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Area Guide

Area Guide: Hurricane, Utah

Quail Creek State Park: Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Opened to the public in 1986 as a state park, Quail Creek State Park draws boaters, campers, adventurers, and anglers all year long with some of the state's warmest waters and mildest winters. Learn more about our little slice of paradise with our area guide.

In order to supply the St. George region with water for cultivation and cooking, Quail Creek Reservoir was finished in 1985. Virgin River water is diverted and used to transfer the majority of the volume that enters the reservoir. Natural tributary Quail Creek flows from seasonal snowmelt, desert storm and springs that feed the lake year-round, sometimes at flash flood levels!

The reservoir is created by two dams. An earth-fill embankment dam serves as the primary dam. The old earth-fill dam that failed at 11:59pm on December 31, 1988 was replaced with the roller-compacted concrete structure you see today. Quail Creek can reach a maximum depth of 120 feet, making it sufficiently cold to support the rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, and crappie that have been stocked there. The warmer top layers of the reservoir are ideal for bluegill and largemouth bass, both of which are stocked. Also present are smallmouth bass and crawdad/crayfish.

Where is Quail Creek State Park?

Quail Creek State Park is located 13 miles northeast of St. George, right off I-15. South of Salt Lake City by 293 miles. We are an easy 40 minute drive from Springdale/Zion Canyon/Zion National Park West Entrance.

Take the Hurricane exit off of I-15 (Exit 16). After traveling two miles east on Highway 9 in the direction of Hurricane City, turn left at the second traffic signal. Drive for approximately 1.5 miles to the park entrance, found on the right side of the street.

Dig Paddlesports
at Quail Creek State Park
472 N 5300 W
Hurricane, UT 84737
435-467-9988 Shop

Lodging & Dining

You have MANY options for overnight stays in the Hurricane, UT / St. George, UT areas. Here are a few of our favorites:

Camping

Camping is available onsite at Quail Creek State Park, as well as at nearby KOA St. George. Other nearby options include Leeds RV Park, Willowind RV Park in Hurricane, and Settler's Point RV Park in Washington City.

Hotel Options:

There are many hotels located just a short drive from Quail Creek State Park. We have stayed, played, and/or hosted events at each of these facilities:

Extended Stay Options:

For extended stay groups large and small, there are some great options nearby. One of our favorites is Coral Springs Resort, just a 5-minute drive from our door. There are a variety of options with condos that accommodate in style with stocked kitchens, laundry facilities, resort pools, tennis, basketball, hot tub, and a fitness center on site.
For more information, click here. You may email relax@privatevacations.com or contact a real human being at (435) 200-9709 .

Rooms/Homes by Owner

Pat McEwen, Host and Dig Paddlesports Tour Guide:

  • Entire Guest Suite - just 10 minutes from Quail Creek State Park. This is a great option for one or two. Sparkling clean, quiet neighborhood. Just a short drive to golfing, paddling, and off-road adventure.

Brian, Host:

Restaurants:

