Head to Idaho to enjoy stunning views, a plethora of outdoor activities, and a huge range of wildlife. The state parks in this state offer something for everyone!
At Eagle Island State Park, you’ll find everything from equestrian trails and boating in the warm months to skiing and snow tubing in the winter. For a chance to spot trumpeter swans and other incredible wildlife, head to Farragut State Park, where two-thirds of the population of these swans spend their winters.
These parks just scratch the surface of what Idaho’s state parks have to offer. Star-gazing, water-skiing, disc golf, and more are available to you here.
No matter what kind of outdoor adventure calls to you, you’ll find it in Idaho’s incredible state parks. Grab your map and your hiking boots and let’s go!
Printable Idaho State Parks Map
Bear Lake State Park
If you’re looking for a serene getaway surrounded by natural beauty, Bear Lake State Park in Idaho should definitely be on your list.
Known as North Beach State Park by some locals, this public recreation area sits on the north and eastern shores of Bear Lake in the southeast corner of Bear Lake County.
With the park’s close proximity to the Utah and Wyoming state lines, visitors have the unique opportunity to explore three states in one trip.
The park offers numerous activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Wildlife lovers will also appreciate the park’s proximity to the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which lies adjacent to the park’s north unit.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, Bear Lake State Park is a great destination for anyone seeking peace and tranquility amidst stunning natural scenery.
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Bruneau Dunes State Park in southwestern Idaho is a must-see spot for any outdoor enthusiast. With its vast sand dunes and small lakes, the park offers a unique and exciting landscape for visitors to explore.
The park is home to North America’s tallest single-structured sand dune, which stands at an impressive height of approximately 470 feet. Activities in the park range from sandboarding and hiking to fishing and stargazing.
Visitors can even use the Bruneau Dunes Observatory’s telescope to get a better view of the night sky. There are two campgrounds available year-round, as well as cabins and an equestrian overnight facility.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a longer stay, Bruneau Dunes State Park is a wonderful destination in Idaho.
Castle Rocks State Park
Nestled in the scenic Albion Mountains of Cassia County, Idaho, Castle Rocks State Park is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Covering over 1,600 acres, the park offers visitors a unique mix of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural beauty.
Located just a stone’s throw away from the Albion Division of Sawtooth National Forest and City of Rocks National Reserve, Castle Rocks State Park is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
Whether you’re hiking, rock climbing, camping, or simply enjoying a picnic, there’s something for everyone at this picturesque park.
With its stunning vistas and endless opportunities for adventure, Castle Rocks State Park is perfect for anyone looking to experience the best of Idaho’s great outdoors.
City of Rocks National Reserve
Welcome to the Silent City of Rocks, also known as City of Rocks National Reserve, a true wonder of nature in southern Idaho.
This awe-inspiring reserve is home to enormous granite rock formations that have been sculpted over time by the forces of wind and water. The reserve is also a mecca for rock climbers, with over 1,000 traditional and bolt-protected routes.
Climbers from around the world flock to the area to test their skills on the challenging routes developed by legendary Idaho climber Tony Yaniro.
But City of Rocks is not just for climbers – visitors can also explore the wagon ruts left behind by pioneers traveling the California Trail in the 1840s and 1850s, or simply take in the glorious natural beauty of the area on a scenic hike.
With its rich history and dramatic landscapes, City of Rocks National Reserve is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Idaho.
Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park
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Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park is a beautiful 5.7-mile paved trail located in Kootenai County, Idaho. The parkway runs along the attractive north shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, making it a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike.
The park features a boat launch, docks, and a picnic area at Higgens Point, making it a great spot to take a break and enjoy the sweeping lake views.
The trail is also a portion of the North Idaho Centennial Trail, which stretches over 24 miles from Higgens Point to the Idaho/Washington state line.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more intense workout, Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors and soak up the beauty of Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Dworshak State Park
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Dworshak State Park is a lovely recreation area that offers a range of activities to visitors. Located in Clearwater County, Idaho, the park spans 850 acres along the western shore of Dworshak Reservoir, north of Orofino.
