sailboat beach deer creek

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Deer Creek Intake Project

The importance of deer creek dam & reservoir.

The Deer Creek Dam & Reservoir is an essential infrastructural feature for Utahns living on the Wasatch Front for many reasons:

• Facilitates water supply to over 1.5 million people
• One of the most utilized recreational ecosystems in Utah
• Vital to Utah’s future growth and economic sustainability

For these reasons, it will be crucial to address the following problems facing the safety and health of the dam & reservoir going forward:

Water Supply Concerns for the Wasatch Front

Aging infrastructure.

Built over 80 years ago, the Deer Creek Dam guard gates have reached the end of their useful life. In fact, manufacturer parts are no longer available or need to be specialty fabricated. Currently, access is challenging to perform maintenance on this infrastructure without draining Deer Creek Reservoir. 

Invasive Species Threat

Deer Creek Reservoir and other storage reservoirs face an imminent threat from the aquatic invasive species, the Quagga mussel. As currently configured, Deer Creek Dam and Reservoir have no effective defense against this threat. This invasive species would cause the intake and guard gates to require extensive ongoing maintenance and could disrupt the downstream flows and the reservoir ecosystem.

Innovative Solution, Uninterrupted Water Supply

Provo River Water Users Association (the Association) proposes to safeguard against these concerns by utilizing an innovative design and construction method to refurbish the intake and guard gates WITHOUT draining the reservoir to ensure uninterrupted water supply to the Wasatch Front.  Planned modifications to the intake and refurbishment of the guard gates will provide the best state-of-the-art defense mechanisms against aquatic invasive species. Project design started in 2021, with construction starting Spring 2023.  The project is estimated to cost $100,000,000  and will take 3 years to complete .

The Association is partnering with Central Utah Water Conservancy District (CUWCD) in funding $24 million dollars of the Intake Project and has received authorization from the Board of Water Resources for a $65 million dollar loan.  The Association is also continuing to pursue other loan and grant opportunities for the remaining balance.

Intake Project Summary Points

The Deer Creek Dam intake and guard gates infrastructure conveys a significant portion of the drinking water, secondary irrigation water, industrial and agricultural water for  1,500,000 people in Utah  (half of the state’s population). 

• The dam foundation and spillway gates were brought up to  seismic standards  in 2007 to improve Dam Safety, but the intake and guard gates were not. This project will mitigate this risk. 
• The original 1930 design of the dam infrastructure has served the citizens of Utah well for over 80 years. However, the original design failed to incorporate a bypass or the ability to access isolation gates for maintenance. This project will rectify this functional deficiency.
• The existing infrastructure is over 80 years old and is beyond its functional life. Critical components have deteriorated, and this project will retrofit and refurbish many components of the old facilities.
• Innovative construction methods will  allow critical water storage  to be maintained, rather than draining the reservoir for construction.

Sailboat Beach Closed for the Deer Creek Intake Project

The Sailboat Beach Day-Use Area at Deer Creek State Park will be closed to all public access beginning May 1, 2023, for construction as part of the Deer Creek Intake Project. The closure is expected to last until spring 2026.

During the construction process, members of the public will not be allowed to access the sailboat beach area.  This closure extends into the reservoir where boats and barges will be docked when not in use.

If you are recreating in the area, recognize that sailboat beach and the 1,500-foot buffer area at the dam are restricted areas (NO TRESPASING) and are sectioned-off by buoys.

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A first of its kind project to save Utah’s water supply features divers

Intricate work at deer creek will protect a critical ecosystem and water for 1.5 million people.

By Amy Joi O'Donoghue

What do you do with aging infrastructure that is nearly 100 feet below water at one of the state’s most critical water supply reservoirs that is also a huge recreational asset and vital to the environment?

You refurbish it via a $100 million, yearslong project that is a first of its kind in Utah, utilizing barges, huge cranes, precast cement slabs that fit together like a puzzle, a team of engineers and divers who do their construction work in the “wet” — deep below the surface of Deer Creek Reservoir.

This type of work that began in earnest this spring and will wrap up three years from now stems from 80-year-old guard gates that facilitate the release of water downstream into the Provo River.

Some of the parts on the gates are no longer still manufactured or have to be specifically made.

The Provo River Water Users Association convened the project after noticing several years ago some irregularities on the gates’ opening and closing.

“That’s what really spurred this entire project,” said Dave Faux, land facilities manager for the association. “We wanted to be ahead of the game and do something before the gate absolutely fails.”

How to fix Deer Creek Reservoir

Faux said a lot of planning had to happen at the front end of the project with design and engineering work to fix a problem confounded by the reservoir’s critical nature.

“We’ve got environmental concerns we need to worry about. We have to worry about making sure we’re maintaining a water supply to 1.5 million people and a lot of water moves through the power plant, through the dam. So there is a lot of things to consider for that five-year process. We came to the conclusion that it is going to be far better to do this in the water than to drain the reservoir or mess up the ecosystem.”

The project at completion will also have an improved chance of withstanding vulnerability posed by the invasive quagga mussel, in which there was a scare at Deer Creek several years ago.

Brad Jorgensen, operations and engineering manager for the association, said the concrete panels that have a total weight of 250,000 pounds are assembled on land.

They are then pushed over to the barge by tugboats and then hoisted into the water from Sailboat Beach day-use area, the staging area for construction.

Jorgensen said it is similar to what a home’s foundation would need.

A team of six divers enter the water one by one and each is submerged for about 90 minutes completing the task at hand. The operation is monitored by a remote operated vehicle before the next diver goes in, and then the next.

