Spread across nearly 120 square-miles, this national park is best known for its wondrous geographic features. |. Monument Valley KOA is a gateway to the wondrous world of Monument Valley. by FunkyRes July 21st, 2015, 3:47 pm, Post This is the place to be. WillowWind RV Park is located in the town of Hurricane. It isn't really fair to compare the Snake Road to the whole continent of Australia, is it? Sculpted by natural forces, these bridges are a source of wonder to visitors. Being a bird watcher myself, I enjoy getting out and seeing new birds and visiting new birding hotspots. Id laugh at this parks name, but that would be beating a dead horse. Primitive camping is available at Cathedral Valley Campground and Cedar Mesa Campground. Its most famous, though, for Bald Eagle; often dozens of individuals are present here in winter. by John Delgado April 24th, 2015, 8:22 pm, Post (There are several small falls before this; you'll know you've reached the main one when you see a park service sign or by the simple fact that it is impassible to most.) Its home to massive mountains, deserts that remind me of the middle east, and some of the world's most uni. We decided to take the best of it and carefully select our scales on places with herping potential. The natural springs here create an oasis in an arid region, which is one reason the Nature Conservancy acquired it in the 1980s. In other areas, where there are mountains, there are vast cloud forests. 2pm Lunch and Winery Tour/Tasting (optional) in Sonoita, Arizona. Another top birding spot in southern Utah is the Tonaquint Nature Center. Three canyons in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offer similar birding, as a drive allows stopping at various picnic sites, trails, and other recreation areas. Resident birds here include Gambels Quail, Coopers Hawk, Greater Roadrunner, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Says Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cliff Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Crissal Thrasher, Lucys Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Aberts Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, and Bullocks Oriole. Turn north onto 3700 W Street and drive less than a mile to a fishing pond on the left. Landscape Arch lies 0.8 miles along the Devils Garden trail at the . If captured it may squeak and discard its tail. WHAT TRIED TO EAT THIS TORTOISE? This Green River campground is a great base camp for exploring the outdoors. If youre out camping on the truck bed, the power of a 44 could come in really handy. - North American Field Herping Association. Dedicated exclusively to field herping. We planned our trip so that the flights were as cheap as possible, and that means long stops for turning planes. Its accessibility right off Hwy 12 between Escalante and Boulder makes it a perfect stopover. The geyser is an interesting geological site, mostly because unlike most geysers, its eruptions are not fueled by geothermal activity. New products are constantly being added so check back often. One of Americas most spectacularly scenic national parks, Zion is a splendid birding destination, in part because it combines ecosystems of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert. The first national park in Utah, the area is known for the steep red cliffs of Zion Canyon. There are places along the Pony Express Trail where cell phones work and there are places where they dont. So far, 235 bird species have been seen and recorded at the park. when do trees bloom in the smoky mountains. There are also several species of Boas, some dwarf species that devour lizards and are slightly arboreal, and of course the dwarf "Tropes". For a chance to see more waterbirds, return to Highway 9 and drive east about 2.2 miles. This campground has three types of sites, no-hookup sites, no-hookup group sites, and partial hookup sites. Stock animals have right of way step off the trail and let them pass undisturbed. The blue color of the water is largely due to calcium carbonates suspended in the water. Even on the lakeshores more open or barren parts, you can find pale little snowy plovers, elegant American avocets and blacknecked stilts, and other shorebirds. The parks high elevation, red rocks, pink cliffs, and dark skies make it a sight to behold. At 5 miles you come to Big Springs, a fern-fringed rush of water much larger than anything so far. Often considered as one of the best places for RV camping, Zion River RV Resort is a popular spot for campers visiting Zion National Park. The San Juan river meanders through, making its way to Lake Powell. Being a state park, either a day-use or year-round park pass is needed to visit the park. 1.6 miles roundtrip, 30 min to 1 hour, easy to moderate. The secret to enjoying the best camping in Utah and any other location is to be prepared. All their sites have full hookups and several