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VERNAL — Red Fleet State Park is getting a makeover, but that also means most of it will be closed this year — for real this time.
The Utah Division of State Parks formally closed off most of the area to visitors last week to resume renovations and improvements to the northeast Utah park. The closure means there will be no camping or overnight lodging available this year.
"We're excited to see this project moving forward after the postponement last year," said Red Fleet State Park manager Amanda White, in a statement. "This renovation will impact Red Fleet for this season, but the work being done will help the park for many years to come."
Park officials initially closed off most of its day-use and campground areas last year because of "extensive" construction and renovations. The closure started in June 2022 but park officials decided to reopen the park after increased costs and supply chain issues ultimately delayed the project, according to Utah Division of State Parks spokesman Devan Chavez.
Everything is now in place for the project to continue. Park officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking last week and official construction began the following day. The project calls for new campgrounds, beach access, day-use picnic areas and additional parking. New cottages with full bathrooms, showers, a kitchen and beds are a part of the new overnight stay options.
Red Fleet's hiking trail leading to the park's popular Dinosaur Trackway and the day-use area near Donkey Flats are still open through the ongoing construction. The rest of the park is not expected to reopen until sometime next year, according to state park officials.
White says there are still plenty of outdoor recreation activities available in the region, such as Steinaker State Park, located less than 10 miles southwest of Red Fleet State Park. There is also the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in Vernal.
"Not to mention all of the other hiking, biking and (off-highway vehicle) trails all over the area," she added.
Anyone planning to camp in the area is also encouraged to go to Steinaker State Park instead this summer. The popular Red Fleet Paddle Fest will also be held at Steinaker State Park on June 17, Chavez said. The event is free to the public from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
