Willard Bay State Park has announced a transition away from a closed bid system for all future boat slip rentals. The park is moving toward a random draw process for annual slip selection while maintaining specific decontamination requirements to prevent invasive mussels from entering the reservoir.
To prevent invasive mussels, boaters must certify their vessel is mussel-free every time they launch. Individuals coming from infected waters, such as Lake Powell or out-of-state locations, must undergo decontamination via professional services or self-decontamination. Self-decontamination requires cleaning all plants, fish, mussels, and mud, draining all water from tanks, bilges, and motors, and drying equipment for specific durations: 7 days in summer, 18 days in spring and fall, 30 days in winter, or 3 days if winterized or freezing.
Professional decontamination services at the park are now available by appointment only. Users must have two people present for dip tank decontaminations—one to run the boat and one to drive the vehicle. The dip tank is scheduled to be closed on October 2, 2026. Regarding the new slip process, annual selection for available slips will be conducted via random draw. Pricing for slips is set at $1,300 for A Dock and $1,000 for B Dock. Applicants must submit separate applications for each dock if they wish to be considered for both.
Current contract holders for boat slips have two options: they may continue their existing contract for its full term or opt out by contacting Kandi Burden. If an applicant is not selected during the random draw, they are automatically added to a waitlist. If slips remain available after the waitlist is exhausted, individuals may complete an application for the remaining open slips. The park continues this process with the anticipation of a full water year, offering refunds if that does not occur.
Long-term boat slip awardees must provide a valid boat registration, valid boat insurance, an annual park pass, and a completed 2026 Willard Bay State Park Boat Slip Lease Permit and Addendum. Additionally, they must complete the STDoftheSea.Utah.gov training. For boating safety, all children under age 13 must wear a properly fitting, Coast Guard approved life jacket while on the water.
