Funk bargained with the chief and obtained a land patent from the government. He and his family set about the task of building a dam and diverting part of Sixmile Creek to fill the lake, which became a well-known pleasure resort, now called Palisade. Palisade opened to the public as a state park in 1962.

Summer recreation includes camping, fishing, swimming, electric motor and non-motorized boating, golfing and hiking. Off-highway vehicle trails are accessible from the park and snowmobiling is great in the winter.

The 18-hole golf course has some of the best putting greens in the state and a PGA professional provides a full range of services and supplies at the pro shop. There is also a restaurant on site.

There are four campground areas for RVs and tents and recently-built cabins with full amenities available. Group camping areas are also available. Pets are allowed in the camp sites but not in the cabins.

Look before booking a reservation, know before going. Visit http://stateparks.utah.gov/conditions to check for fire restrictions or other important park information. Refunds are not given for changing park conditions such as changing water levels or fire bans.

Site availability information. Individual campsites are available for reservation on a four-month rolling basis.

For example, on Jan. 10 individual sites are available for reservation through May 10. Group sites are available for reservation on an 11-month rolling basis. People can book a maximum of 13 days beyond the last date of the reservation window.  

For more information contact the Reservation Call Center at 800-322-3770 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The call center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.