Boating & Water Recreation
Boating & Water Recreation
Big Water and a Mountain Lake
When the weather warms up, Box Elder County heads for the water. Launch a boat on the open water of Willard Bay or paddle the calm surface of Mantua Reservoir in the mountains above Brigham City. Both are just minutes from Brigham City, making it easy to spend the whole day on the water.
Quick Facts
Big Water
Willard Bay
Mountain Lake
Mantua Reservoir
Main Season
May–September
Best For
Waterskiing, paddling & swimming
Where to Get on the Water
Willard Bay State Park is the county’s biggest playground for boaters, with two marinas, sandy beaches and plenty of room for waterskiing and wakeboarding. Just up Box Elder Canyon, Mantua Reservoir offers a smaller, cooler mountain setting that’s popular with paddlers, anglers and families.
Between the two, you can spend one day pulling skiers across open water and the next paddling a quiet mountain shoreline.
Willard Bay State Park
This 9,900-acre freshwater reservoir is the go-to for boating in Box Elder County. Launch from the North or South Marina, then spend the day waterskiing, wakeboarding or paddleboarding. Sandy beaches and shady day-use areas make it easy to settle in for the afternoon.
Mantua Reservoir
Just up Box Elder Canyon, this mountain reservoir offers a boat ramp, a swimming beach and calm mornings that are perfect for kayaks and paddleboards. At about 5,000 feet, it stays a little cooler than the valley on hot summer days.
By the Season
Spring
(April–May)
Marinas wake up and the water starts to warm. A quiet time to launch before the summer crowds.
Summer
(June–August)
Peak season for boating, waterskiing and swimming. Arrive early on weekends for the best parking.
Fall
(September–October)
Calm water and cooler air make for great paddling. Fall color lights up Box Elder Canyon.
Winter
(November–March)
Boating season ends for the year. Mantua freezes over and becomes a spot for ice fishing.
Before You Go
CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY
Utah requires boats to be cleaned, drained and dried to stop the spread of invasive mussels. Plan for an inspection.
WEAR A LIFE JACKET
Bring a properly fitting life jacket for everyone on board. Check Utah’s boating rules for kids.
CHECK WATER QUALITY
Algal blooms can affect some lakes in late summer. Check for advisories before swimming.
KNOW THE FEES
Willard Bay State Park charges a day-use fee per vehicle. Check current rates before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Pack the sunscreen, load up the boat and make a day of it on the water. Brigham City is close by for supplies, dinner and a place to stay.