This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Antelope Island and what to do there, from close encounters with bison to taking in the unique scenery.
Where is Antelope Island?
Antelope Island is located in the Great Salt Lake in northern Utah, USA. It’s about 1 to 1.5 hours northeast of Salt Lake City and is accessible via a scenic causeway that connects the island to the mainland.
How much does it cost to visit Antelope Island State Park?
A day-use pass is required to enter the park. Antelope Island is not included in the America the Beautiful annual national parks pass. As of writing, the current fees are:
- Standard entrance fee: $15 per vehicle up to 8 people
- Senior entrance fee (65 years of age): $10 per vehicle up to 8 people
- Motorcycles: $5.00 per motorcycle
- Bicycles and Pedestrians: $3 per person
- Commercial Groups (including over 8 people per vehicle): $3 per person and $5 per bus
- Educational Groups: $1 per person and $5 per bus with prior reservation
- Antelope Island Annual Pass: $65 (includes the Davis County Causeway fee)
- Annual State Parks Day Use Pass (Annual State Park Passes do not cover the $2 Davis County Causeway fee. A separate Causeway Sticker can be purchased at the park entrance booth for $15).
- $125 for Utah Residents
- $65 for Utah Resident Seniors
Why visit Antelope Island?
Simply put, if you’re into incredible landscapes and wildlife experiences, Antelope Island is a must-visit. Whether you’re a local from Salt Lake City, passing through Utah, or on a longer road trip, it’s well worth the detour.
We added a day to our Utah National Parks road trip just to explore the island and we would 100% recommend visiting.
The main draw for us to visit was to see the 500-strong bison herd which roam freely around the island. But beyond the bison, there are plenty of hiking trails, beaches, and historical sites to explore. More on those below.
Where to stay
If you want to stay on the island, there are several camping options:
- Bridger Bay Campground is the largest and has 64 sites. It’s ideal for families and small groups. Water and electricity is available as well as showers and washrooms.
- White Rock Bay Campground has 8 sites is recommended for groups of up to 16 people. There is no electricity, water or showers and there are pit toilets only.
- Ladyfinger Campground has 5 sites for tents only and is recommended for small groups of four or less people. Again there is no water, electricity or showers and only pit toilets.
- Lakeside Group Campsite which has 1 site and is ideal for groups of up to 80 people. No water, electricity or showers and pit toilets only.
- Split Rock Bay Backcountry Campsites has 4 sites and requires an advanced reservation.
In addition to camping, there are 3 cottages located at Bridger Bay which sleep up to 5 people.
More information about camping on the island and the cabins can be found here.
If camping isn’t for you or you’d rather stay off the island, the closest and most convenient base for visiting Antelope Island is Syracuse, a quiet, residential city. While the hotels are mostly clustered near Interstate 15 rather than the city center, Airbnb options are available.
Alternatively, Salt Lake City is about 1 to 1.5 hours away and offers a wider range of accommodation options.
What to do on Antelope Island
See bison up close
Antelope Island is home to a herd of approximately 500 bison that roam freely across the island. We originally discovered the island while researching where to see bison for our road trip to National Parks in the US.
Unlike places like Yellowstone and Grand Teton known for their bison populations, Antelope Island sees fewer visitors, making wildlife encounters feel more personal. You’ll spot bison across the island, from lounging on beaches to grazing in the grassy fields, to standing in the middle of East Side Road. The east side of the island is the best place to see the larger herds. When we were there in April we also got to see red dogs (baby bison).
Enjoy the unique scenery
The landscape is unlike anywhere else. From the mainland, the Great Salt Lake may seem ordinary, but as you approach the island via the causeway, the salt flats and mineral-rich colours transform the scenery to pastel shades. Everywhere you go on the island you’ll be treated to views. For some of the best view points looking out over the reflective lake, head to:
Bridger Bay Beach
Lakeside Trail
Antelope Island Causeway
Driving down East Side Road, also offers panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Mountains, often with bison in the foreground.
Learn about the island’s history
Head to Fielding Garr Ranch to explore the island’s human history. The site’s first permanent structure was built in 1848 by Fielding Garr, who was sent by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to establish a ranch. The ranch remained inhabited until 1981.
Even before that, Indigenous Peoples and wildlife relied on the area’s freshwater springs. Prehistoric artifacts have been discovered here. Today, you can explore the ranch and walk through historic buildings set in a tranquil landscape.
Relax at the beach or float in the lake
For a unique experience, head to Bridger Bay Beach to swim or more accurately, float in the lake’s famously salty water.
Go hiking, biking or horseback riding
With over 45 miles of trails, there’s something for every fitness level. Most are also open to mountain bikers.
Lady Finger Point Trail – A short, easy walk with scenic views of Bridger Bay (10 mins).
Buffalo Point Trail – A moderate 30-minute hike offering panoramic vistas of the lake and mountains.
Horseback riders can explore trails at Mountain View, White Rock Bay, and Fielding Garr Ranch. Horses are not allowed on Bridger Bay Beach or the Frary Peak and Dolly Knob trails.
Road biking is also popular and bikes are allowed on all paved roads, although there are no dedicated bike lanes.
Stargazing and night photography
In 2017, Antelope Island was designated an International Dark Sky making it ideal for star gazing and night sky photography. During winter, the night sky can be enjoyed for a few hours before the park closes at 10pm. During the summer months, the best way to enjoy the night sky is by camping on the island or participating in an organised event which the park staff and park partners organise. More information on dark sky activities and events can be found here.
Know before you go
Insects can be a real problem on Antelope Island, especially in warmer months. We encountered biting gnats even in April, and mosquitoes are common throughout the summer. Pack insect repellent and consider bringing a fine-mesh head net. We wish we had one!
Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. Enjoy Antelope Island!