  • Lonny Boy's Barbecue. Put some "South" in your big, fat pie hole. Brisket with the burnt ends, ribs that jump off the bone in the tenderest way, cauliflower and fried pickle that your mouth begs for. Yessir! About 8 miles from our shop.
  • River Rock Roasting Co. Great food. Inspirational views. Creative ambience. Did I mention the cinnamon rolls or the pizza? Burgers! Oh. My. Goodness. Changing my name to Sal Ivate right now.... In La Verkin, between Hurricane and Virgin, about 9 miles from our shop.
  • Balcony One Artisanal American-Mediterranean roots and live music in the Virgin Valley. Unforgettable venue with a creative menu. About a 25-minute drive on your way to Zion National Park. Worth every mile.
  • El Jinete You want some great Mexican food? Look no further than the family that started El Jinete. Hole-in the wall craftsman quality to the food, authentic flavors your mouth will savor. Website? We don't need no stinking website! We're too busy making our famous nachos for the guy that owns Dig Paddlesports - he orders them with Adobada or Carne Asada!
  • Cross Country Diner - WOW. This is a labor of love from the ground up. A modified aluminum classic travel trailer was converted and customized by Sergio, the chef and mastermind behind some of the best french fries and sandwiches your taste buds could possibly conceive. Yes, you should go.
  • Adelita's Mexican Food I don't even remember what I ate there last, but it was incredible. Maybe a carne asada burrito, or perhaps it was nachos. Either way, this place is an undisputed gastronomic victory.
  • Mainly Pizza in Leeds GREAT pizza. Out of the way (but just a little bit) from most tourist traps, everything is made by hand (no frozen garbage from some corporate distribution warehouse) and the flavor is rich with every bite.
  • Casa Tequilana Artisanal Mexican Cuisine. It's INCREDIBLE. Pair it with an evening paddle at Quail Creek State Park, or a visit to the Silver Reef Museum, or just take in the sunset off the patio dining area. You'll never regret Casa Tequilana.
  • Sand Hollow Resort Grille - Gourmet Americana. Steak. Salads. Wraps. Burgers... truffle fries. TRUFFLE FRIES! So &@#!! good. Breakfast is great. Lunch is victorious. Dinner sublime. The views are unstoppable from their continuous bay window bank, gazing across red sandstone boulders in the golf course landscape with a backdrop of the largest lacolith in North America, draping to the east as the dropoff of the Colorado Plateau begs for a hike in Zion or the Fingers of Kolob. Sunrise is a win. Sunset is devastating, in the best way. Call (435) 656-4653 to make a reservation.

When to Visit

The park is open year-round from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Seasonal hours may apply. Our summers are hot, and our winters are mild. We recommend checking the weather prior to your visit. Our shoulder season is typically March-April, and September-October. Call our shop at 435-467-9988 or book online.

During the off-season (November, December, January, February), we are open by appointment. If the weather is good, and you want to paddle, we'll make it happen! The best way to secure a rental in the off-season is by calling our office to make reservations at 435-467-9988.

Entrance Fees

We are located inside Quail Creek State Park. You will need to purchase an entry fee to enter the park. An updated fee structure may be found here: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/quail-creek/park-fees/

$15 for day-use includes the use of boat ramps, up to 8 persons/vehicle

$20 for day-use, Out of State, up to 8 persons/vehicle

$10 day-use for Utah seniors 62+

Annual Passes are also available at the park entrance booth.

 

Safety First!

While largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, trout, and bullhead catfish, and crawdad populate the lake, you do not need to worry about any dangerous fish. Please keep in mind that we are in a State Park, where animals reside, but they tend not to affect our kayaking and paddleboarding sessions.

A more common concern would be sun exposure and possible dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen/protective clothing. We include U.S. Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) with each rental, and we bring water and electrolyte drink along on our guided tours. Need something to drink? We sell non-alcoholic beverages at our on-site shop at Quail Creek State Park, as well as refreshing shaved ice!

It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local flora and fauna. Camp rangers are happy to help you learn about staying safe while enjoying our beautiful park.

Activities Around Quail Creek State Park

There is plenty to do in our state park, including:

  • Boating
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Sunset/Moonlight Paddle
  • Mountain Biking
  • Wakeboarding
  • Wake Surfing
  • Jet Skiing
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Cliff Jumping (scout your landing zone!)
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Rent a hammock and stand from us for just $20/day and read that book that's been on your list! :D

We'll see you at the lake! Call us with any questions.

Hurricane and St. George, Utah Area Resources:

Real Estate: Linda Schmal She is an all-in real estate agent who goes to bat for her people.

Internet: Nick Guillen, TDS Telecom: Nick will get you the best service at the best price. In many areas of southern Utah, TDS has the best bandwidth/price value there is.

TV: Nick Guillen, TDS Telecom

Satellite TV: Tyson Atkinson: 435-668-6677

Phone: Give Nick Guillen, TDS Telecom a call if you want a landline. For cell service, give Tyson Atkinson a ring at 435-668-6677; He represents all major carriers.

Schools:

Insurance: Damon Atkinson, EasyShop Insurance

Medical: Intermountain Healthcare

Automotive:

 

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