Round Lake State Park

Tucked into the timbered hills south of Sandpoint near Sagle, Idaho, Round Lake State Park wraps 142 acres around a small, spring-fed lake that feels like a well-kept secret in Bonner County. The lake itself is the draw — calm, clear, and free of motorboat traffic, making it one of the quieter paddle spots in northern Idaho.

Round Lake is small enough to canoe or kayak around in an afternoon, and the lack of powerboats means the water stays glassy well into the morning. Anglers pull largemouth bass and rainbow trout from the shallows, while families spread out along the swimming beach during summer months. A network of easy trails loops through the surrounding mixed conifer forest, offering gentle walks that work for all ages. In winter, the trails convert to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing routes, and the lake occasionally freezes solid enough for ice fishing.

The campground sits among the trees near the lakeshore with both tent and RV sites available, though hookups are limited. Sites fill quickly on summer weekends, so reservations are worth making early if you’re planning a July or August trip.

The best window to visit runs from late June through September, when water temperatures are warm enough for swimming and the days stretch long. Spring and fall are quieter and cooler — ideal for hiking without the crowds.

With a 4.6 rating across nearly 600 reviews, Round Lake consistently earns praise for its peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly layout. It’s not a big park, and that’s exactly the point.

Explore Nearby

• Pend Oreille Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Idaho
• Idaho Panhandle National Forest — National Forest in Idaho, Montana, Washington
• Hauser Lake Recreation Area — Public Land
• Hauser Lake — Public Land
• International Selkirk Loop — Scenic Byway in Idaho