What is Panguitch Lake good for?
Panguitch Lake is a large mountain lake in Dixie National Forest—about 1,248 acres at over 8,200 feet.
Panguitch Lake
Large mountain lake—excellent trout fishing and camping
At a glance
The short version
Panguitch Lake is ~35 min from Duck Creek Village Inn and works best when you want large mountain lake—excellent trout fishing and camping. Panguitch Lake is a large mountain lake in Dixie National Forest—about 1,248 acres at over 8,200 feet.
Quick facts
| Distance | ~35 min |
|---|---|
| Drive band | 30–45 min |
| Best for | Large mountain lake—excellent trout fishing and camping |
Good to know
- Excellent trout fishing (rainbow, brook, cutthroat, brown)
- Boating (two public boat ramps, fish cleaning station)
- Camping at North and South Campgrounds (Forest Service)
Panguitch Lake is a large mountain lake in Dixie National Forest—about 1,248 acres at over 8,200 feet. The name comes from a Paiute word meaning "big fish," and the lake lives up to it: rainbow, brook, cutthroat, and brown trout, with fish in the 6–8 pound range common. It's very popular with locals and anglers, and also offers ice fishing and snowmobiling in winter.
Activities
- Excellent trout fishing (rainbow, brook, cutthroat, brown)
- Boating (two public boat ramps, fish cleaning station)
- Camping at North and South Campgrounds (Forest Service)
- Ice fishing and snowmobiling in winter
Tips
Bring your own boat or plan to fish from shore. Campgrounds typically open mid-May through September; check Recreation.gov for reservations. Within 30 minutes of Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks if you want to combine with a park day.
When to go
Open year-round; summer and fall for boating and camping, winter for ice fishing and snow play when conditions allow.
Reviewed March 2026 by Duck Creek Village Inn editorial team
Check lake access before you go
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.
Planning Panguitch Lake
Distance, timing, and what to expect at the water.
How far is Panguitch Lake from Duck Creek Village Inn?
Panguitch Lake is about ~35 min from the inn and sits in the 30–45 min drive band on this site.
When should I visit Panguitch Lake?
Open year-round; summer and fall for boating and camping, winter for ice fishing and snow play when conditions allow.
Stay Here, Visit Panguitch Lake Tomorrow
Book your room or cabin at Duck Creek Village Inn — ~35 min from Panguitch Lake.