Deer Creek is not unlike other examples of intricate water infrastructure in need of repair, with construction upgrades that have occurred at the dam that impounds Yuba, and DMAD in Millard County, the drawing down at Echo for seismic upgrades and raising the Arthur V. Watkins Dam at Willard Bay.

Aqueducts along the Wasatch Front that rest on or cross the Wasatch Fault are also on their way for much needed attention with the Utah Legislature granting a financial assist to keep those water systems safe.

Both men said there is another good reason to not drain Deer Creek to facilitate the project work: the uncertainty inherent with Utah’s water year and what it will deliver.

“We were very concerned with being able to fill that reservoir if we were to have drained it,” Faux said.

More information can be found on the project’s website.

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The 11 Best Things To Do At Deer Creek State Park

If you’ve never visited Deer Creek State Park, you’ll want to plan a trip as soon as possible.

This state park is one of the best, offering a huge variety of activities and accommodations for visitors. The park has a resort, a marina, a large campground, and so much more. It really is an outdoor lover’s paradise, perfect for families and solo travelers alike.

Deer Creek State Park also happens to have a very interesting and presidential history. The park is home to the historical Harding Cabin. In the early 20th century, a cabin that stood overlooking the valley was owned by the Attorney general under President Harding, Harry M. Daugherty. It was built in 1918 and served as a sort of hunting retreat for Daugherty and his friends, which allegedly included President Harding.

But long before the cabin was built, indigenous people called the ridge above Deer Creek and its valley home. In 2000 BC, the people living in the area belonged to nomadic hunter-gatherer tribes. They would come to the camp throughout the year and due to the burial sites around the camp, we know that the area was inhabited over a long period of time.

The creek became a lake in 1968 when the dam was completed. Six years later, the state park officially opened, and it’s been one of the most visited state parks ever since.

The list of things to do at the park is absolutely massive, but we’ve chosen the most popular activities to highlight here. Get out there and explore, Columbus! It’s a beautiful state we live in.

Wildlife watching

If disc golf isn’t your vibe and you’re looking for a more traditional golfing experience, you can hit up the 18-hole golf course. If you’re staying at the lodge or campground, you don’t even have to bring your own clubs, as rentals are available to guests there.

Storybook Trail

Adena Ridge Trail – 0.8 mile – easy Hawkview Meadow Trail – 0.6 mile – easy Marsh Walk Trail – 0.7 mile – moderate Ridge Trail – 0.9 mile – moderate Rolling Hills Trail – 1.5 miles – moderate Storybook Trail – 0.5 mile – easy Van Horn Trail – 0.8 mile – easy-moderate

Winter Sports

Stay overnight at the Lodge

Deer Creek State Park is located at 20635 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143. The park is open year-round. You can start planning your visit at ohiodnr.gov.

Chelsea Wiley

Chelsea Wiley, first of her name, Queen of the Seven Andals... wait. That's not right. Joking aside, Chelsea is a writer and photographer born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She is an avid reader and a lover of animals.

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Book Now for the 2024 Season

Utah’s Ultimate Lake Experience

On-the-water rentals at deer creek reservoir, experience heber’s stunning mountain lake without the hassle, our epic rental fleet is on the water and ready to go.

In the shadows of the majestic Mt. Timpanogos, we have all the summer water fun you’ll ever need, from motorized craft to paddle sports! And with all our equipment rentals conveniently located on-site and in the water the only thing you need is a swimming suit and some friends.

2 Convenient Rental Locations at Deer Creek

This beautiful lake has so much to offer and that’s why we have 2 separate rental hubs. Each location has the right gear for activities best suited for that part of the reservoir, whether your adventure is wake surfing, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, or anything else.

DC ISLAND RESORT

Boats, waverunners®, & paddle craft.

Located at Deer Creek State Park - Island Beach Day Use Area

See Island Resort Rentals

CALL US: (435) 654-2155

DC COVE MARINA

Temporarily closed for the 2024 season..

Located at Deer Creek State Park - Main Entrance

WaveRunners® & Paddle Craft Only

See Cove Marina Rentals

CALL US: (435) 654-8293

Important Note:

Rental equipment is specific to the location you rent from and CAN NOT be picked up from nor returned to the other location. Reserved parking with your rental is also location-specific.

Rent By Equipment Type

Paddle craft rentals.

SUPs, Canoes, & Kayaks!

Personal Watercraft Rentals

Only the Best WaveRunners®!

Boat Rentals

Wake, Sport, Fishing, & Pontoons!

Rental Experiences

For those seeking a luxurious, chartered day on the water, our VIP (or TCCX) rental option delivers a true white-glove experience. In partnership with The Charter Club, guests will enjoy unrivaled service and zero-hassle boating amid breathtaking views of Deer Creek Reservoir.

Excellent for both family and business use, fully-captained TCCX rentals are the perfect way to experience world-class hospitality and safety on the water.

Fully Captained Boating Sessions

Latest mastercraft models and equipment, valet parking for all party members, zero extra fuel costs, award-winning restaurant access & credit, boats fully stocked with drinks, snacks, & towels, the lakehouse at deer creek.

Enjoy a unique and delicious dining experience with breathtaking views and ambiance on the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir. The Lakehouse at Deer Creek is truly a restaurant unlike any other in Utah. Now open year-round for dinner and weekend brunch, and special events.

Praise from Our Renters

“We did the VIP rental which came with a Master Craft and a driver. It was a bit expensive but worth every penny. Chris had ALL of us ages 11-57 wake boarding and surfing within an hour. Whenever we needed a new water toy he’d call ahead and it was waiting for us on the dock. It would have taken us a week to do what he did in hours! Staff was very friendly and accommodating as well. You will have a great time for sure!”

