Dog Friendly Lakes And Reservoirs Near Salt Lake City

Looking for the best places to let your dog swim near Salt Lake City? While many lakes and streams in Utah are protected watersheds where dogs aren’t allowed, there are still plenty of beautiful reservoirs and lakes where you and your pup can cool off together. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon swim, a paddleboarding adventure, or a scenic mountain escape, this guide covers our favorite dog-friendly lakes and reservoirs within a few hours of Salt Lake City. We included what makes each one unique and what to know before you go.

Jordanelle Reservoir

• Drive from Salt Lake: ~40 minutes
• Leash: Leashed (off-leash while swimming)
• Best For: Swimming, Paddleboarding, Moderate Trails

Located just 40 minutes from SLC near Park City, Jordanelle Reservoir is one of the best all-around destinations for spending a day on the water with your dog. In the past, dogs were restricted from several areas of the park. Fortunately, the rules have become much more dog friendly. Today, dogs are welcome throughout most of the park (excluding public buildings & restrooms) and may swim in the reservoir off leash, though they must remain leashed when not in the water. With plenty of shoreline, easy access, and opportunities for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating, Jordanelle is an excellent choice for a day on the water with your pup.

Don’t miss the Rock Cliff side! A scenic boardwalk winds through the wetlands and along the Provo River. If you visit in September, you may even catch the annual kokanee salmon run, when bright red salmon return upstream to spawn.

Dog Lake

• Drive from Salt Lake: ~25 minutes + hike
• Hike: 3.5–5.2 miles round trip
• Leash: Odd-numbered days
• Best For: Hiking & Dog Swimming
• Season: July–October

⚠️ TRAIL CLOSURE UPDATE (2026): Millcreek Canyon Road is closed for construction starting at The Terraces through Fall 2026, making Dog Lake inaccessible until 2027.

As the name indicates, Dog Lake is one of the most popular local lakes for dogs. Located at the top of Millcreek Canyon, dogs are able to access this lake via Big Water (5.2 miles) or Little Water (3.5 miles) Trails any day but are allowed to be off leash on odd days of the month. Most people only access this lake between July and October due to snow levels. Because of the hike in, you are unlikely to see anyone using this lake for recreation but it’s a great place to take a break and let the dogs swim.

Causey Reservoir

• Drive from Salt Lake: ~1 hour
• Leash: Leashed at all times
• Best For: Wake-free Swimming & Paddleboarding

Located about an hour east of Ogden, Causey Reservoir is a beautiful 142-acre alpine reservoir in Weber County and one of the best places in Utah to kayak or stand-up paddleboard with your dog. Because motorized boats are not allowed, the calm water is perfect for paddling and swimming. Surrounded by steep canyon walls, Causey offers a peaceful mountain escape and is one of our favorite day trips from Salt Lake City.

Pineview Reservoir

• Drive from Salt Lake: ~1 hour
• Leash: Leashed (off-leash while swimming)
• Best For: Swimming, Paddleboarding, Moderate Trails

Sitting on the opposite side of the Wasatch front from Ogden, not far from Causey, is Pineview Reservoir. As one of the busiest reservoirs in Utah, you may find this isn’t the most ideal location for your dog to swim. Dogs are welcome anywhere along the shoreline except the beaches at Cemetery Point, Middle Inlet, or Anderson Cove, which are considered “improved fee areas”. Dogs are allowed at Spring Creek, Windsurfer Beach, North Arm, and any other publicly accessible area.

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is a popular recreation lake in the Uinta Mountains. Dogs are welcome to swim in the lake but you may have to compete for shoreline access with day users, campers, and fishers. At just over 10,000 feet elevation, this lake is typically only accessible from approximately July to September, depending on snow levels. The 1.5 mile lakeside trail is a great walk to find the best swimming spot. Go early in the day to ensure you can find parking.

Bear Lake

Also known as the Caribbean of the Rockies, Bear Lake spans the Utah/Idaho border and is a popular vacation spot with Utahns. Dogs are able to swim in the clear waters of Bear Lake anywhere except developed beaches. Easiest place to find access for your dog is along the eastern side of the Utah half of Bear Lake. There are many pullouts where you can walk down to the shore to let your dog swim!

Click HERE for our full guide to dog friendly Bear Lake!

Tibble Fork Reservoir

Tibble Fork Reservoir up in American Fork Canyon allows dogs to enjoy the beautiful blue mountain lake with their humans. This is a popular swimming area for families and the beach area fills quickly. Dogs are allowed on the beach but as a courtesy to others should remain leashed when not actively swimming. For more freedom away from other beach goers, consider taking your dog to the west end of the lake near the dam.

Uinta Mountain Lakes

The Uinta Mountains (commonly referred to the “high Uintas”) is a dog friendly paradise. While dogs must be on leash in parking lots, trailheads, and campgrounds, they can run off leash as soon as you leave those areas. As you drive the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway from Kamas, Utah, you will be astounded by the amount of dog friendly lake choices. Popular lakes include Lost Lake, Lilly Lake, Trial Lake, Crystal lake and many more. The world is your oyster here!

Enjoy that lake life!