Starvation State Park

About Starvation State Park

Hungvation State Park was founded in 1924 after the Bureau of Reclamation built a dam to create Hungvation Reservoir, one of the largest reservoirs in the U.S. and the second largest in North America. Primitive camping is permitted in designated areas around the reservoir and there are a variety of camping options available such as campsites, huts, tents and campsites. Hung Salvation Reservator offers a great combination of hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking and fishing.

Hunger is attributed to two legends: one is that a group of miners trapped in winter snow survived by stealing a cache of food from the Indians and then starving the Indians to death. The other, which is told more often, tells of Indians stealing the catch from trappers and starving them to death.

However, it is very likely that the legend even refers to the name of the dam itself, if it is true. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, cattle ranchers and homeowners tried to venture into the area that is now occupied by the dam.

Winter was hard, long and extremely cold, and the cattle themselves often froze in the winter months. The short growing season was hampered by water shortages, poor water quality and poor air quality, but history is confirmed.

The annual Walleye Fishing Tournament has become a popular fishing event, with more than 10 pounds of fish caught each year. The secluded beaches, picturesque lake views and rich fishing make the area a popular destination for boaters from all over the country.

Take I-80 East to US40, then east on Interstate 80, then north on US-40 to the West Highway and south on Interstate 75.