- Tom F., Odessa, FL

Rent your boats here!!

“The boat and equipment was awesome. We wake boarded, surfed and tubed our butts off. The staff was amazing. They are extremely friendly, helpful and made the whole experience simple throughout. Really made for an epic lake day for the family and friends. Will be back very soon.”

- Greg B., Ogden, UT

“We had a great time on the lake!! We rented paddle boards and a jet ski! The staff was friendly and helpful. Views were amazing! We had a quick lunch at the restaurant. Food was fresh and delicious and the wait staff was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend!”

- Julie W., Tulsa, OK

Lakeside Boat Services & Storage

Owning and maintaining a boat or personal watercraft can be a tall order. Deer Creek Island Resort's friendly and knowledgeable staff provide many services to make your boating experience convenient and simple.

Available services include:

• Dry lakeside storage right on Deer Creek Reservoir
• Secure, gated area with on-site security
• Launch and recovery
• Cleaning and detailing
• On-site fueling
• Winterization/Summerization and shrink wrapping

Marina Store

At our basic marina store, you’ll find everything you need for your water adventures at Deer Creek Island Reservoir. From premium fuel and jumper packs to cold drinks and bait, we’ll help make your day on the lake perfect!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. We’ll get back to you as soon as the sun goes down on the lake!

[email protected]

Find us 5 miles southwest of Heber City on Highway 189 at the Deer Creek Reservoir, just 20 minutes from Park City and 30 minutes from Provo, UT.

Boats, WaveRunners®, & Paddle Craft

Address and directions.

5317 S. Hwy 189 Heber, UT 84032 Directions →

Call Island Resort

(435) 654-2155

Peterson Day Use Rd Wallsburg, UT 84082 Directions →

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Deer Creek State Park & Reservoir

• Weather: Partly Sunny, 37F

Just a short drive from Provo, Park City and Salt Lake City, Deer Creek State Park and Reservoir offers playful summer days filled with boating, fishing and watersports. Deer Creek became a state park in 1971, allowing for ample recreation on the reservoir and its 18 miles of shoreline.

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Deer Creek State Park Region

Things to do.

Deer Creek Reservoir is a popular boating spot for city slickers to hit up on the weekends. Choppy water in the afternoon appeases the wave-runner crews, yet calm and glassy water satisfies the waterskiers early in the day (or mid-week). Boaters can choose to start and end their day from one of two paved boat launch ramps and two marinas. And there’s a sandy beach on the northeast side for those looking to relax, sunbathe or picnic.

From April to November, you can catch rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass at Deer Creek Reservoir. Stream fishing happens both above and below the reservoir in the Provo river. Learn more about fishing rules, reports and regulations.

Island Aqua Park

This open floating water park includes obstacle courses, monkey bars and trampolines, along with a quarter pipe and an action tower. Designed for anyone above age six, the whole family can enjoy jumping around and playing in the water.

Kiteboarding

Try out a sport that utilizes both water and air. Uinta Kiting offers kiteboarding lessons at Deer Creek State Park. Learn to glide across the water safely with personalized lessons from the only certified kiteboarding school on Deer Creek Reservoir.

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Deer Creek State Park is a medium-sized reservoir that offers playful summer days filled with boating, fishing and watersports.

Photo: Adam Barker

Deer Creek became a state park in 1971, allowing for ample recreation on the reservoir and its 18 miles of shoreline.

Photo: Utah State Parks

Sun and Fun Below Mount Timpanogos: Explorations of Deer Creek State Park

Written By Kristen Pope

3 minute read

The sunlight sparkled and danced on the water as we drove beside the reservoir of Deer Creek State Park. The day was warm, the sun was out, and I was excited to get out on the water.

Watersports and Rafting

Park Information and Weather

Deer Creek State Park is open year-round, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the summer, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter. A day-use entry fee is required, purchase in-person or online . The Annual Utah State Park Pass is accepted for park entry.

At an elevation of 5,420 feet, Deer Creek State Park offers a reprieve from the valley’s high heats while still being warm enough to enjoy boating, swimming and watersports. 

Average Daily High and Low Temperatures 

March: 48/21 F (9/-6 C) April: 57/28 F (14/-2 C) May: 66/34 F (19/1 C) June: 77/41 F (25/5 C) July: 85/47 F (29/8 C) August: 83/46 F (28/7 C) September:  74/38 F (23/3 C) 

Utah Weather

Camping at Deer Creek State Park

Deer Creek State Park has two campgrounds open from May through mid-October, advance reservations are recommended. Amenities available at both campgrounds include drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, RV dump stations, boat ramps, fish cleaning stations and picnic areas.

Chokecherry Campground features 40 campsites, 30 with full hookups, and sits next to the reservoir in the southwest corner of Heber Valley. Campsites accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Each site has a table, fire ring and grate. A concessionaire offers a restaurant, boat rentals, gasoline and sundries.

Great Horned Owl Campground features 21 paved campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs up to 55-feet long. Every site comes with a table; most have a fire ring/grate or barbeque pedestal. 

Reserve a campsite

Responsible Travel Tips

• If you’re planning to fish, familiarize yourself with Utah wildlife and fishery regulations , limits and license requirements. 
• Keep cars, trash and other pollutants away from the reservoir to protect water quality and aquatic life. 
• Plan and prepare to pack out all of your garbage.
• For campfires, use the designated fire rings and extinguish fires completely. You should also familiarize yourself with fire safety practices.
• Whether driving a car or hiking, use designated routes and trails.
• Only use existing campsites; do not try to set up camp off-site.
• Respect local wildlife and plants at all times. Don’t pick flowers, collect rocks, make carvings in trees, etc.

