What is Navajo Lake good for?
Navajo Lake is the largest lake near Duck Creek Village and the one most guests visit.
Navajo Lake
Fishing, kayaking, and lakeside relaxation
At a glance
The short version
Navajo Lake is ~15 min from Duck Creek Village Inn and works best when you want fishing, kayaking, and lakeside relaxation. Navajo Lake is the largest lake near Duck Creek Village and the one most guests visit.
Quick facts
| Distance | ~15 min |
|---|---|
| Drive band | 0–20 min |
| Best for | Fishing, kayaking, and lakeside relaxation |
Good to know
- Fishing for rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Boating (primitive boat launch at Navajo Lake Campground)
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.
Trip planning details
- Difficulty
- Easy — drive to shoreline access, no hiking required
- Drive time
- ~15 min from the inn
- 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.
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
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.