It is divided into three units – Freeman Creek, Three Meadows Group Camp, and Big Eddy Lodge and Marina – each with unique features and amenities. Boating, fishing, camping, swimming, water skiing, and hiking are popular activities in the park.
The park’s picturesque surroundings provide visitors with stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding forested mountains. It is an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Eagle Island State Park
Eagle Island State Park is a fantastic recreational area that offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature at its finest. The park is located in Eagle, Idaho, and boasts a wide range of facilities for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you are looking for a place to swim, hike, or picnic, Eagle Island has something for you. During winter, the park’s snow tubing hill is open, which runs from Thanksgiving to April 1 and is perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
In summer, visitors can take advantage of over 5 miles of equestrian trails, non-motorized boating, fishing, volleyball, horseshoes, and a water slide.
The park also has an 18-hole disc golf course and a zip line for those who want to explore the park’s beautiful scenery from above. The Sportsman’s Access area offers fishing opportunities along the river.
Farragut State Park
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Welcome to Farragut State Park, a gorgeous public recreation area located at the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains of the Idaho Panhandle.
Covering 4,000 acres (1,600 ha), this state park offers a wide range of activities, including camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, fishing, boating, swimming, water sports, orienteering, disc golf, flying model aircraft, archery, and horseback riding.
You can also visit the Naval Training Center and the Museum at the Brig, where you can learn about the rich military history of this area.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing picnic, an exhilarating hike, or an educational experience, Farragut State Park has something for everyone.
Don’t forget to take in the impressive views of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains as you explore this gem of a state park.
Harriman State Park
Harriman State Park is a beautiful public recreation area located within the incredible Harriman Wildlife Refuge in eastern Idaho.
The park offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem while surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, including elk, moose, sandhill cranes, and trumpeter swans.
In fact, two-thirds of the trumpeter swans that winter in the contiguous United States spend their season in Harriman State Park. The park also boasts Henry’s Fork, a renowned fly-fishing stream that winds through park meadows for eight miles.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding along the park’s trails, or go cross-country skiing during the winter months.
Hells Gate State Park
Welcome to Hells Gate State Park, an outdoor paradise located in the astonishing Hells Canyon of Idaho.
Nestled on the southern edge of Lewiston, this state park is a perfect spot for adventure enthusiasts who want to explore the Snake River’s downstream entrance to Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America.
Whether you’re looking to camp, picnic, hike, bike, horseback ride, fish, boat, swim, or take a jet boat trip into the canyon, Hells Gate State Park has something to please every taste.
This 960-acre (390 ha) park was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to mitigate the construction of the Lower Granite Dam, and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation began leasing the site in 1973.
With its awesome natural scenery, Hells Gate State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and interests.
Henrys Lake State Park
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Henry’s Lake State Park is a secluded treasure located on the south shore of Henry’s Lake, just a short drive from Island Park.
This 585-acre park offers dramatic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Whether you enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, or camping, Henry’s Lake will delight and amaze you. With its abundant wildlife and crystal-clear waters, visitors can experience the beauty of cutthroat trout, moose, pronghorn, swans, pelicans, and various waterfowl.
The park features several hiking trails, boat ramps, and camping options, including cabins, which make it a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a family vacation. Don’t miss the chance to explore this beautiful state park in the heart of Idaho.
Heyburn State Park
Heyburn State Park is a gem tucked away in the beautiful state of Idaho. Established in 1908, it is the oldest state or provincial park in the Pacific Northwest, with over 5,744 acres of land and 2,332 acres of water on three lakes: Benewah, Chatcolet, and Hidden.
