Utica and Union Reservoirs

This is an excellent place to bring your non-motorized watercraft (SUP, kayak, canoe...what have you) and have hours and hours of fun exploring the shores of islands and peninsulas within this scenic, granite-rich reservoir. In fact, you can bring tents and sleeping gear in your kayak and spend the night on a rocky-gorgeous island. [If it happens to have more granite than dirt, be sure to have a WAG bag in your kit.]. I recommend bringing a brightly-colored piece of cloth to hang to assist in finding your camp after you've set up and gone for a day paddle. It can get somewhat confusing.Unload your gear at the staging area close to the lake and then re-park at the free day-use parking area somewhat further back. Secure your water transport with your supplies in dry bags and put-in to Union Reservoir.There are many vistas to paddle to and from as you explore this paddler's wonderland from a water's-level viewpoint. [Please practice Leave-No-Trace as this is too nice of a jewel to ruin by leaving litter.]Bring a picnic lunch and your beverages of choice to enjoy as you paddle to your arm's content in this little slice of wilderness heaven.

My pictures do not even come close to documenting just how pretty this place is. I'll have to remember my waterproof case next time so I can take pictures beyond the shore. At any rate, these reservoirs are nothing short of awesome. Totally non-motorized and crystal clear water - this is a paddler's paradise. There are plenty of spots along the shoreline and throughout the many granite islands to camp out and enjoy. The west side of Utica also features a shallower, swimming hole-like section with large slabs of granite to lay out and enjoy the sun. This was the perfect place to relax after SUPing around the lake. Both Utica and Union reservoirs each feature two small first come, first serve campgrounds that fill up fast to capacity and have limited resources. Seriously though, this place could have zero bathrooms and I would still give it five stars. Utica has a large day use/overflow parking lot across from the Sandy Flat campground that is totally free. Keep driving down the road another couple of miles and you'll find the staging area at the start of the Slick Rock Jeep Trail. I'll definitely be back, especially to explore the waterfall area between the two reservoirs.

We kayaked Utica using the launch at the first campsite. Wow wow wow is what I can say about that. 5 star all the way! Early arrival is suggested as it is very busy and parking can be a challenge. We launched (15 minute limit) and parked in the overflow above the site. Short walk but not inconvenient. Further down the road and roadside launch was more difficult to find parking as it was already full. We arrived at 930 am on Saturday. Next visit we will plan arriving at 7 am. Why only 3 stars:The bathrooms (all of them) disgusting filthy boxes. Full of the worst smell ever! I actually threw up just opening the door. How these are considered sanitary is beyond my imagination. So that is why 3 stars. Be ready with your own paper too. Needless to say I held it! Tips for a day trip kayak adventures. Pack your kayak with a chair, snacks/water, towel and shade if you need it. Paddle to one of the many islands and set up you beach spot for the day. There is so much to explore. Many are there to set up camp on the many island spots and it is a spectacular adventure for all!

+++++ Utica and Union Reservoir are really pretty. Great Lake to paddle around. The surrounding area has plenty of areas to Ride Bikes.++ Sandy Flat Campground. Very small Campground so it fills up... Camp spots aren't the cleanest. I had un-burned trash is the fire pit, and was constantly picking up bits lying around.. And the Vault Out house was Nasty. Dirty, Full, & tons of Flies. Need to pack out your trash too, so the recycling bends where full of trash too...

This is probably one of the prettiest lakes I've been to. Awesome for water sports such as kayaking etc. It's a small lake with no motor powered boats allowed. Fun place to camp and swim. There are only vault toilets, no flush toilets so be prepared. Very quiet and peaceful lake but it does get crowded during the summer.