Antelope Island State Park —
Your Complete Guide
The largest island in Great Salt Lake: free-roaming bison, a floating beach, 45+ miles of trails and Utah's oldest ranch house, open every day but two.
What is Antelope Island State Park?
Antelope Island State Park is the largest island in Great Salt Lake: 28,022 acres of rangeland and rocky ridges, 15 miles long, reached by the Davis County Causeway from Syracuse, Utah. It is home to 550 to 700 free-roaming bison, plus pronghorn, bighorn sheep and mule deer, more than 45 miles of trails, the historic Fielding Garr Ranch, and Bridger Bay Beach, where you can float in the salty lake. The park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., year-round (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas), and entry is $15 per vehicle.
Utah State Parks calls the island the best place to access Great Salt Lake. You drive a narrow two-lane causeway across the water, and the Wasatch Front gives way to open rangeland where bison roam free. Millions of birds gather on the shores, and at night the island is an International Dark Sky Park (history and geology).
Three things to plan for. There is no water on any trail, so fill up at the Visitor Center or Bridger Bay. Biting gnats come out from April to June, and bug spray doesn't stop them; bring a fine-mesh head net. And Uber and Lyft don't pick up from the park, so come in your own or a rental car (planning tips).
Antelope Island State Park at a Glance
Things to Do on Antelope Island
Wildlife, the lake, the trails and the ranch. Pick what you came for.
Bison
One of the nation's largest and oldest public herds: 550 to 700 bison, descended from 12 brought over in 1893.
Where to See Them →
Camping
Year-round. Bridger Bay has 64 sites from $30 a night, $40 with hookups, plus cottages and hike-in sites.
Sites & Fees →
Bridger Bay Beach
Float in Great Salt Lake on the park's sandy beach, with restrooms, showers and the seasonal Island Buffalo Grill.
Swim & Float →
Hiking & Biking
More than 45 miles of trails, from the 0.25-mile Ladyfinger Point walk to the 11.4-mile Mountain View Trail.
All 17 Trails →
Fielding Garr Ranch
Utah's oldest Anglo-built house still on its original foundation, built in 1848 and lived in until 1981.
Ranch History →
Bison Roundup
Every fall riders push the herd to the corrals. The 2026 roundup is Saturday, October 24, 2026; watching is free with entry.
2026 Dates →Popular Trails on Antelope Island
Five favorites from the 17 on Utah State Parks' 2026 trail map.
The climb to the island's highest point, Frary Peak, 6,596 feet.
A loop around the Bridger Bay peninsula on the island's northwest shore.
A short trail near Bridger Bay; look for Lake Bonneville tufa along the way.
From the backcountry trailhead near White Rock Bay into the island's interior.
The longest trail, running down the east side to the Fielding Garr Ranch.
How to Get to Antelope Island State Park
One road in: the Davis County Causeway from Syracuse.
Park Address
4528 West 1700 South, Syracuse, UT 84075. Drive the causeway to the island's north tip. Directions.
Visitor Center
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Phone 801-725-9263. What's inside.
Bring Water
No water on any trail, and food only at the seasonal grill. Planning tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get into Antelope Island State Park?
$15 per vehicle for up to eight people, $10 for a senior vehicle (driver 65 or older), $5 per motorcycle and $3 per person on foot or bicycle.
What are Antelope Island State Park's hours?
The park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., year-round, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Can you drive to Antelope Island?
Yes, across the Davis County Causeway from Syracuse, Utah. The park address is 4528 West 1700 South, Syracuse, UT 84075. Uber and Lyft don't pick up from the park.
Can you swim at Antelope Island?
Yes. Swimming and floating in Great Salt Lake are allowed, and Bridger Bay Beach is the best place, with restrooms and showers.
Are there bison on Antelope Island?
Yes, 550 to 700 free-roaming bison, one of the nation's largest and oldest public herds. Keep a respectful distance; approaching or feeding them is prohibited.
Can you camp on Antelope Island?
Yes, year-round in designated sites. Bridger Bay Campground has 64 sites at $30 a night, $40 with hookups. Reserve at least two days ahead.
Are dogs allowed on Antelope Island?
Yes, on a leash no longer than six feet, on every trail. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach or in public buildings.
Is Antelope Island a national park?
No. It is a Utah state park, managed by the Utah Division of State Parks.