Responsible Travel Resources

What's Nearby

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Heber Valley

Heber Valley, UT

Between the destination towns of Heber and Midway, Heber Valley astonishes with its alpine splendor and access to endless outdoor recreation.

Park City, UT

Park City is the perfect mountain town. The winter slopes were once featured in the Olympics, and in summer the mountains and nearby state parks and reservoirs transform into a hiking, mountain biking, fishing and camping mecca.

Provo & Utah Valley

Provo / Utah Valley, UT

Provo and the larger Utah Valley sets itself a part as a place for innovation in tech, health care, education, as well as place for easy access to Provo Canyon's offerings, including Sundance Mountain Resort.

Sundance Mountain Resort

Sundance, UT

Rustic, elegant and handmade are some of the words that capture the feeling of Sundance Mountain Resort. This log cabin-esque skiing resort that Robert Redford built is only an hour from Salt Lake International Airport.

Wasatch Mountain State Park

Year-round family adventure awaits. In the warmer months, hit the hiking or biking trails, or reserve a tee time at the golf courses. In the winter, ski or snowmobile through the alpine terrain.

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead

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The Ultimate Deer Creek State Park Travel Guide

Deer Creek State Park is a Utah natural wonderland that is the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure. Our guide below has all the information you need to make the most of your visit to one of Utah’s best national parks. We cover the best excursions and attractions, as well as tips on where to stay and what to eat. Get ready to start your adventure!

Basic Information

Deer Creek State Park is a popular recreation spot because of its scenery and its close proximity to the Wasatch Front. The park features the large Deer Creek Dam and Reservoir, with lots of open water and over 18 miles of shoreline. The state park is approximately 10 miles southwest of Heber City, and roughly 48 miles southeast of Salt Lake City.

If you are planning a trip to Deer Creek State Park, you should consider a few things before you go:

• A day-use entry fee is required. The Annual Utah State Park Pass is accepted for park entry.
• If you are planning on fishing, learn Utah’s wildlife and fishery regulations , limits, and license requirements 
• Be respectful of local wildlife and plants. Do not pick flowers, carve trees, leave trash, etc. 
• Do not try to hike or camp off-site. Use the designated routes and campsites. 

Deer Creek State Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Its major attractions are water-based, including boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, and fishing. It is also a great place for kids, as most of the activities are kid-friendly, and there is plenty of space to run around. Some of the most popular activities in Deer Creek Park include:

Deer Creek State Park has camping available from May to October. Advance reservations are highly recommended, since it is a popular destination. There are two different types of campgrounds available to choose from: the Chokecherry Campgrounds and the Great Horned Owl Campgrounds. Both have the following amenities: 

• Drinking water
• Flush toilets
• Hot showers
• RV dump stations
• Fish cleaning stations 
• Picnic areas.

The Chokecherry Campgrounds have 40 campsites with 30 full hookups. These campsites accommodate everything from tents to trailers, and RVs. It provides pull-through and back-in sites, making it ideal for a bigger load. You will also find a table, a fire ring, and a grate at your site. Lastly, there is a concessionaire that offers a restaurant, boat rentals, gasoline, and sundries. 

The Great Horned Owl Campgrounds have 21 paved campsites that accommodate tents, trailers and RVs up to 55 feet long. All sites come with a table, and most have a fire ring/ grate or barbeque pedestal. Keep in mind these sites do not have hookups, so they are better suited for tent campers. 

Related Reading : Planning Winter Family Vacations: Tips & Tricks

On the Water 

Start and end your watersports at one of the two paved boat ramps. Each has a full-service marina with fuel, boat rentals, and dock rentals during the summer. Typically, the wave-runner crowds like to come during the afternoon for the choppy waters. For the skiers searching for a calm and glossy ride, come early in the day or on a slower mid-week day. Everyone is required to wear a life jacket, no matter what your ride is. This includes jet-skiers, kayakers, and stand-up paddle boarders as well. Boat dry storage is also available for when it’s time to call it a day.

While you cannot simply hop off the boat to go for a swim at any time, there is a designated boat swim area situated in the cove next to the resort. This is to protect the safety of both riders and swimmers. On the northeast side of the reservoir, there is a sandy beach for those looking to relax, sunbathe or picnic. 

The park also offers kiteboarding lessons provided by Uinta Kiting. Sign up for personalized lessons from a certified kiteboarding school. Alternatively, you may want to check out the Island Aqua Park. The open floating water park includes obstacle courses, monkey bars, trampolines, and an action tower. It is designed for anyone above the age of six. The state park makes an ideal spot for a family vacation.

From April to November, enjoy fishing on the Deer Creek reservoir. The 3,000 acre lake is blessed with a fair mix of fish species. You may come across walleye, perch, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Boating access is available at Deer Creek State Park on the south end of the lake, and at Deer Creek Island Resort on the east side. At these locations you will also find fishing boat rentals. The park also has fish cleaning stations, bait, and other supplies to make your experience as convenient as possible.

On the Land 

Hiking is a great way to stay active during your trip, whether you are solo or in a group. Tourists love the Deer Creek Trail, a segment of the Provo-Jordan River Parkway Trail. The trail is 8.03 miles long and is located on the western hillside above Deer Creek Reservoir. It has access to the western shore of Deer Creek for walk-in fishermen. Be sure to prepare adequately and make sure that you carry all the essentials needed during a hike.  

While this next activity isn’t technically on land, it’s definitely still worth mentioning. For the adrenaline-seekers, the Screaming Falcon full zipline tour is located at the Rainbow Bay entrance. The tour features a nearly 4,000 foot zipline overlooking the Rainbow Bay. Not intimidated yet? To put it in perspective, it is the longest zip line over a body of water in the entire country. The course has 10 zip lines and 7 suspension aerial bridges all totaling over two miles of great views. 