amenities are available on the campground. Bullfrog Basin Campground is one of the most popular places for lakeside camping in Utah. 150. Ditto for the old REPTILES magazine for 15 years, and sporadic articles for TFH Hobbyist. Devils Garden Campground located deep within the park is an excellent place to stay and has unbeatable views of Arches National Park. by Muchobirdnerd April 24th, 2015, 1:20 pm, Post Avoid this hike if rain threatens, as the wash is prone to flash floods. by The Real Snake Man April 23rd, 2015, 4:02 pm, Post The seven-mile causeway leads to Antelope Island State Park, crossing the lake where huge numbers of flies and brine shrimp provide food for shorebirds such as American Avocet, Western Sandpiper, and Red-necked Phalarope, as well as Bonapartes Gull. Antelope Island and its causeway allow access to part of this spectacle, along with views of ducks, grebes, gulls, and other waterbirds, plus Bald Eagles. Birds regularly nesting in Zion include White-throated Swift, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gray Flycatcher , Dusky Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Says Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Gray Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Pinyon Jay, Stellers Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Townsends Solitaire, Hermit Thrush, Phainopepla, Lucys Warbler, Virginias Warbler, Graces Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Western Tanager. One of the most central locations in northern Utah for bird watching is the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area. I will extend my stay at these places. The next morning, leave your backpack at the campsite and explore the claustrophobia-inducing Joint Trail, where the fractured rock narrows to 2ft across in places; the trail junction lies to the south, about midway around the Chesler Park Loop. The best way to experience it is from beneath. Here are the top leaf-peeping spots in the US for 2022. On Antelope Island, birds include Chukar, Northern Harrier, Long-billed Curlew, Burrowing Owl, Horned Lark, Rock Wren, Sage Thrasher, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Brewers Sparrow. by VAS April 28th, 2015, 10:27 am, Post Both of these locations do not offer any reservations. Several species of Racers, which are actually more closely related to the Snail-eating Snakes of South America than the ones in the US, also inhabit the island. If you trek the entire 5 miles to Big Springs (as far as day hikers are allowed), you'll outpace most of the day-trippers but dont underestimate the distance: this is a long way to hike upstream. With Arches and Canyonlands National Parks as well as Sand Flats Recreation Area in its vicinity, Moab, Utah is a wonderland for adventure enthusiasts. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Plenty of Eleutherodactylus frog species, toads, etc. The wetlands here make Ouray an oasis in a region that gets only seven inches of precipitation annually. One of the newer state parks in Utah, Sand Hollow is also one of the most popular. However, there is an admission price of sorts to the canyon: about a quarter-mile upstream is a small pool that youll need to swim across to continue. by snakemastermyke January 8th, 2016, 11:30 am, Post best herping spots in utah best herping spots in utah. Wasatch Mountain State Park has close access to areas for shopping, dining, and golfing. The next section is typically where people make a wrong turn. Audubon members protect birds. Herping tips holiday Utah California . Noah M Posts: 2293 Joined: Sun Nov 04, 2012 2:00 am Location: Gainesville, FL. Photos are taken which includes GPS coordinates, then the victim passes multiple hands, and is released to resume its lizard business following the rude interruption. In the wetlands, spring and summer birds include Gadwall, Cinnamon Teal, Pied-billed Grebe, Eared Grebe, Western Grebe, Clarks Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, American White Pelican, American Bittern, Snowy Egret, Virginia Rail, Sora, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Wilsons Phalarope, Forsters Tern, Marsh Wren, and Yellow-headed Blackbird. Five campsites lie southeast of the junction. Understanding the contention surrounding one of humanitys most ancient art forms: rock-stacking. If you have time and energy, don't miss the side trip up the smaller and narrower Orderville. by snakemastermyke January 8th, 2016, 11:29 am, Post Located in Arches National Park, you've seen this arch before: it's the unofficial state symbol, stamping nearly every Utah tourist brochure and prominently depicted on license plates. Tourists appreciate Utah for some of the nations most stunning national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. It is private property with its birding rights leased to Wild About Birds so if you are interested in bird watching or