A lot of the original focus was on Wasatch because it was in a beautiful alpine setting, and people love mountain settings, and it was close to populated cities, thus easy to reach. It also offered a full range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, horseback riding, hunting and eventually golf. Wasatch Mountain State Park is, today, recognized as one of the most popular courses in Utah.

Looking down the list of parks, it should be noted that each has its own distinct personality or special feature.

As examples, Antelope Island has its buffalo, Coral Pink Sand Dunes has acres of soft sand, Goblin Valley has hundreds of odd formations, Dead Horse Point has one of the most beautiful views anywhere, This Is the Place has its history and Deer Creek, Rockport, East Canyon, Scofield and Piute, to name a few, have reservoirs.

On the list of America's "Top 100 Family Campgrounds," six of 3,000 reviewed were Utah parks — Antelope Island, Bear Lake, Dead Horse Point, Red Fleet, Wasatch Mountain and Willard Bay.

The list was compiled from information gathered from park rangers, regional park managers and campers who took the time to write in testimonials and ratings.

Selection was based on "family-friendly criteria" ranging from educational programs, visitor centers, camping amenities and overall beauty and scenery.

Antelope Island has long been considered one of Utah's true gems. It is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake and the most accessible.

On the island there is the historic Fielding Garr Ranch, located on the eastern shores. It is also home to some of Utah's largest wildlife, including more than 600 buffalo, along with antelope, deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep and thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl.

Bear Lake offers a range of activities, including camping, water sports, golfing and touring. Located on the Utah/Idaho border, the three state-owned facilities in Utah provide boating access, camping and day-use opportunities. The sandy beaches near camping areas have added to the overall popularity of the lake.

Dead Horse Point, located northwest of Moab, is perched on a plateau rising some 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. Along with a new visitors center there is a remote but popular campground.

Red Fleet is not as well known as the other parks, which makes it truly a hidden gem. It is located in the red-rock country 10 miles north of Vernal. Along with a beautiful campground and reservoir, there is a 1.5-mile hiking trail that leads past dinosaur tracks and interpretive sites.

Wasatch Mountain in Midway is Utah's most popular, and now it has a sister — nearby Soldier Hollow. Between them there are four golf courses, cross country and biking trails and nearby parks like Jordanelle and Deer Creek.

Willard Bay, located on the shore of the Great Salt Lake, features a 9,000-acre fresh-water reservoir for fishing, boating and swimming.