Ziplining is not for everyone, and may even sound like your ultimate nightmare. If that is the case, then wildlife watching might be more to your taste. Birdwatching is popular among visitors, as the park holds a variety of different species. Some you may find include ring-necked pheasants and other species of songbirds. Birds are not the only notable animals roaming around the park, however. You can observe amphibians such as the spring peeper; reptiles such as painted turtles and rat snakes; and other mammals like deer and red foxes .  

The Best Restaurant in Deer Creek State Park 

If you are looking to enjoy a nice sit-down meal, The Lakehouse at Deer Creek is a great option. The restaurant sits on the Deer Creek Reservoir waters, making for a uniquely beautiful dining experience with lake views. The menu has a fine selection of locally focused cuisine. Top Chef Tamara Stanger's menu is a proud infusion and distinction of history and culture, according to an interview with Salt Lake Magazine . Every meal aims to tell a story in its own way. Expect an assortment of dishes to choose from, including separate menus for lunch, dinner, and wine.

There are also plenty of other restaurants nearby Deer Creek State Park, so do not feel like The Lakehouse if your only choice. If you are looking for something quick and easy, there are some fast food options nearby. From nice dining to fast food, you are sure to find something that appeals to you.

Bottom Line

Whether you are looking to go camping, fishing, or just enjoy the outdoors, Deer Creek State Park is a great option. With plenty of activities available year-round, there is never a dull moment.

When planning your visit, consider Daniels Summit for your accommodation. We have a range of accommodations to suit every need, from cozy lodge rooms to deluxe suites. We are a roughly thirty minute drive away from Deer Creek State Park, so you can come back to comfort after a day of adventure. We are approximately an hour drive south of Salt Lake City.

If you are coming during the winter season, you may want to look into snowmobiling at Daniels Summit. We offer a wide range of snowmobiles for rent, and all our machines are handpicked to match the snow conditions in Utah. We also have a team of highly skilled guides who ensure you get the experience you came for. Contact us for more information.

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This data is provided from the logbook information in the MySSI app

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Dive sites nearby.

Homestead Crater

The Homestead Crater formed when melting snow on the Wasatch Mountains seeped deep within the earth. Two miles below the surface, the earth’s interior heated the water. As it percolated upward, it picked up minerals, which were then deposited on the surface.

This is a nice area where there is a no wake zone. Visibility has been good at 10-20ft. There are some rocks and submerged trees. I have also found boat anchors and lots of lost gear.

Mountain Point Lake and Hot Springs

Utah’s newest fresh water lake and hot springs. Privately owned and operated, this location is a hidden gem and a fun spot to explore. The location can’t be beat with easy access on and off I-15 on the south end of salt lake valley.

Rockport is one of the few reservoirs that allow spearfishing. Visibility can be a factor, but it does open up now and then. More info will be added as our shop explores this water body more.

Strawberry Reservoir

You will want a wetsuit when diving Strawberry Reservoir as this water gets cold! There is typically good visibility and several good locations to dive. This is not a State Park, so make sure to pay your entrance fee.

Echo Reservoir

Echo Reservoir can have surprisingly good visibility. It can range from 2inches to 20ft of visibility. There are lots of rocks and fish to see and it is relatively easy to get to.

Bonneville Seabase

At Seabase, they have created separate places to dive, test your skills, train, and be in awe while diving with saltwater fish in the middle of the desert.

Starvation Reservoir

Starvation is one of the best places to spearfish in Northern Utah. Visibility is typically better than other close by lakes and there are rock formations to see.

Belmont Hot Springs

Natural hot spring north of Tremonton. There is a dock to dive in from as well as 2 platforms and a short obstacle course. There are rumors of improvements coming.

Bear Lake Cisco Beach

Bear lake is a unique dive spot in Utah because of its size and depth. The prime spot to dive is off the eastern shore called Cisco beach, this location has a quick to reach drop off that has large rock formations and a cliff like edge for exploring. Temp is cold year round and even in summer can be 60°F/15°C at surface.

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• 1,092 sqft 1,092 square feet

500 Deer Creek Rd Unit D, Surfside Beach, SC 29575

Open houses, property details.

First floor End Unit in the popular Surfside Beach Deerfield community! Deer Creek Villas on the Green is located less than 1 mile to the beach and approximately 2 miles to Surfside Pier, restaurants and attractions. Villas on the Green offers well maintained grounds, a community pool, grilling with picnic area, and dog walking station. This 2 BR/1 BA ( not all bedrooms are conforming; contact agent for full bedroom details ) located on the bottom level has recently been updated with new flooring in the living and bedroom areas. Fresh paint with shoe molding and some new lighting. The kitchen area presents a large island for prep work and seating that's open to the living and dining area. Conveniently step outside through the 2 sliders, each with blinds, to a nice space outback for loungers or chairs to enjoy some green space. Low HOA covers water/sewer, pest control, exterior insurance, pool maintenance and landscaping. Great property as a Primary Residence, Vacation Get away, Short or Long Term Rental. Property is being offered AS IS Upstairs unit is available for sale. see MLS listing #2421579 Show less

Property features

• Bedrooms: 2
• Primary Bedroom Description: 1st Flr Level
• Total Bathrooms: 1 / 0
• Full Bathrooms: 1
• Primary Bathroom Description: Tub, Tub/Shower Combo

Interior Features

• Wind Treat. Convey
• Smoke Detector
• Wshr/Dryer Connection
• Enter Through Foyer
• Furnished Description: No
• Flooring: Tile, Laminate

