East Canyon State Park, Utah

Tucked into a narrow canyon along the route Mormon pioneers once traveled into the Salt Lake Valley, this 608-acre reservoir now draws boaters, anglers, and campers instead of wagon trains. Rent a boat, cast for trout, or pitch a tent at the RV campground, then settle in after dark for some of the clearest stargazing in northern Utah under its International Dark Sky designation. Yurts and covered pavilions make it an easy year-round basecamp.