finding out more about it, contact Wild About Birds for more information. While it can take up to eight hours to do the full round-trip to Big Springs, set aside a minimum of five hours so youll at least have time to reach Wall Street. Photo: Dick Dickinson/Audubon Photography Awards. Calf Creek campground looks at the wonderful Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The campground is open year-round. On our way from Barcelona to Costa Rica, the flight had a long scale of 17h in . As you approach Landscape Arch along the main trail, the terrain opens up, revealing long views to distant ridges and a vast expanse of sky. by azatrox June 18th, 2012, 7:19 pm, Post This location has 29 sites, five of which are reserved for tent use only. Continue to follow signs along the canyon floor. I visit the island about twice per week, year-round. These range from primitive campgrounds to full hookup sites with plenty of room for larger RVs. Another top birding spot in southern Utah is the Tonaquint . Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. The vast canyons and the Colorado River cutting through the landscape provide a spectacular landscape. by Chaitanya April 26th, 2015, 10:08 am, Post Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in this national park and offers 71 sites. Pause just east of the Joint Trail for stellar views of the towering pinnacles that ring Chesler Park. Its the dance of the river, wind, and desert that gives this unique park its shape. The Mojave is second only to the Sonoran Desert for biodiversity. There are 100 sites available on the Sunset Campground, and its proximity to Sunset Point makes it more desirable. Eared Grebe and Wilsons Phalarope are the stars, but the list of other species is long. This location has 253 bird species being observed so far at this particular location. Its also known for hosting three endangered species of special concern. Sandhill Crane is common here in spring and fall. Another great birding spot in northern Utah is Antelope Island State Park. It also gives a great perspective on the Needles. A third of a mile in, bear right at the fork and head downhill to Tunnel Arch (on your right) and the 45ft Pine Tree Arch (on your left). On the downside, this means that the road to the valley is very rough and not suitable for all vehicles. Its a leisurely stroll up the packed-sand wash from the parking area. It is one of the few reptiles that controls scorpion populations by eating their babies. Advance reservation is essential for campgrounds in season (generally March to October). The tent sites here have tent pads and 14 RV sites are available. Birds I have personally seen on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge include peregrine falcon, prairie falcon, bald eagle, tundra swan, trumpeter swan, rough-legged hawk, American bittern, green heron, American avocet, long-billed dowitcher, western meadowlark, cinnamon teal, blue-winged teal, snowy egret, great egret, Wilsons phalarope, and snow bunting. RV camping is the most popular, though they also offer tent camping and a motel. Look for seasonal wildflowers such as reddish Indian paintbrush, shrubby white-flowering Apaches plume and stalky, yellow-flowering princes plume. Due to the small number of sites available, the campground fills up pretty fast. Its the least you can do. One will be held in Sierra County NM, and the other in Washington County Utah, September 7-9. Good herping spots in Wyoming (or Idaho or Utah)? Yosemite National Park announced that the reservation policy for summer day use will be suspended in 2023. American Fork Canyon, Utah 84004, USA. While the Utah mountains are famed among skiers, birders know the high country near Salt Lake City as a convenient place to look for upper-elevation species. Southern Utah is also a good . Though things cool down in the park during winters, some activities remain available and visitors make their way to Wasatch Mountain State Park. by justinm July 27th, 2015, 2:16 pm, Post As a defense mechanism, it can also curl its tail over its body to mimic a scorpion. The campground here sits along the rim, staring down 1000 feet to the river. by simus343 April 23rd, 2015, 1:53 pm, Post Post by Xx WyoHunter xX Tue Jun 19, 2012 1:20 am This is my first time on here and I want to see if u guys know of any good spots around western Wyoming, east idaho, or northern Utah. Yurts are available in the state park, and include heating and air conditioning, electrical outlets, and lights. This site in extreme southwestern Utah is a truly significant natural area. It is located in a green oasis in the otherwise arid landscape, thanks to its proximity to the tranquil Virgin River. It has slightly better amenities available, though this is a primitive campground as well. Sandstone cliffs of red, pink, and white show the beauty of nature, and the Virgin River adds to the scene with