Kitchen and Dining

• Kitchen Appliances: Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Range, Breakfast Bar, Oven
• Dining Room Description: Dining Room: Lvr/DR Combo

Other Rooms

• First Floor Bedrooms, First Floor Bathrooms, Foyer

Heating and Cooling

• Heating Features: Central Heat, Electric

Garage and Parking

• Parking Features: Assigned

Homeowners Association

• Association: Yes
• Association Fee: 245
• Association Fee Frequency: Monthly
• Association Fee Includes: Electric Common, Water and Sewer, Trash Pickup, Pool Service, Landscape/Lawn, Insurance, Manager, Legal and Accounting, Common Maint/Repair, Pest Control
• Calculated Total Monthly Association Fees: 245

School Information

• Elementary School: Lakewood Elementary School
• High School: Socastee High School
• Middle School: Socastee Middle School
• Unit Location: End Unit

Amenities and Community Features

• Community Features: Pool-Outdoor Community, Restrictions, Owner Allowed Pet, Tenant Allowed Pet, Home Owners Assn Fee, Short Term Rental Allowed, Long Term Rental Allowed, Trash Pickup, Cable TV, Internet Access, Lawn Maintenance

Other Property Info

• Source Listing Status: ACTIVE
• County: Horry
• Source Property Type: CONDO/TOWNHOUSE
• Area: 28A Surfside Area--Surfside Tria
• Property Subtype: condo
• Source Neighborhood: 28A Surfside Area--Surfside Tria
• Property Location: East of Highway 17 Bypass
• Public Survey Section: Villas On The Green
• Property Subtype: Condo
• Source System Name: C2C

Building and Construction

• Year Built: 1984
• Building Exterior Type: Vinyl Siding
• Entry Location: 01
• Foundation Details: Slab
• Living Area Source: Assessor
• Property Age: 40
• Levels or Stories: Single Level
• House Style: Low-Rise 2-3 Stories
• Total Area Sqft: 1092
• Year Built Details: Resale
• Electricity

Home Features

• Other Equipment: Electric

Find out more about this property.

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Property Tax

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Nearby neighborhoods in Surfside Beach , SC

• South Myrtle Beach Median listing: $150,000
• Ocean Lakes Median listing: $559,000
• Deerfield Plantation Median listing: $224,999
• Arrowhead Median listing: $318,900

Environmental risk

School information from listing agent

• Elementary School : Lakewood Elementary School
• High School : Socastee High School
• Middle School : Socastee Middle School

RealEstimate℠

Deerfield plantation market trends.

A neighborhood in Myrtle Beach, SC

• Sold price median

Nearby home values

Learn more about 500 Deer Creek Rd Unit D

• Listed by Lisa Newman

• Brokered by BHHS Coastal Real Estate
• (843) 232-0000

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500 Deer Creek Rd Unit D, Surfside Beach, SC 29575 is a condo for sale listed on the market for 1 Day. 500 Deer Creek Rd Unit D, Surfside Beach, SC 29575 is in the Deerfield Plantation neighborhood, which has a median listing home price of $224999. The schools near 500 Deer Creek Rd Unit D, include Lakewood Elementary School , Socastee Middle and Socastee High School .

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Deer Creek State Park, Utah - STANDARD-FULL HOOKUP

Site cc14 , loop chokecherry.

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** Arrival dates earlier than the online-reservation-window may also be available at the campground.

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5 must-see places in Grozny, Chechnya

On our recent Chechnya and North Caucasus tour, YPT naturally spent a lot of time in the revitalised city of Grozny, which is rapidly becoming the centre of the North Caucasus. Gleaming and flashing, this city had a far worse reputation a few years ago. It was labelled as the most destroyed city on earth by the UN and Chechnya was branded the most dangerous place on the planet, where kidnapping and death was almost guaranteed. Luckily, that’s in the past and today, you can enjoy a cappuccino or a pizza on the main street, called Putin Prospekt, worry free.

We were impressed with Grozny Chechnya so we decided to list our five favourite attractions in this amazing city.

Akhmat Kadyrov Museum

Ramzan Kadyrov, the ruler of Chechnya, is infamous around the world for many reasons — but mainly due to his online presence. The Instagram of Ramzan Kadyrov is littered with his adoration of President Putin, his MMA skills and his love of holding dangerous animals such as wolves, lions and bears. Under his reign he has rebuilt Grozny with Russian money, building impressive football stadiums, one of the biggest mosques in Europe and gleaming business centres.

It’s no secret, however, that he is nowhere near as popular as his murdered father Akhmat Kadyrov. In the centre of Grozny is the Akhmat Kadyrov museum, which is the definition of dictator chic. Upon entering you are greeted with sheer marble and stunning chandeliers. The museum is overwhelmingly a shrine to Akhmat and Ramzan. You can see the clothes Akhmat was wearing on the day he died, original photographs of the explosion that ripped him apart, gifts from tribal leaders and heads of other Russian republics as well as books he and Ramzan have written about themselves. Upstairs is an art gallery of various paintings people have donated including some fetching portraits of Ramzan, Akhmat and their grandfather in tribal clothes with an intimidating glare.

Grozny Business Centre helipad

Labelled ‘’the most destroyed city on earth’’ by the UN in 2000, Grozny is now a reborn and refurbished city. At the end of Putin Prospekt is the Grozny business plaza where for a few Rubles you can take an elevator to the helipad of one of the buildings, enjoy a few (non-alcoholic) drinks and look down upon Grozny below. Bear in mind that there are warnings not to photograph from one angle as it faces the president’s palace. This rule is serious and not meant to be broken under any circumstances.

