiful, well maintained monuments and tourist attractions I have ever seen. BUT, SLC is named after this location, so it should be SO MUCH BETTER. This site consists of a run-down visitors center in a trailer-like structure and a concrete ramp that overlooks the Salt Lake. As others have mentioned, the number of brine flies is alarming! There is also a bad smell that will remain with you long after you leave the lake. The view is beautiful, but the sad surroundings, smell, and flies are so distracting it is almost impossible to enjoy it.
I know there is little they can do about the flies and the smell. I just WISH they invested more money in making the location more welcoming and worthy of the gorgeous location. Go see the Great Salt Lake. But please lower your expectations, hold your nose, wear a fly net, and enjoy the view.
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ms julie
Dobson, NC87 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Yep, been there. Touched the water, starred at the islands and walked around the visitor’s center. Learned some history and took some pictures.
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LocoPete
Arizona5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
My Lady had never seen the Great Salt Lake….so we went.
Nothing like a first impression. People just pulled their sailboat out and went to the public toilet to clean out their portapotty.
Rather disgusting as when I sailed we either did that business at a dump station or at home.
Visitor center small but adequate.
Same with viewing area.
We’ve seen the Great Salt Lake (although receding) and it is now off the “bucket list.”
Nothing like a first impression. People just pulled their sailboat out and went to the public toilet to clean out their portapotty.
Rather disgusting as when I sailed we either did that business at a dump station or at home.
Visitor center small but adequate.
Same with viewing area.
We’ve seen the Great Salt Lake (although receding) and it is now off the “bucket list.”
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Violette54
Payson, AZ4,208 contributions
Jun 2023
There is a $5 entry fee per car, which was well worth the money. Silver Sands Beach is where to go to get up close and personal with the water, and it’s the only reachable place. We had been told about about mosquitos, and the smell, but when we visited, there was a light off-shore breeze and an overcast sky which popped the colors, stopped the mosquitos, and blew the smell away. There is a wide patio overlook from the Visitor’s Center from where one could walk out on the flats and reach the water, and people were doing so to explore the mudflats, but we choose not too. If you do, there is a foot washing station. Great Salt Lake has a 15% saltiness rate, less than half of the Dead Sea. There is enough parking, if everyone parks responsibly. Restrooms are in the Visitors Center. There are picnic table, a boat dock, and trailer and primitive camping. Launching a boat from the ramp is at one's own risk due to low water levels.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela
10 contributions
Jul 2023
We went in the summer when the flies are out in numbers. Plus it smells really bad. however, the great salt lake is a sight to behold and still worth it!
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DLP
New Jersey1,949 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The state Park is not that impressive but it does offer showers, bathrooms, a visitor center And a viewing area. The Brine flies are awful and I would suggest wearing a mask to get past them to the water so you do not swallow any. It is sad to see the lake drying up and the salt flats being left behind. Glad we took the opportunity to see this natural resource when in the area.
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vaughanm1976
Amarillo, TX720 contributions
Sept 2022
We drove the causeway/road out to the state park to see the Great Salt Lake. There is really not much to see as the lake has receded a great distance from the road. We saw a few buffalo or bison if you prefer. We basically drove the park roads and made a u turn back to Salt Lake City.
Written 8 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JeffL_iowa
Dubuque, IA3 contributions
My fiancée and I are camping at Great Salt Lake State Park for two nights, starting tomorrow. We are wondering if campfires are allowed? We want to cook our food for meals over a fire, but we don't see anything online about campfires.
Keaton M
Topeka, IN238 contributions
Hi, my wife and I are visiting SLC in July and looking for unique things to do to experience the SLC area while we are there. This place was recommended, but I have a few questions. I apologize in advance if these are dumb, but hoping to get some answers from the people who have already visited:
1. Are there bison roaming all times of the year? Or just certain months?
2. Can we see the bison from our vehicle, or do we need to hike somewhere?
3. Can you actually get close to Salt Lake from this park? Or is it in the distance?
4. Is there a cost?
5. Any suggestions or tips?
I love the idea of seeing bison in the free, but just trying to gather information before we plan the trip.
Thanks in advance!
