Starvation State Wildlife Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Starvation State Wildlife Area, located in the state of Utah, offers visitors a unique and diverse natural experience.
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Summary
Nestled around the Starvation Reservoir, this wildlife area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here is a summary of what makes it worth a visit, including specific points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to go.
Reasons to Visit:
1. Wildlife Viewing: Starvation State Wildlife Area is home to a variety of wildlife species, including deer, elk, waterfowl, and various bird species. Visitors have the opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat, making it a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
2. Water Activities: With the presence of Starvation Reservoir, this wildlife area offers ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The reservoir is known for its excellent walleye and smallmouth bass fishing, attracting anglers from across the region.
3. Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, Starvation State Wildlife Area provides breathtaking views that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and picnicking while taking in the stunning scenery.
Points of Interest:
1. Starvation Reservoir: The highlight of the area, Starvation Reservoir is a 3,500-acre lake that offers a range of water activities. Boating, water skiing, and paddleboarding are popular here, and there are multiple boat ramps available for access.
2. Wildlife Viewing Areas: Designated areas within the wildlife area provide ideal vantage points for observing wildlife. These include the shores of the reservoir, lush meadows, and the surrounding woodlands.
3. Camping Facilities: Starvation State Park, adjacent to the wildlife area, offers camping facilities with modern amenities. Whether it's RV camping or pitching a tent, visitors can enjoy a peaceful stay while being close to nature.
Interesting Facts:
1. Starvation State Wildlife Area got its name from the nearby Starvation Reservoir, which was so named because pioneers had a difficult time finding food in the area during severe winters.
2. The wildlife area spans over 20,000 acres and is managed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to protect and conserve the local ecosystem.
3. Starvation Reservoir is a popular ice fishing spot during the winter months, attracting anglers who brave the cold temperatures to catch trout, perch, and other fish species.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Starvation State Wildlife Area is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and wildlife is abundant. Springtime brings the blooming of wildflowers and the return of migratory birds, while fall offers stunning foliage colors. However, summer is also a great time to visit for water-based activities and camping.
It is always advisable to verify the information provided by consulting multiple independent sources, such as the official website of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, local tourism websites, and travel guides.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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