Akhmat Kadyrov Mosque

The pride of modern Grozny is the Akhmat kadyrov mosque also known as ‘’the heart of Chechnya’’. One of the largest in Russia, it is of typical Ottoman style with a set of 62-metre (203 ft)-tall minarets. It was opened in 2008 in a ceremony in which Ramzan Kadyrov appeared and spoke with Vladimir Putin. The area of the mosque is 5000 square meters and has a capacity of more than ten thousand people. The same number of faithful can pray in the mosque adjacent to the gallery and the area of summer. The interior is stunning and well worth a visit inside.

FC Akhmat Stadium

If you’re lucky, your trip will coincide with a football match. Our YPT group tour did and I wasn’t sure what to expect but Chechen football is a great atmosphere and you’ll likely see president Kadyrov sitting in his executive suite balcony watching the match. The stadium is very high-tech as the team is owned by Ramzan Kadyrov himself; expect high security on entry and to be thoroughly searched. Unlike at British or American football matches, where a beer and pie or hotdog is a staple on the menu, at football matches in Chechnya you will be given Pepsi and Russian pancakes. No alcohol is for sale anywhere in or around the arena.

The Personal Museum of Adam

Whilst not, strictly speaking, in Grozny, this museum is located on the outskirts of the city and is absolutely unmissable. The curator, Adam, is a close friend of the president and a former wrestling champion with the nickname ‘’The George Clooney of the Caucasus’’ due to his handsome looks. Easily in his mid-60s, Adam will still challenge the strongest looking men he meets to an arm wrestle. Do not resist or be fooled by his age, because he will win! More famous than his wrestling antics is his personal museum. During the Chechen conflicts, Adam drove a Lada Niva into downtown Grozny during heavy Russian bombing and rescued artifacts of the history of the Chechen people before they were destroyed. Today, he displays them in his compound home. The display features everything from T-Rex eggs and military cannons to Civil War relics and the hide of an infamous sheep-killing wolf that Adam himself hunted down and killed as a favour to a local Chechen tribe. After his tour his wife will cook you some traditional Chechen food (don’t miss the cheese bread with sour cream!) while Adam takes a series of alpha-male photos with everybody, likely featuring cannons and swords.

And there we have it – a dangerous, ‘destroyed’ city no longer, Grozny is well worth a visit if you happen to be in Chechnya or the North Caucasus!

About Post Author

Joel Vostok

Joel Vostok is YPT’s Soviet Europe manager and resident military history buff. He can usually be found striking a manly pose in front of tanks or hunting Soviet relics in the former Eastern Bloc.

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Chechnya, Russia and 20 years of conflict

How the tiny region shaped post-Soviet Russia on the 20th anniversary of the start of first Chechnya war.

Moscow, Russia – Twenty years ago on Thursday, Moscow started what it thought would be a “blitzkrieg” against secular separatists in Chechnya, a tiny, oil-rich province in Russia’s North Caucasus region that had declared its independence.

But the first Chechen war became Russia’s Vietnam; the second war was declared a victory only in 2009. The two conflicts have reshaped Russia, Chechnya, their rulers – and those who oppose them.

In 1994, s hortly after Moscow invaded Chechnya in an effort to restore its territorial integrity, Akhmad Kadyrov, a bearded, barrel-chested Muslim scholar turned guerrilla commander, declared jihad on all Russians and said each Chechen should kill at least 150 of them.

That was the proportion of the populations on each side of the conflict: some 150 million Russians and less than a million Chechens in a small, landlocked province, which the separatists wanted to carve out of Russia.

Western media and politicians dubbed the Chechens “freedom fighters” – an army of Davids fighting the Russian Goliath.

Moscow was lambasted internationally for disproportionate use of force and rolling back on the democratic freedoms that former leader Boris Yeltsin was so eager to introduce after the 1991 Soviet Union collapse.

Tens of thousands died amid atrocities committed by both sides – and many more were displaced before 1996, when the Russians retreated, leaving Chechnya essentially independent.

Retreating was a humiliation for Russia’s military machine that less than a decade earlier had presented a seemingly formidable threat to the entire Western world.

Chechen against Chechen

Independence did not quite work out for the Chechens.  The separatist government based in the ruined capital, Grozny, lost control over the rest of Chechnya.

Feuding field commanders and  foreign jihadists, such as the Saudi known as Emir al-Khattab,  ruled small districts with their own little armies. Kidnappings for ransom – along with primitive extraction of oil – were their main sources of income.

Many of the foreigners adhered to a puritanical Muslim ideology  known as Wahhabism  that ran counter to Chechnya’s Sufi traditions.

Akhmad Kadyrov, who was appointed as top Mufti of Chechnya, came into opposition with the puritans and their Chechen supporters, because he saw their extremist views as a threat to the separatist movement. In 1998, Kadyrov openly renounced the Wahhabis – and barely survived the first of many assassination attempts.

Kadyrov soon switched alliances, siding with the people upon whom he had once declared war – the Russians.

A virtually unknown ex-KBG officer, Vladimir Putin  became Russia’s new prime minister i n August 1999 and w ithin weeks led a military operation against the Chechen fighters.   

RELATED:  Timeline: Attacks in Russia  

When a series of explosions in apartment buildings in Moscow and two Russian towns killed more than 300 Russians, Moscow blamed Chechen rebels and embarked on an epic “anti-terrorist operation,” which became the second Chechen war.

Putin’s approval ratings skyrocketed, paving the way for his first presidency.  A ided by Kadyrov and other Chechen clans who had pledged allegiance to the Kremlin, t he Russian military  quickly returned most of Chechnya to Moscow’s control. In 2003, Kadyrov was elected Chechen president.

