Quail Creek State Park
State parks
A warm-water reservoir park about 14 miles north of St. George near Hurricane, Utah, offering some of the warmest waters in the state for boating and fishing.
The park
Quail Creek State Park lies about 14 miles north of St. George near Hurricane, in mild desert country. Its reservoir holds some of the warmest water in Utah, which extends the usable season well beyond what the latitude alone would suggest.
Why the water is warm
The reservoir is shallow relative to its surface area and sits at low elevation in a hot valley, so it absorbs and holds heat efficiently. Water is diverted into it from the Virgin River rather than being supplied by a river running through it — Quail Creek itself is a modest stream — which is why the impoundment sits slightly apart from the drainage it is named for.
The 1989 dike failure
On New Year's Day 1989 the reservoir's dike failed, sending water down the valley and causing serious damage downstream in Washington and Hurricane. It remains one of the more significant infrastructure failures in southern Utah's history, and the structure was subsequently rebuilt. Visitors floating on a calm reservoir are generally unaware of it.
What people do here
Recreation is water-centered: boating, swimming, and fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. There is camping with modern amenities and sites with power and water hookups, along with sandy beaches and walking along Quail Creek.
Getting there
From Interstate 15 take Exit 16 and travel about three miles east on State Route 9, then turn left onto State Route 318 and follow it to the park entrance.
Worth knowing
Boat-ramp availability varies with the season and with water level. The park is low, open and hot in high summer, so the shoulder seasons are the more comfortable visit even though the water is at its warmest in July and August.
Related on the site: Quail Creek and water recreation around St. George.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a day-use fee?
Yes — a per-vehicle day-use fee, with lower rates for Utah residents and resident seniors and a reduced rate for cyclists and walk-in entry. Current rates are published by Utah State Parks.
What kinds of fish can I catch?
The reservoir supports rainbow trout, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie.
When is the park open?
The park is open year-round. Opening times are seasonal, and boat-ramp availability varies with the season and the water level, so check before traveling if you are launching.
Address
Hurricane, UTContact
- Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/quail-creek/
- Work Phone: 435-879-2378