emerald pools, waterfalls, and hanging gardens. It can get crowded here, but that can be part of the fun: visitors line up in front of the arch for their turn to snap a classic shot standing under the arch. Each year, millions of migrating shorebirds stop to rest and feed in the Great Salt Lake region. And of course, there is still room for fishing through holes in the ice! (UDWR). This has become an April tradition for our USU Wildlife Society students with a keen interest in herpetology. I could probably go to central Wyoming or further into Idaho but idk. While you . When you notice the cracks on the left side of the arch, its easy to understand why the National Parks Service (NPS) closed the trail. by intermedius May 12th, 2017, 7:33 pm, Post Among the worlds longest natural stone spans in Arches National Park, Landscape Archis a spectacular ribbon of rock reached via a moderate gravel trail with spurs of interest. The full-service RV park has 65-foot pull-thru spaces, full hookups, WiFi, Cable TV, and several other amenities. Look in woodland and grassland for nesting Wild Turkey, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Great Horned Owl, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Lewiss Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Says Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Sagebrush Sparrow, Brewers Sparrow, and Black-headed Grosbeak. But heres the deal. The refuge also has an excellent visitor center that offers exhibits, maps, and advice. Strike out into itsbig wilderness, and youll be floored by its landscapes: red-rock mesas thrusting above mighty rivers, vertiginous treksteetering along knife-edge ridges, and tracks leading ever deeper into skinny slot canyons that elemental forces have carved out since dinosaurs roamed the earth. Explore here for trip ideas. Good herping spots in Wyoming (or Idaho or Utah)? Set at the heart of South America, Bolivia packs a continents worth of biodiversity into its spectacular national parks. Notable bird species observed at Farmington Bay WMA include northern harrier, barn owl, bald eagle, California quail, bufflehead, tundra swan, American wigeon, Virginia rail, sora, Wilsons snipe, American avocet, American white pelican, American tree sparrow, herring gull, short-eared owl, and eared grebe. Tent camping and cabins are also available. American Fork Canyon is a popular site visited by an estimated one million people each year. 5. An ideal day hike, Peekaboo Loop Trail sees the most variety of terrain and scenery in Bryce Canyon National Park,with 1500 to 1800ft of cumulative elevation changes. Some areas are pretty arid and reminiscent of deserts. From Tonaquint Park, you can follow a trail that runs downstream a little more than a mile to the confluence of the Santa Clara and Virgin rivers. Herping via road cruising and hiking (moderate). Bear River's nearly 80,000 acres comprise marsh, mudflats, and open water, providing vital feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and other species. Interestingly, the park offers assistance with several of these activities, including gear for rent. Flush toilets and drinking water are available, though there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Just north of Bountiful, Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area has a very long bird list, leaning toward migrant waterfowl, summer wading birds and rails, and migrant shorebirds. People who wish to visit should call 801-422-5052 at least a week in advance. The city offers convenient access to Utah's Mighty Five National Parks: Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef and Zion. by kevin h July 20th, 2015, 9:13 am, Post Second to only the Bear River Bird Refuge, Antelope Island is one of my favorite birding spots. It could almost be a soda! Camping is available in three loops, the first reserved for RVs and the other two dedicated to tent camping. Thanks. by The Real Snake Man April 26th, 2015, 1:40 pm, Post And if the journey seems a little long, consider the Pony Express riders and stagecoach passengers who once made the oasis a regular stop on their trips. Located in the Great Salt Lake, the island is well-known for its beautiful scenic beauty. This trail rises and falls many times; be prepared for a workout. There are more than 2000 natural stone arches in the park, along with several pinnacles, balanced rocks, and fins. The best places to visit in the park are Devil's Garden, Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace, Double Arch, Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, the Windows, Broken Arch, and Sandstone Arch. You can see birds all over the park but the best location is at the Garr Ranch facilities. Snow Canyon State Park is a tranquil location surrounded by ancient lava flows and red sandstone. We protect birds and the places they need. You can cruise snakes in the low desert in