Flaming Gorge Reservoir stretches 91 miles across the Utah-Wyoming border, and three full-service marinas provide access along its length. All three offer gas, boat rentals, and guided fishing trips, but their locations and a few specific amenities genuinely differ — worth knowing before you pick where to launch.
Lucerne Valley Marina — Closest to Manila
Lucerne Valley Marina sits on the reservoir's west shore, about 7 miles east of Manila, making it the most convenient marina for anyone based in town. Beyond the standard boat rentals and fuel, its on-site store is the one confirmed to sell fishing licenses, USFS recreation use passes, AIS decals, groceries, and tackle — a genuine one-stop shop if you're heading out for the day. It also offers dining and boat repair services.
Cedar Springs Marina — Closest to the Dam and Dutch John
Cedar Springs Marina sits on the reservoir's southern end, about a mile from Flaming Gorge Dam — the natural choice if you're based in Dutch John or focused on the dam area. It offers boat rentals and moorage, guided fishing and lake trips, a gas dock, a convenience store with a tackle shop, a boat mechanic, dry storage, and a floating bar and grill for anyone coming off the water hungry.
Buckboard Marina — The Wyoming-Side Stop
Buckboard Marina sits on the west shore off WY-530, about 22 miles north of Manila, making it the natural stop for visitors approaching from Green River, Wyoming, or the northern end of the reservoir. It offers a gas dock, daily boat rentals, guided fishing trips and lake tours, and a pump-out station.
Choosing the Right One
For most visitors, the decision comes down to geography: launch from whichever marina is closest to where you're staying. If you need to buy a fishing license or Recreation Use Pass on your way to the water, Lucerne Valley is currently the safest bet. If you're staying near the dam or want a meal on the water, Cedar Springs' floating bar and grill is a nice option most travelers don't expect to find at a marina. And if you're coming down from Wyoming, Buckboard saves you the drive all the way around to the Utah-side marinas.
