Sometimes Congress gets it right. Need an example? The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area was established in 1968 and has been drawing in anglers and aquatic enthusiasts ever since.

With more than 200,000 acres of land and water, there’s plenty of room for everyone, so locals don’t mind when new folks come to visit and get in on the fun. Most spend some time at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which has five full-service marinas for houseboats and other aquatic craft. The reservoir is also the spot for Flaming Gorge’s famous lake trout. Several 30-plus-pounders are caught every year, and the record (for now) is 51 pounds, 8 ounces. Rainbow and brown trout also are plentiful, as well as kokanee salmon and smallmouth bass.

Cedar Springs, Lucerne Marinas Have It All

Before exploring a place as big as Flaming Gorge, it’s wise to have a base of operations. Many use the Cedar Springs and Lucerne Valley marinas for that purpose, and it’s easy to see why. Cedar Springs is two miles from the dam, and from its secluded cove offers slip rental, shore power, fresh water, gasoline, accessories and boat rentals, as well as guided fishing and lake tours. It’s also home to The Snag Bar & Grill, so you can fill your stomach while you’re topping off the boat’s tank. The open-air hangout is popular with locals and visitors alike, and also offers a full bar.

The Lucerne Valley marina pulls in a third of Flaming Gorge Reservoir's visitor traffic, in no small part thanks to its boat rentals and other services, as well as its 18 campgrounds. The marina also offers floating cabins, which are tied up on a private dock next to the shoreline. Lucerne Valley also can handle your mealtime needs, with the Lucerne Lakeside Grill’s menu of burgers, prime rib and more.

Red Canyon Lodge Makes Magic Memories

Many people are lured back year after year by the Flaming Gorge’s many activities, both on land and water, and just as many come back because they’ve fallen in love with the Red Canyon Lodge, a resort offering fine dining, a private lake, horseback riding and more. The year-round facility’s luxury log cabins are a home away from home for many people, says owner Mark Wilson, and so they keep coming back for more.

“Our focus is handcrafted log-cabin lodging, but we’ve also got a little finer dining than you might expect out in the middle of nowhere,” Wilson says. “We have a lot of on-site recreation and private lakes well-stocked with a variety of trout, and so we like to think that we’re the civilized way to enjoy the great outdoors.”

Whether you're roughing it or camping out in style, the Flaming Gorge has plenty of options on offer, another reason why it continues to bring in visitors from around the country, and even around the world.

Learn about more outdoor recreation opportunities in Rock Springs, WY.