the hottest seasons, but numbers are usually reduced and man, you gotta stay up LATE! Utah is often seen as an arid state and it is no wonder many of the popular camping spots here build on the beauty of these landscapes. My new top 10 places to herp list is: 1 - North America 2 - South America 3 - Africa 4 -Australasia 5 - Asia 6 - Europe . Activities at Antelope Island State Park include sailing, boating, and wildlife viewing. BreeBlanch/TripAdvisor. The trail to Bald Mountain leaves from Bald Mountain Pass near Mirror Lake. With diverse terrain, outstanding landscapes and well-maintained trails, hiking in the US is a joy. Our desert ramblings have revealed many herp treasures- spiny lizards, spectacled rattle snakes, desert iguanas, desert tortoise, chuckwalla, canyon tree frog to name a few. Utah is made up of vibrant and historic places to go, all surrounded by natural beauty. After this section, the canyon opens slightly again, the water gets periodically deeper (usually requiring swimming in places), and your fellow hikers thin out. The small town of Kamas sits about 30 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. Ive been birding since I was a kid, and I enjoy it as much now as I did back then. Reddish Egret, jaegers, Williamsons Sapsucker, and Black-throated Blue Warbler are some examples. However, we hope this project will lead to a better understanding of the distribution of all reptile and amphibian species in Utah. An increasingly popular site, Valley of the Mortally Inspired is very close to the famous Monument Valley. Arches National Park is located just outside Moab, a town well-known by mountain bikers and outdoor adventurers. with information about fine destinations around Utah, Access a free guide of more than 800 species of North American birds, Discover the impacts of climate change on birds and their habitats, Learn more about the birds you love through audio clips, stunning photography, and in-depth text. by FunkyRes July 19th, 2015, 2:23 pm, Post It is worth pointing out that the campground is not located in the valley of goblins, but has a great view of rock formations nevertheless. Top. This means impressive numbers of waterfowl (including Trumpeter Swan and Tundra Swan), grebes, Double-crested Cormorant, American White Pelican, wading birds, Sandhill Crane, and shorebirds. Visit our Bird Shirts and More online store to check out our products. While these irregular rock columns (hoodoos) can be found at several places, Bryce Canyon has the highest concentration of these rocks in the world. Lytle Ranch is now owned by Brigham Young University and managed as a field research station and wildlife preserve. Lower Calf Creek Falls beauty is no secret; this is easily the most heavily traveled trail in the entire monument. You get a nice combination of endemic reptile and amphibian species that are unique to the island archipelago. Well, here is a list depicting the current 10 top birding locations in Utah based on the total number of species observed and recorded at each location on Ebird. Osprey appears in migration, Bald Eagle and Rough-legged Hawk in winter, and Golden Eagle year round. This article was first published June 2016 and updated September 2021. 10 Best Campgrounds near Moab: Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, BLM, & More. The canyon walls shrink and spread out again as the flat trail approaches Hwy 24. The location of the site is excellent, and it has a wonderful green coat that stands out in the otherwise arid landscape. We've also written 56 books covering info on single species, multiple species, and 10 field guides on USA and . Pictures Leopard Lizard, Courtesy PXHere.com This preserve, owned and operated by Brigham Young University, offers over 600 acres of plant and animal diversity for study and enjoyment. Being close to the city, it offers easy access to most city locations. Remarkably fast and allusive, these rigs are the answer. These are the best hikes to add to your list for 2023. Birders know the state for, among other attractions, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, a vast oasis for waterfowl on the north side of the Great Salt Lake. 1. Visitors to Sand Hollow State Park can enjoy boating, fishing, and diving at the reservoir. The sandy shore and extended knee-deep wading area, before the deeper drop-off, make this a favorite with families. The park is a reminder of the Old West with its colourful canyons and cliffs, and the shrubbery that lines much of the desert floor. The location is popular for camping and fishing, and more than 2 million people visit Lake Powell every year. Our priority is to collect information on Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). You Are Here: phrases with the word lane youth movements 2020 best herping spots in utah. The Peekaboo Loop Trail is also a horse trail, so expect to see occasional riders. Read