What is Navajo Lake good for?
Navajo Lake is the largest lake near Duck Creek Village and the one most guests visit.
Lakes
Navajo Lake
Fishing, kayaking, and lakeside relaxation
At a glance
- Drive time
- ~15 min from the inn
- Difficulty
- Easy — drive to shoreline access, no hiking required
- Parking
- Parking at Navajo Lake Lodge area and at Navajo Lake Campground boat launch. Free; no entrance fee (Dixie National Forest).
- Pets
- Dogs allowed on leash at campground and shoreline areas.
Fish stocking as of July 2, 2026
Last stocked: Cutthroat trout — July 2, 2026 (390 fish · ~14.01″)
Stocked every year since 2013. Typically 8 plants a season, from around May 24 to August 26. Usually rainbow trout, splake, and brook trout.
Stocked recently 0 7d390 30d7,021 60d 936 catchable-size 6,085 still growing
Access: Non-motorized & electric boats · primitive launch · shore access
2026 stocking
| Date | Species | Number | Avg length |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2 | Cutthroat trout | 182 | 14.01″ |
| July 2 | Cutthroat trout | 208 | 14.01″ |
| June 23 | Splake | 6,085 | 2.66″ |
| June 19 | Cutthroat trout | 546 | 15.04″ |
| May 28 | Tiger muskie | 999 | 4.94″ |
| May 28 | Tiger muskie | 3,800 | 5″ |
| May 11 | Tiger trout | 1,650 | 9.29″ |
| May 11 | Tiger trout | 1,617 | 9.29″ |
| May 6 | Tiger trout | 1,612 | 9.67″ |
| April 30 | Rainbow trout | 7,683 | 9.87″ |
| April 28 | Rainbow trout | 8,320 | 9.87″ |
| April 28 | Cutthroat trout | 1,523 | 10.03″ |
No plants recorded yet this year. Stocking usually resumes around May 24.
Stocking data: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. See the full DWR record. · All lake stocking reports
A Utah fishing license is required to fish here — get one from Utah DWR.
Navajo Lake is the largest lake near Duck Creek Village and the one most guests visit. It sits around 9,000 feet in Dixie National Forest on the Markagunt Plateau—about 600 acres of water with easy shoreline access. You get a real mountain-lake day without a long drive: fishing, paddling, picnics, and cool high-country air. It's a natural fit for families, relaxed mornings, or a slower afternoon between bigger park outings.
Activities
- Fishing for rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Boating (primitive boat launch at Navajo Lake Campground)
- Camping at Navajo Lake Campground (improved sites, water, toilets)
Tips
Bring layers, sun protection, and a picnic. Wind can pick up quickly; morning is usually calmer for paddling or photography. Pair the lake with Cedar Breaks or a scenic drive on Highway 14 if you want more movement in the day.
When to go
Most accessible from late spring through fall. Access depends on snowmelt and road conditions. Summer and early fall offer the best combination of warm days and calm water.
What to bring
- Fishing gear or kayak/paddleboard
- Layers and wind protection
- Picnic lunch and water
- Sunscreen and hat — strong sun at 9,000 ft
Official planning links
Use these source pages for current access, facility, water, fee, or condition details before you drive.
Stay planning
Once this stop is on your list, use Plan Your Days for itinerary ideas or compare our rooms and cabins to match the style of trip you want.
July 2026
Why trust this guide
Lake days can shift quickly with snowmelt, afternoon storms, and road conditions on the plateau. We pair guest-planning experience with the official updates below so you can confirm water access and the safest drive up.
Questions: Navajo Lake
Distance, timing, and what to expect at the water.
How far is Navajo Lake from Duck Creek Village Inn?
Navajo Lake is about ~15 min from the inn and sits in the 0–20 min drive band on this site.
When should I visit Navajo Lake?
Most accessible from late spring through fall. Access depends on snowmelt and road conditions. Summer and early fall offer the best combination of warm days and calm water.
Go up one level
Start from the broader lake hub if you want the full set of water-focused options before narrowing down this stop.
Related stops
Sideways links to nearby lakes and shoreline stops that fit the same kind of Duck Creek day.
Next steps
Use these next-step guides to turn a lake stop into a fuller Southern Utah plan.
Stay Near Navajo Lake
Comparison-style page for Navajo Lake stays from Duck Creek.
Compare staysCedar Breaks + Navajo Lake Day Itinerary
A combined high-country day plan pairing Cedar Breaks viewpoints with Navajo Lake downtime.
See itineraryNavajo Lake vs Aspen Mirror Lake vs Duck Creek Pond
A lake comparison page for picking the right reset-day water stop near Duck Creek.
Compare staysChoose your stay
Pick the stay style that matches a quicker lake stop or a slower mountain weekend.
Stay Here, Visit Navajo Lake Tomorrow
Book your room or cabin at Duck Creek Village Inn - ~15 min from Navajo Lake.