Palisade State Park

If you haven’t made the drive out to Sterling yet, this place is genuinely worth the trip. The non-motorized lake keeps things calm and quiet — good for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just letting the kids splash around near the beach access. There’s a solid bike track and walking path, plus trails that push into the surrounding hills if your group wants more of a workout. Pack your own food and use the BBQ area under the shade trees; the seating areas get enough cover that it doesn’t turn into a miserable afternoon in the sun. Honestly one of the better low-key camping spots in central Utah, and most people outside the region still haven’t heard of it.