LizzyB01
Salt Lake City, UT327 contributions
Hi I have ALWAYS seen bison. Just ask when you pay the $10 at the gate and they will tell you where they are but they are typically close to the homestead which can be seen from the car, no hiking required. It is right at the Great Salt Lake yes you can get out and walk into the salty waters. Hope it helps! It’s prob 30 min from the airport.
Jenke G
Antwerp, Belgium275 contributions
How do we get from Salt Lake City to Antelope Island without a car? We are 11 people from Belgium. Is there a tour from SLC to Antelope?
TrinityDB
Salt Lake City, UT42 contributions
Hi! I've actually never been to Antelope Island. I doubt there are actually any official tour buses that go out there. But since there's enough of you, maybe you could rent two large SUVs for a day and drive out there.
Hope6482
Gretna, VA703 contributions
Hi, we have a LOT we want to see for our trip the end of September. Its just going to be my husband and I to fit in as much as possible of the State Parks in Utah & end our trip at Vegas for a few nights. We are landing in SLC, so I wondered how much chance would it be to see wildlife at this Park? I've read that some folks may not bother seeing the Great Salt Lake or "trying" to see the wildlife, if limited with time and may never see Utah again. Someone please advise; need honest opinion to take the time or "not a biggie". Thanks.
Matt G
Harmony, PA57 contributions
I'm not really sure what wildlife there is to see here. The park itself is pretty small, and other than some birds, I didn't see much of anything other than the lake while there.
huiling s
Guangzhou, China
How do I get the salt lake park by using public transportation?
Barbara T
Shingle Springs, CA142 contributions
Just to help another visitor in the future, we don't have public transportation usually to state parks or out of the way areas, only usually lines within a city to places. There would not be public transportation out to Great Salt Lake Park. There are Guided Tours to the GSLP though. Antelope Island State Park also has tour buses that you can reserve if you do a search on "Antelope Island State Park tour bus". Hope this helps someone.
huiling s
Guangzhou, China
How do I get Antelope Island using public transportation?
sitruce
New York City, NY41 contributions
Hi, huiling s. I went to Antelope Island last July. I doubt that you can get to Antelope Island by public transportation. It is about one hour and forty minutes' drive north of Salt Lake City. You have to get out to Antelope Island by driving on a causeway. Once you are on the island there is a long road leading to intermittent beaches. It is car-friendly, but not pedestrian-friendly. I did not see any bus stops or bus shelters on the island or in the vicinity.
That said, I also went to the Great Salt Lake State Marina, which is located about 20 minutes' drive west of the Salt Lake City airport and has Silver Sands Beach. I did not mention it when I wrote my review, but there were many Chinese tourists both times I went. They seem to have come on tour buses. Obviously, there is some private way to get to these beaches without driving yourself. Unfortunately, I do not know what private bus companies go to the Salt Lake beaches. Good luck.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingGreat Salt Lake State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Salt Lake State Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Great Salt Lake State Park:
- 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour (From HK$289.35)
- Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island Day Tour (From HK$1,133.93)
- Half Day Great Salt Lake Wildlife and Waterfowl Tour (From HK$1,759.47)
- Full-Day Small Group Tour : Salt Lake City & Park City 15 Sites (From HK$3,245.30)
- Full Day Small Group Tour Three Canyons Adventures (From HK$3,362.61)
- Hotels near Great Salt Lake State Park:
- (7.32 km) Comfort Inn & Suites Tooele
- (6.94 km) Oquirrh Mountain Inn
- (12.08 km) Millpond Spa and Retreat
- (6.83 km) Modern Lake Point Home - 1 Mi to Great Salt Lake!
- (7.12 km) Picturesque Lake Point Home w/ Shared Yard!
- Restaurants near Great Salt Lake State Park:
- (15.89 km) Thai This
- (15.88 km) Black Bear Diner
- (6.64 km) Taco Bell
- (7.39 km) Arby's
- (9.20 km) Main Street Grill
- Attractions near Great Salt Lake State Park:
- (0.07 km) Great Salt Lake
- (0.34 km) Great Salt Lake State Park
- (2.35 km) The Great Saltair
- (9.06 km) Empress Theatre
- (5.48 km) Saltair Pavilion