QUAIL CREEK STATE PARK
Quail Creek State Park provides excellent year-round camping, picnicking, boating, and trout and bass fishing in sunny southwest Utah. The park is three miles east of the Interstate 15 Hurricane exit on State Route 9. Facilities include 23 campsites, most of which will accommodate 2 small tents or 1 large, modern rest rooms, fish cleaning station and two covered group-use pavilions.
Quail Creek reservoir was completed in 1985 to provide irrigation and culinary water to the St. George area. Most of the water in the reservoir does not come from Quail Creek, but is diverted from the Virgin River and transported through a buried pipeline.
Two dams form the reservoir. The main dam is an earthfill embankment dam. The south dam is a roller compacted concrete dam, constructed to replace the original earthfill dam that failed in the early hours of New Year's Day 1989.
The maximum depth of Quail Creek can reach 120 feet, so it is cold enough to sustain the stocked rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, and crappie. Largemouth bass, which are also stocked, and bluegill thrive in the warmer, upper layers of the reservoir.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Picnickingyes
1. Quail Creek State Park offers a designated swimming area in the reservoir.
2. The water is warm, making it ideal for summer swims.
3. Lifeguards are not on duty; swim at your own risk.
4. Swimming outside of the marked areas can be dangerous due to boat traffic and fishing activities.
5. Snorkeling is allowed, offering underwater exploration opportunities within safe zones.
6. Children under 12 must wear life jackets while swimming or playing near the water's edge per state law requirements.
Enjoy fishing in a reservoir known for its warm water, housing Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Crappie is also available seasonally. Fish from the shore or rent boats to reach deeper waters. Ice-fishing opportunities exist during colder months.
Quail Creek State Park is located near Hurricane, Saint George and Washington
Quail Creek State Park offers picnic areas with tables and grills. Some spots overlook the reservoir, providing scenic views.
For biking enthusiasts, the park offers a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. Be cautious on uneven terrain.
The Overlook Trail is an easy path with minimal elevation changes but requires careful navigation around hikers and wildlife.
More experienced riders might prefer Prospector Trails; however, it's more challenging due to steep climbs and sharp turns - proceed carefully!
Riding along Quail Creek Reservoir provides beautiful views but can be tricky because of loose gravel - stay alert here!
Remember always wear helmets while riding bikes in this area as safety should never be compromised.
Nighttime bicycling isn't recommended due to poor visibility conditions which could lead to accidents or injuries.
Birdwatchers can spot species such as the Vermilion Flycatcher, Black-throated Sparrow and Greater Roadrunner. The park is home to numerous waterfowl like American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler and Ring-necked Duck. Raptors including Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle and Peregrine Falcon are also seen here. Other bird types include Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike or Lark Bunting.
From I-15 take Hurricane exit 16, go three miles east on SR 9, turn left on SR 318, follow road along lake to park entrance.