There’s a new way to stay overnight at Gunlock State Park

Written by Stephanie DeGraw
April 9, 2024

ST. GEORGE — Visitors to Gunlock State Park will see something new near the reservoir’s shoreline: three cottages, which are now open for reservations.

Three new cottages at Gunlock State Park are open for reservations with a minimum stay of two nights, Gunlock, Utah, April 4, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

“The cottages are already a hit with visitors coming from all over looking to experience Gunlock State Park in a new and exciting way,” Devan Chavez, spokesman for the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks, told St. George News. “The really cool thing is that people are going to start seeing these cottages pop up in a lot of their favorite state parks across the state. These ones that are opening at Gunlock are just one of many that we are rolling out.”

Of these cottages are ones at Sand Hollow State Park, and Chavez said those buildings are already growing in popularity.

Additionally, Chavez said the division has partnered with Dixie Technical College to provide opportunities for students to help design the cottage structures for the future. The division is also coordinating with local high schools to allow students to help construct future small cottages. 

“Along with the construction, we’re hoping in the future to be part of the local high schools to give the students real-world experience while also offering this new and exciting amenity for the state,” Chavez said. “So while the construction isn’t currently happening with these high school students, we’re really working hard to try and make that happen in the future.”

Gunlock Reservoir serves as a recreational hotspot for boating, swimming and fishing. It’s also known for its nearby waterfalls amid the red rocks.

Gunlock State Park manager Collin Kuehn told St. George News they are aiming to increase park accessibility for all visitors. Since only some people can afford to buy a camper or recreational vehicle and only some want to rent those types of vehicles to experience camping, the cottages offer a new way to enjoy the park. 

“This is going to open up doors for people who want to come to the park with all the luxuries at home, and for the price of less than a hotel room, you get a lakefront view, so it’s hard to beat,” Kuehn said.

The inside of one of the three new cottages at Gunlock State Park, Gunlock, Utah, April 4, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

Guests must stay for at least two nights and can reserve online. “Cottage A” is handicap accessible. “Cottage B” and “Cottage C” can hold up to six people and prices start at $175 per night or $1,225 per week, before taxes and fees. No pets other than service dogs are allowed. Visitors are expected to take out their trash and dispose of it in nearby dumpsters.

The cottages have a check-in time of 3 p.m. and a checkout time of 1 p.m. Two vehicles are permitted per site. The abodes include a TV, kitchen and four beds.

Kuehn said the cottages must be left clean to avoid being charged a cleaning fee. Visitors are also liable to pay to fix or replace damaged items.

The reservation website lists the following:

Cottage amenities:

  • Locking windows
  • Locking doors
  • Electricity
  • Kitchenette that includes table and chairs, microwave, induction cooktop, pots and pans and a full-sized refrigerator
  • Heating and air conditioning unit
  • Full bathroom
  • Porch
  • Picnic table
  • Fire ring

Guests need to provide their own:

  • Bedding, including pillows, sleeping bags and blankets
  • Utensils
  • Plates
  • Cups

Visitors are not allowed to:

  • Bring pets
  • Throw parties
  • Smoke
  • Bring tents or RVs

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie DeGraw is an award-winning journalist. For 25 years, she engaged in journalism, broadcasting and public relations. DeGraw worked for the Salt Lake Tribune, Associated Press and The City Journals. She was a reporter for a CBS television station in Twin Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Broadcasting.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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