Gunlock State Park has issued updated conditions regarding fire restrictions, water safety, and park amenities. According to a notice on the Utah State Parks website, Stage 1 restrictions are in effect and boaters should prepare for floating debris in the reservoir.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, open fires are prohibited except in approved fire rings or grills at developed campgrounds or day-use areas on public lands that have a pressurized running water system. Additionally, all fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers, are prohibited.
The boat ramp is open daily, with seasonal hours of 7:00 am to 8:00 pm from May through September and 7:00 am to 7:00 pm from October through April. Boaters are advised to launch at their own risk due to floating debris in the reservoir that may be brought in during runoff. All boaters must self-certify and follow all Quagga rules and regulations before launching.
Currently, boat decontamination is not available at Gunlock. Visitors are advised to get decontaminated before visiting the park, with options available at the port of entry south of St. George on I-15 or at Sand Hollow State Park.
The waterfalls at Gunlock State Park are not flowing because the snowpack has been expended and is no longer sustaining higher than normal flows in the Santa Clara River. Officials warned that recreating on the rocks near the waterfalls is dangerous due to slick rocks, swift water, and hazards in the pools.
The campground is open and features 30 sites with power and water, as well as a dump station. Beach camping on the day-use beach is prohibited. The park also features a blue ribbon fishery containing largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and catfish.
Improvements have been made to the park, including more parking and sand on the day-use beach, as well as widened and improved campsites.
