There is no lodging inside or immediately adjacent to Red Fleet State Park — the park offers camping, but if you want a real bed, hot shower, free breakfast, and reliable WiFi after a day on the water or the trails, Vernal is your only option within a reasonable distance.
At just 10 miles south of the park, Best Western Vernal Inn gives you the perfect balance — close enough for an easy morning drive, far enough to have every amenity you need for a comfortable stay.
Red Fleet consistently surprises first-time visitors. Most people come expecting a basic reservoir park and leave talking about the dinosaur tracks, the color of the water, and the silence. Plan at least a half day — a full day if you want to do everything.
Over 200 dinosaur tracks preserved on a sandstone slab near the reservoir shoreline. Accessible by a short hike or kayak across the water.
One of the best swimming spots in northeastern Utah — clear blue-green water set against dramatic red sandstone walls.
Paddle across the reservoir to reach the dinosaur tracksite or explore the red-rock coves along the shoreline.
Rainbow trout, bass, and bluegill in the reservoir. Boat ramp available for motorized watercraft.
Red-rock trails with views over the reservoir and surrounding canyon country. The tracksite trail is the most popular route.
Developed campground with hookups and tent sites directly in the park — or stay at the hotel and drive in each morning.
The dinosaur tracksite is what sets Red Fleet apart from every other reservoir park in Utah. Over 200 tracks from at least three different dinosaur species are preserved in a sandstone slab near the water's edge — dating back approximately 200 million years to the Early Jurassic period.
The tracks include three-toed theropod prints that are remarkably well-preserved and easy to identify even without a guide. Getting there is half the fun — you can hike the trail from the main parking area or paddle a kayak across the reservoir for a more dramatic approach.
Pro tip: Visit the tracksite in the morning when the low-angle light casts shadows across the rock surface — the tracks are dramatically more visible than in flat midday light. Check stateparks.utah.gov for current park hours and entry fees before you go.
Getting there: From Best Western Vernal Inn, head north on US-191 for approximately 10 miles. The park entrance is well-signed on the right. The drive takes about 12 minutes and the road is paved the entire way.
Red Fleet pairs perfectly with other Vernal-area destinations for a full day out. Here are the most natural combinations from your hotel base:
~20 min from the hotel. Do Red Fleet in the morning and the Quarry Exhibit Hall in the afternoon for a full dinosaur day.
~15 min from the hotel. Ancient Fremont rock art in a stunning canyon setting — easy to combine with a Red Fleet morning.
~5 min from the hotel. A world-class dinosaur museum right in downtown Vernal — perfect for the drive back from Red Fleet.
~7 min from the hotel. A quieter reservoir just south of Red Fleet — great for fishing and a relaxed afternoon on the water.
12 minutes from the park — free breakfast, free parking, and a comfortable room waiting for you.
Red Fleet State Park is approximately 10 miles north of Vernal — about a 12-minute drive from Best Western Vernal Inn at 1935 South 1500 East. Head north on US-191 and the park entrance is well-signed on the right.
Red Fleet offers a dinosaur tracksite with 200+ visible tracks, reservoir swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, red-rock hiking trails, and camping. It is one of the most scenic and undervisited state parks in Utah.
Yes. Over 200 dinosaur tracks are preserved on a sandstone slab near the reservoir shoreline — dating back approximately 200 million years. They are accessible by a short hiking trail or by kayak across the reservoir.
Yes. Red Fleet Reservoir is open for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The water is a beautiful blue-green color set against dramatic red sandstone walls — one of the best swimming spots in northeastern Utah.
Best Western Vernal Inn is the closest full-service hotel — approximately 12 minutes south of the park in Vernal, Utah. We offer free hot breakfast, free parking, pet friendly rooms, and weekly rates from $588.
Yes. Dogs are allowed in the park on a leash. They are permitted on trails and in the water. We are also a pet friendly hotel — call (435) 789-6625 when booking to let us know you'll be traveling with a pet.
Yes. A Utah State Parks day-use fee or annual pass is required at entry. Check stateparks.utah.gov for current pricing before your visit.
Late spring through early fall is ideal — the reservoir is warm enough for swimming from June through September. Spring and fall offer cooler hiking conditions with fewer crowds. The park is open year-round but some facilities may be limited in winter.
Yes — this is one of the most popular day-trip combinations from Vernal. Visit Red Fleet in the morning (12 min from hotel) and head to Dinosaur National Monument in the afternoon (20 min from hotel). Both are very doable in a single full day.
Yes. Weekly rates start at $588 + tax for a Standard Queen (7 nights). Monthly rates are also available for longer stays. Call (435) 789-6625 for details.