This marks the 51st anniversary of Utah's state park system. The decision to set aside park land was made in the 1950s, and in 1957 the Utah State Parks and Recreation Commission was established and named three sites — Wasatch Mountain, the Territorial Statehouse and This Is the Place Monument — as the first to become parks. Two years later, park officials presented to the Utah Legislature 118 potential park sites. Some, obviously, made the list, and many didn't meet requirements. Those that have been selected are considered to offer a true taste of Utah — past and present.

The newest addition is Sand Hollow State Park and reservoir outside of St. George. In recent years it has also become one of the state's most popular because of the recreational opportunities that are available.

All total, there are more than 18,000 campsites within the parks. Services available range from designated camping sites, hot and cold running water, fire pits, covered picnic tables, electrical and sewer hookups.

Last year, on a list compiled by park staff from around the country, six of the top 100 family campgrounds were in Utah — Antelope Island, Bear Lake, Dead Horse Point, Red Fleet, Wasatch Mountain and Willard Bay.

State park reservation policy allows campers to reserve individual campsites up to 16 weeks prior to their date of departure from the park.

This means campers can reservoir spots for Memorial Day, July 4th and July 24th.

The Utah State Parks reservation number from within the Salt Lake calling area is 322-3770. Outside the Salt Lake area, call toll-free

800-322-3770. Those calling may reserve up to three campsites per call.

Individual campsite reservations must be made at least two days in advance of arrival date.

An $8 nonrefundable reservation fee is charged for each site reserved. Group site reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. A $10.25 nonrefundable fee, along with a per-person fee, is charged for group sites and building rentals.

For more Utah State Park information, visit www.stateparks.utah.gov.

The top 10 parks based on visitation
Antelope Island
Bear Lake
Deer Creek
Jordanelle
Palisade
Sand Hollow
Snow Canyon
Utah Lake
Wasatch Mountain
Willard Bay

The lowest 10 parks
Anasazi
Camp Floyd
Edge of the Cedars
Goblin Valley
Green River
Iron Mission
Piute
Red Fleet
Millsite
Territorial

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com