Russian targets

Cornered in Chechnya, the separatists took the war to Russia.

Attacks throughout the country became a grim reality of the new war and involved explosions in cities and towns, on planes and public transport.

At least two dozen attacks were carried out by female suicide bombers. Dubbed “black widows”, they became a sinister image imprinted on Russia’s collective psyche.

One such attack killed Akhmad Kadyrov in May 2004. His son, 27-year-old Ramzan Kadyrov, was too young to run for president at the time, but as head of his father’s security service, he quickly became Chechnya’s de facto ruler. I n 2007, soon after he turned 30, the younger Kadyrov  was elected president.

Four months after his father’s assassination, Chechen separatists seized a public school in the town of Beslan taking more than 1,000 hostages, mostly children. Almost 200 kids died when Russian forces stormed the school. The incident changed the world’s attitude towards the Chechen cause – “freedom fighters” became “Islamic insurgents” in the Western media.

Meanwhile, the media in Russia came under attack.

“The saying was that it was journalists who won the first Chechen war,” says Tatyana Lokshina, deputy director of the Moscow branch of Human Rights Watch, an international rights watchdog.

Moscow used unfavourable media coverage of the war as an excuse to curtail press freedoms. The Kremlin took over all national television networks and most major newspapers.

“For years, Vladimir Putin saw the pacification of Chechnya as his main achievement,” says Stanislav Belkovsky, a Moscow-based political analyst . “In that respect, Putin has a colossal psychological dependency on Chechnya and Ramzan Kadyrov who ensured the pacification.”

The Beslan crisis also served as a pretext to tighten political screws in Russia. Putin eliminated regional gubernatorial elections, complicated participation of opposition parties in elections, and limited democratic freedoms.

The public hailed Putin for bringing stability and pacifying Chechnya.  The victory revived Moscow’s imperial ambitions – at least in the area of the former Soviet Union.

Shaping today’s Russia

Moscow won the brief 2008 Russo-Georgian war over the breakaway Georgian province of South Ossetia . In March 2014, Russia took over Crimea from Ukraine and helped unleash a civil war between pro-Russian separatists and the central Ukrainian government just a month later.

Both Chechen wars became systemic factors in shaping today's Russia. Instead of peaceful development inside the country we moved to the priority of external expansion by  - Stanislav Belkovsky, political analyst

“Both Chechen wars became systemic factors in shaping today’s Russia,” says Belkovsky . “Instead of peaceful development inside the country, we moved to the priority of external expansion.”

Putin declared “the counter-terrorism operation” in Chechnya over in 2009 – just when things in North Caucasus took a turn for the worse.

Dagestan and several other provinces in the region became the new hotbeds of radical Islamism. A new generation of Moscow’s foes did not want secular separation – instead they are fighting to establish a “Caucasus Emirate” that includes adjacent Russian regions with sizable Muslim populations.

At least 529 people were killed and 457 wounded in North Caucasus in 2013, according to Kavkazsky Uzel, a Russian web portal that monitors the situation in the region. The confrontation has turned into “Europe’s most active armed conflict ” , according to the International Crisis Group, a conflict-monitoring organisation.

The insurgency became self-sustaining because of a vicious circle perpetuated by corruption and brutality.

Federal forces and police trigger the violence with extra-judicial killings, arrests, kidnappings and other abuses, according to rights groups and critics. They claim young men have no other options but to join the rebels because corrupt officials blacklist their families to extort bribes.

The fighters, in turn, blackmail corrupt officials who embezzle lavish funds from Moscow. The practise involves “sending a flash card” containing a video message in which bearded men demand a “jihad tax”.

Storming Grozny again

Ramzan Kadyrov was, perhaps, the least attentive man in the crowd of about 1,100 officials in an opulent Kremlin hall on December 4 during Putin’s annual address. The stocky 38-year-old Chechen leader fidgeted in his seat and constantly checked his phone.

Just hours before the Kremlin ceremony, a dozen Islamist fighters attacked Grozny, Chechnya’s newly-rebuilt capital. Shootouts in a publishing house, an empty school, and an office building killed 11 insurgents and 14 law enforcement officers.

A day after the attack, Kadyrov said the attackers’ families should be thrown out of Chechnya, their houses destroyed. At least six houses that belonged to relatives of the Grozny attackers have been burned down by masked men, Lokshina of Human Rights Watch said.

Kadyrov’s threats were not new to Chechens. During the second Chechen war, he led paramilitary squads known as kadyrovtsy  that soon gained notoriety for abducting, torturing and killing separatists and civilians suspected of aiding them, according to human rights groups and survivors.

A string of his political enemies and critics, including a former bodyguard, an investigative reporter, and a human rights activist have been gunned down in Chechnya, Moscow, Austria, and Dubai.

Kadyrov denied involvement in the contract-style killings.

Over the years, Kadyrov developed a penchant for luxury – he has a private zoo, race horses, and numerous sports cars. Pop stars, Hollywood actors and sportsmen show up at concerts held on his birthday.

His portraits are seen on billboards, government buildings and schoolchildren’s lapel pins; while streets, schools, mosques and military units are named after his father and mother.

Whatever he does is breaking news on Chechen television – he is shown threatening rebels and corrupt officials, boxing with his ministers, welcoming foreign dignitaries,and bestowing money, apartments and cars upon average Chechens.

Some say Kadyrov’s lifestyle and political ways make him look like an eccentric sovereign, not a public official on the Kremlin payroll. 

“Today, Chechnya is a de facto independent state,” says Belkovsky. “Although formally [Kadyrov] shows loyalty to Putin and formally Chechnya is part of Russia.”