Antelope Island

Understand

The irony of Antelope Island is that it's named for its antelope, but is much more famous for its buffalo, and it doesn't have either one! The animals that were historically referred to as buffaloes are actually bison, a term that is now used in all official park educational materials and understood by most of the general public, but there are still folks who think of Antelope Island as "where the buffalo roam" and there are sites on the island named after the "buffalo". Meanwhile, the pronghorn "antelope" are, scientifically speaking, not a real species of antelope, and are unrelated to the true antelopes of the African savanna. Nevertheless, the names "pronghorn antelope" and even just "antelope" are widely used and understood as referring to the pronghorns.

History

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Aside from the well-known pronghorns and bison, mule deer are the other commonly sighted big animal on the island, and you might get to see some bighorn sheep if you hike the mountain trails. Then there are a handful of carnivores and smaller species including coyotes, bobcats, and jackrabbits.

Park information

• Antelope Island webpage

Get in

Yes it's an island, but the most common way to get there is still by car. A causeway connects the northern tip of the island to a major east/west street called Antelope Drive in northern Davis County. Antelope Drive crosses Interstate 15 at Exit 332, about 25 miles north of Salt Lake City and about 10 miles south of Ogden. There is no gasoline for sale on the island, so either know how much driving you plan to do on the island or just enter with a full tank to be safe.

Pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to use the causeway, but keep in mind that it's seven miles across in each direction.

Fees and permits

The basic entrance fee for a day trip is $15 per vehicle. Large groups (more than eight people per vehicle) pay $5 per person. Pedestrians and cyclists pay $3 per person (Apr 2026). While the Annual State Parks Day Use Pass will cover the park entry fee, a $2 Davis County Causeway Fee must still be paid.

Campground reservations have different rates that include the entry fee. Bridger Bay Campground sites go for a minimum of $15, which covers one vehicle for one night and up to eight people; additional nights are $12 and you can bring a second vehicle for $13. The White Rock Bay campsites go for double those rates per night, but can fit up to 16 people and include a second vehicle entry for free, with third and fourth vehicles allowed at $13 each.

All entry fees are collected at the beginning of the causeway, before you start to cross the lake.

Stay safe

Bison safety

Hundreds of bison roam the island freely. Always keep a safe distance from wild animals. If a bison is blocking the road, do not exit your vehicle.

Heat safety

Despite being surrounded by water, the island is an arid environment that can become dangerously hit, especially in the summer.

• Most trails have little to no shade.
• Avoid hiking during the hottest time of the day (early to mid afternoon).
• Wear sun protection: hats, sunscreen, and UV-resistant clothing
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, or fatigue

If you begin to feel overheated, stop and rest in shade (if available), and hydrate immediately.

Go next

• Salt Lake City
• Ogden
• Great Salt Lake State Park
• Golden Spike National Historic Site