our Privacy Policy. by Noah M July 20th, 2015, 3:35 pm, Post Our defense. Brilliant blue waters of the lake are contained by sandy beaches. Best overnight hike11 miles roundtrip, 1-2 days, moderate overnight hike, moderate-difficult day hike. Photo: Howard Arndt/Audubon Photography Awards, Help power unparalleled conservation work for birds across the Americas, Stay informed on important news about birds and their habitats, Receive reduced or free admission across our network of centers and sanctuaries, Great Egret. Audubon protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. So far, 252 species of birds have been observed and recorded at Farmington Bay WMA. Notable bird species observed at the Provo Airport Dike include white-crowned sparrow, ruddy duck, pied-billed grebe, greater yellowlegs, sharp-shinned hawk, dark-eyed junco, downy woodpecker, says phoebe, great horned owl, mountain bluebird, yellow-headed blackbird, coopers hawk, American goldfinch, black phoebe, and cedar waxwing. I assume the usual herping tactics (flipping, road cruising, hiking at night) in suitable habitats will produce for you. So far, birders have recorded 258 species of birds on this fascinating and unique piece of wildlife habitat. A quick upward flip and bingo (with a bit of luck) a lizard dances freely from the lines end. #12 in Best Places to Visit in Utah. The park is spread in an area of 229 square-miles. The Trails Illustrated Needles District map should suffice for most hikers, but if youre inclined to wander, carry a 7.5-minute USGS map. Ponder the scope of the Grand Canyon, delve into the history of a nation of immigrants at Ellis Island, or wander across architectural grandeur at Golden Gate Bridge. Located in the scenic Moab, which is close to several popular camping locations, Moab KOA wins on account of its location and services. Its possible to follow the canyon half a mile upstream to a waterfall, beyond which youll need a permit. best herping spots in utah. American Fork Canyon. For a copy of the Utah bird species checklist from Ebird, visit their website. -which of the named places has the best chance of seeing snakes in july ? I'll try and keep this outside the US. Best hike for families1.6 miles roundtrip, 30 min to 1hour, easy to moderate. Start from the parking lot at the end of the Grand Wash spur road. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding are very popular. Notable species include sandhill crane, golden eagle, ferruginous hawk, horned lark, yellow-rumped warbler, greater sage grouse, mourning dove, Swainson's hawk, barn swallow, vesper sparrow, yellow warbler, canvasback, western kingbird, and western wood-pewee. 2. Bullfrog Basin Campground is one of the most popular places for lakeside camping in Utah. But views here are among the park's best, particularly of the Wall of Windows, the Silent City and the Fairy Castle. Utah is made for hikers. Its a part of the Mojave Desert ecosystem that barely reaches into Utah, hosting plants and animals unusual or unknown elsewhere in the state. We are following a somewhat strict schedule so I'll only have a couple days to do whatever I want, I'd like to know what are some of the best herping spots in the area and some tips that could help me find cool stuff. Trust me, I know. Keep in mind that the ascent is shadeless, so take your time, wear rubber-soled shoes or boots and drink a lot of water along the way. What Should Be Done About Flaco, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl Loose in New York? High on a cliff, aptly named Tunnel Arch looks like a subway tube through the Entrada sandstone. I am not aware of the exact location being referred to by this spot so, unfortunately, there is no website I can link to for more information. It is open to the public, and birders from all over the world have come to add new species to their life lists. Fremont River flows close to this campground. The campground is large and includes several sites. Though the national monument is the big draw, the calf creek itself is a popular location to enjoy. The campground is known to fill up with bookings made months in advance, so plan your visit carefully. Capitol Reef National Park. Several campgrounds cover the various remarkable points of this vast park. There are no RV only sites, though vehicles up to 40 feet in length are permitted. A casual observer might question our sanity. When its winter and the lake is frozen over, you can get some snowmobiles to have fun. The area is also a treasure for those interested in stargazing and is one of the few sites that can boast of natural darkness to admire the night sky. Im always amazed how this parched, desolate land can support such a remarkable abundance of life forms. Thousand Lakes RV Park is just a few miles from Capitol Reef National Park. Box Elder, Millard and Utah counties are three of the best counties in Utah to hunt doves.