How to Responsibly Enjoy a Day at Pineview Reservoir in Ogden Valley

Up in the valley just east of Ogden lies one of the area’s crown jewels: Pineview Reservoir. With easy access for all kinds of watercraft, excellent fishing, and outstanding mountain views surrounding, it’s clear to see why Pineview is a local favorite summer destination. As we enter the warmer months and temperatures creep toward the 90s, our office phone starts ringing off the hook with calls from people in need of updates. You may want to know which areas are open, what the weather is like, or if pets are welcomed (they certainly are, in certain areas). We’ve done our best to compile answers to your most common questions below.

General Overview

Recreation at Pineview Reservoir is administered by several agencies (U.S. Forest Service, Utah Recreation Company, Weber County Sheriff, Utah Department of Natural Resources), with each agency somewhat overlapping the other. While some areas have specific rules and regulations, here is a list of general rules for visiting Pineview Reservoir:

1. Pineview beaches are open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 
2. Alcohol is not allowed at any beach area. However, alcohol is allowed on the water (boats), but standard laws apply in terms of public intoxication and operating a vehicle under the influence. 
3. No glass containers. 
4. No littering (pack it in, pack it out). 
5. No beach fires or charcoal. 
6. No overnight camping (with the obvious exception of Anderson Cove campground).

Also, life preservers are required to be readily accessible for all watercraft at Pineview Reservoir. For paddleboarders, that means your life jacket needs to be on your board, if not your person. Be aware that the rules at neighboring Causey Reservoir require life jackets to be worn at all times.

Weather and Water Temperature

One of the most common questions we get is “What is the water temperature at Pineview?” As much as we wish our task list included a daily trip to the lake to take its temperature at various locations, we haven’t been able to make that happen yet. A helpful local maxim states “Mid-70’s in mid-Summer”, which may help you know when water temperatures are comfortable. For more help, look over the average weather temperatures shown below:

Average Weather Temperatures

May                   60°-70°

June                  75°-85°

July                   80°-90°

August               80°-90°

September         70°-80°

Camping

While overnight camping is prohibited on Pineview beaches, boaters can anchor overnight (as long as you are 20 feet from shore), or you may choose to set up camp at Anderson Cove campground. The campground has 58 single sites, as well as a handful of double sites and larger group sites. Expect stretches of grass to relax on and plenty of amenities like vault restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and the Anderson Cove boat ramp. Camping fees start at $22 per night.

Fee vs. Free

There are four areas around the reservoir that require a fee for entry and use: Port Ramp Marina, Middle Inlet, Cemetery Point, and Anderson Cove. Fee areas are expected to begin collecting fees on May 15.

Day-use and boat ramp fee's for Cemetery Point, Anderson Cove, Middle Inlet and Port Ramp is $18.

Walk-ins are $7 per person at all areas.

Boat ramps are available at all areas except Middle Inlet. Restrooms, picnic areas, group pavilions, etc. are available at all four areas. Use of group areas requires a reservation which is easily done at recreation.gov.

Free access to beaches is available at Pineview Trailhead (Windsurfer Beach), North Arm, and Spring Creek with restrooms available at each. Additional access to the water is also available at various roadside pull-outs, but pay attention to signs regulating parking.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are prohibited in three of the fee areas (Port Ramp, Middle Inlet, and Cemetery Point). Anderson Cove Campground allows two dogs per campsite, and they must be kept on leash at all times. Pets are allowed at non-fee areas such as Windsurfer Beach, Spring Creek, North Arm, and other publicly accessible areas. Finally, service animals are allowed at all beaches, day-use areas, campgrounds, etc.

Rentals available at Pineview

There are plenty of equipment outfitters available on or near the lake to help with all of your rental needs. From watercraft like boats, Jet-Skis, paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes to shore toys like mountain bikes and cruisers, it’s easy to find whichever rental you need. Here are a few of the most common rental outfitters near Pineview Reservoir:

ClubRec at Cemetery Point

This is the only outfitter located on the water, and they specialize in all things water-related. Their boats and Jet-Skis are in the water and waiting, and their beachside shop has dozens of paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes. They also sell various marine supplies, life jackets, snacks and beverages.

Ogden Valley Sports

Adjacent to Chris's service station and restaurant located on Highway 39 as you enter Huntsville, you'll find Ogden Valley Sports. They rent paddleboards as well as powered watercraft, and you’ll need to be able to pull a trailer to one of the boat ramps. Check their website for reservation and rental information.

Diamond Peak

Diamond Peak specializes in human-powered watercraft rentals such as paddleboards and kayaks, so you’ll need a vehicle capable of transporting your rentals to the water. They also rent mountain bikes and cruisers for those wanting to ride along the paved Pineview Loop trail that circumnavigates most of the lake.

Several locations in Ogden also rent human-powered watercraft. Check out Gear 30 or the Weber State University Outdoor Program and Level Nine Sports.

Fishing

Pineview is a blue ribbon fishery containing black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, tiger muskellunge (or “tiger muskie”), bluegill, bullhead catfish, green sunfish, and common carp. Don’t worry, the myths you may have heard about sharks in Pineview Reservoir are just that - a myth. An overview from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources can be found here, and the most recent fishing report can be found here.

Open Swim Area

The extreme west end of Pineview Reservoir (nearest the dam) is cordoned off from all use by a full-width floating barrier. Immediately adjacent to that barrier is a boatless area designated for open-water swimming. Roadside parking is available.  

Paddleboarding

You’ll hear locals regularly refer to “Windsurfer Beach” as the go-to spot for stand-up paddleboarding. No signage exists for this gem of a spot, but they’re referring to the beach that is accessed from the Pineview Trailhead parking area. The area is designated as a wakeless area for boats and provides the quickest access to the wakeless and boatless areas of the extreme west arm of the lake. Spring Creek is a similarly popular paddleboarding spot located on the eastern side of the lake.

Boating

There is a daily limit on the number of boats allowed on Pineview. At high water (early season), the cap is 350. That daily limit decreases throughout the season as water levels subside. If you're planning a Saturday or Sunday visit, be sure to show up early. Once the daily limit is reached, additional boats cannot launch until a boat is removed from the lake.

Directions to Pineview

Pineview is almost exclusively accessed via either Trappers Loop (Hwy 167) or Ogden Canyon (Hwy 39). Visitors coming from points south typically take I-84 up Weber Canyon to the Mountain Green exit, then take Trappers Loop (Hwy 167) into Ogden Valley. 

Approaching from Ogden City, drive east on 12th Street, which turns into Ogden Canyon (Hwy 39). You’ll be on a scenic byway with towering peaks, waterfalls, and a blue-ribbon stream, but leave the sightseeing to your passengers on this winding road.