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Water Activities

The cool, clean lakes, rivers and streams of the Ashley National Forest can be a welcome relief from the heat and sun of the summer.  Plan and prepare. Check the weather and always use caution when enjoying the water. Never swim or float alone and always wear appropriate safety equipment. Keep children close at all times and enjoy!

Boating - Motorized

The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a popular boating and water sport area. Boating ramps and marinas are located at several sites around the Lake. There are 26 campgrounds in the immediate area of the Gorge, four of which are accessible only by boat. Boaters and water sport enthusiasts should be especially careful since high winds may be encountered, and the waters of the Lake are cold. Know and obey all State and Federal regulations while using the Lake.

Boating - Non-Motorized

The Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam also provides adventures for non-motorized watercraft meeting state and federal regulations for river running. Twenty-six miles of the Green River are open to approved watercraft without permit. Permits from the National Park Service are needed for the 26 miles of the Green River within the Dinosaur National Monument.

Swimming

A variety of lakes, creeks are available for dipping, soaking and swimming on the Ashley National Forest. Swimming opportunities are typically found in natural settings which have no lifeguard supervision or roped-off pools. Cold, free-flowing currents of rivers and streams command respect and judgment when deciding where and when to swim. Swimmers in lakes and reservoirs need to keep a watchful eye out for boaters.

Waterskiing

The Forest Service manages vast areas of land, including many lakes and rivers, where water activities like waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding are permitted, but safety and regulations vary by location, so check with the specific forest or ranger district for details.

Search for Water Activities Opportunities

Showing: 11 - 20 of 59 results

Carmel Campground

Outdoor Science and Learning Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Carmel Campground, near Manila, Utah, near the entrance of the Sheep Creek Geological loop and just a few miles from the Sheep Creek boat launch. This campground offers a peaceful escape with…

Cats Paw River Camp

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Cats Paw Camp is a boat-in campsite along the north side of the Green River, located about 1.3 miles below Little Hole Boat Ramp. This area is typical of a high desert environment, with shady…

Cedar Springs Campground

Water Activities Picnicking Hiking
Cedar Springs Campground is a small campground located in the beautiful Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area on the Ashley National Forest. Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Cedar Springs Marina are less…

Cottonwood River Camp

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Cottonwood is on the north side of the river 8.75 miles below the dam and 1.55 miles below Little Hole.  Site has one table, one fire ring, two tent pads, portable toilet screen and two benches. …

Deer Run Campground

Outdoor Science and Learning Biking Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Deer Run Campground is a small campground that is located in the beautiful Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area on the Ashley National Forest. Deer Run is situated among juniper, pinyon pine and…

Dripping Springs Campground

Biking Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities
Dripping Springs Campground is situated in the rolling high desert terrain near Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The campground is part of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area on the Ashley National…

Dutch John Draw Group Campground

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Dutch John Draw Campground is located within a quiet cove on Flaming Gorge Reservoir. It is located on a sloping hillside forested with pinyon pines, which offer little shade. The entire site offers…

Last updated March 21, 2025