Big Sand Wash Reservoir is a 577-acre lake in the Uinta Basin, just north of Upalco and about 20 minutes west of Roosevelt, with the Uinta Mountains filling the northern skyline. It usually fills by May with snowmelt from the high country, has a paved ramp with a courtesy dock, and stays far quieter than nearby Starvation — a great early-summer spot for surfing, skiing and jet skis.
Lake Boat Rental gets you on the water at Big Sand Wash with MasterCraft wakesurf boat rentals, Sea-Doo jet ski rentals, private boat tours and lessons, water toys and ATV and side-by-side rentals for the Uinta Basin backroads.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Big Sand Wash
Everything you rent is ready for you at Big Sand Wash — no truck, no trailer and no towing required. If you'd rather tow it yourself, pickup is also available at our Utah locations.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Big Sand Wash, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Big Sand Wash or pulling a tube.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
- Side-by-side and ATV rentals – Can-Am UTVs for the trails and backroads near Big Sand Wash.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Big Sand Wash at a glance
| Location | Duchesne County, just north of Upalco, about 20 minutes west of Roosevelt |
|---|---|
| Size | About 577 acres when full |
| Water levels | Usually full by May, then drawn down quickly for irrigation through the summer |
| Launching | A main boat ramp with a courtesy dock |
| Fishing | Walleye, yellow perch and trout, with generous walleye limits |
| Drive time | Under 3 hours from Salt Lake City and about 30 minutes from Duchesne |
| Best months | May through July, while the reservoir is full |
Best things to do on Big Sand Wash
- Early-season surfing – catch the reservoir full in late spring and early summer for smooth runs behind a MasterCraft surf boat.
- Jet skis with a view – ride a Sea-Doo with the Uinta Mountains on the horizon.
- Walleye and perch fishing – Big Sand Wash is one of the Uinta Basin’s better walleye lakes.
- High Uintas escapes – Moon Lake and the High Uintas trailheads are within about an hour to the north.
- A Uinta Basin lake tour – pair Big Sand Wash with Starvation, Red Fleet and Steinaker for a week of lake days.
- Dinosaur National Monument – the dinosaur quarry near Vernal is about 1½ hours east.
- Charters and lessons – book a private boat tour and let a local driver handle the boat while your group learns to wakesurf.
- Basin backroads – explore the open country around Roosevelt and Duchesne with ATV and side-by-side rentals.
Where to launch at Big Sand Wash
- Main ramp – the paved launch at the reservoir’s main entrance, with a courtesy dock for loading.
- Shoreline day use – the shoreline turns muddy as the water drops, so the best beach spots shift through the season.
Big Sand Wash is an irrigation reservoir: it’s usually full by May and drops quickly through the summer, so plan your trip early. With Lake Boat Rental, your boat or jet ski is ready at the lake — no towing required.
Tips for a great day on Big Sand Wash
- Plan early. Late May through early July usually brings the fullest water and the best boating.
- Watch for stumps. As the lake drops, submerged stumps and debris appear near shore — slow down in shallow areas.
- Ride the morning calm. Afternoon wind can kick up chop across the open water.
- Stock up in Roosevelt. There are no stores at the reservoir, so bring food, ice and fuel.
- Check for algae advisories. Utah DEQ monitors the reservoir in summer; read posted advisories before swimming.
- Pack out your trash. Help keep this local favorite clean.
Utah boating rules to know
- Utah requires every boater, including renters and paddleboarders, to complete the free Mussel-Aware Boater course each year and carry proof.
- Life jackets must be worn on jet skis and by anyone being towed (tubing, skiing or wakeboarding).
- Jet ski operators under 18 need a Utah youth PWC certificate. For our rentals, the operator must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license; passengers of any age are welcome with a parent or guardian's approval.
- Towing your own boat in? Pull the drain plugs when you leave and stop at every open inspection station.
- Towing a skier, tuber or surfer isn’t allowed inside the wakeless area around a launch ramp or dock.
- Please pack out all trash and follow posted rules at the ramp.
Map of Big Sand Wash Reservoir
Big Sand Wash rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Big Sand Wash?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, private boat tours with lessons, and ATV and side-by-side rentals for the trails nearby.
Will my boat be at Big Sand Wash when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Big Sand Wash, so there's nothing to tow. Pickup from our Utah locations is also available.
Who can drive a rental boat or jet ski at Big Sand Wash?
The operator must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license; no boating license is needed for adults in Utah. Everyone on the water must also complete Utah's free annual Mussel-Aware Boater course.
When is Big Sand Wash Reservoir full?
Big Sand Wash is usually full by May. It’s drawn down for irrigation through the summer, so late spring and early summer offer the best boating.
Are jet skis allowed at Big Sand Wash?
Yes. Powerboats and jet skis are allowed, and Utah has no horsepower limit on the reservoir.
How far is Big Sand Wash from Roosevelt?
About 20 minutes west of Roosevelt and roughly 30 minutes from Duchesne in the Uinta Basin.
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