The park’s three lakes are connected by a dam constructed on the Spokane River in Post Falls in 1906, which raised the level of Lake Coeur d’Alene. This resulted in a unique water system for the park, which has become a hub for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
Visitors can also take part in hiking, horseback riding, camping, and picnicking, among other outdoor activities. The park’s scenic beauty and diverse recreational opportunities make it a hugely satisfying destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Lake Cascade State Park
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Lake Cascade State Park is an exciting prospect for those seeking outdoor adventure in Idaho. With its 27,000-acre lake and 500-acre surrounding area, there is plenty to explore.
The park boasts 279 campsites, six boat ramps, and multiple hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Fishing enthusiasts will also appreciate the opportunity to catch various types of fish, including rainbow trout and smallmouth bass.
During the winter months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with opportunities for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and skiing. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars, as the park is also home to an abundance of bird species.
Lake Cascade State Park offers year-round recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages and interests.
Lake Walcott State Park
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Lake Walcott State Park is a marvelous spot located near the Minidoka Dam in Minidoka County, Idaho.
The park sits on the picturesque western shore of Lake Walcott, an 8,000-acre impoundment of the Snake River, and offers visitors 65 acres of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Whether you want to camp, have a picnic, play disc golf, or enjoy some water sports, Lake Walcott State Park has it all. Plus, with the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge nearby, the park is a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
So if you’re looking for a peaceful and fun-filled outdoor getaway in Idaho, Lake Walcott State Park is the place to be!
Land of the Yankee Fork State Park
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Land of the Yankee Fork State Park is a fantastic place for anyone interested in Idaho’s frontier mining history. The park covers 521 acres and is located in Custer County, Idaho.
The state park features several ghost towns including Bayhorse, Bonanza, and Custer. Visitors can explore these historic towns and learn about Idaho’s rich mining past.
The interpretive center near Challis is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the area. It has a museum and gold panning station where visitors can try their luck at finding some gold.
The park was created in 1990 and is operated by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the United States Forest Service.
Lucky Peak State Park
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If you’re looking for a fun day out in the sun, then Lucky Peak State Park is definitely worth checking out. This public recreation area offers a variety of activities on and around Lucky Peak Lake, just a short drive from Boise.
With three different units to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Discovery Park is perfect for a relaxing picnic and some fishing, while Sandy Point offers a sandy beach and calm waters for swimming and wading.
If you’re into boating, then Spring Shores is the spot for you, with boat ramps and a marina. Lucky Peak State Park was created in 1956 after the Lucky Peak Dam was built, and it also happens to be home to the Lucky Peak Dam Zeolite Occurrence.
Massacre Rocks State Park
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If you’re looking for a unique historical adventure, Massacre Rocks State Park must be on your list.
Located in Power County, Idaho, the park is home to the famous Massacre Rocks, which played a significant role in the history of the Oregon Trail and California Trail during the middle 19th century.
The park is easily accessible by car via Interstate 86 or by foot using a trail from the rest areas just east of the park.
Visitors can explore remnants of the original Oregon Trail on the south side of the highway or check out the exhibits in the visitor center, which describe the history and geology of the area.
The park also offers hiking and biking trails, a disc golf course, a campground, and access to the Snake River, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
McCroskey State Park
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Nestled in the beautiful Palouse region of northern Idaho, McCroskey State Park offers visitors a chance to experience the great outdoors on its 5,300-acre expanse.
The park’s location along a ridge in Latah and Benewah Counties, bordering Washington, offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park’s recreational offerings include hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and camping, with over 32 miles of trails for visitors to explore.
Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to spot elk, deer, and a variety of bird species, including eagles and hawks.
With its impressive natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, McCroskey State Park is a must-visit site for nature lovers visiting the region.
Old Mission State Park
Nestled in the heart of Coeur d’Alene lies the Old Mission State Park, a fascinating heritage site that tells the story of Idaho’s past. The park is home to the historic Mission of the Sacred Heart, also known as the Cataldo Mission, which is a national landmark.
Built between 1850 and 1853, it is the oldest surviving building in Idaho and has been preserved to reflect its original beauty.
Visitors can explore the church, parish house, and the surrounding property, and learn about the history of the area through the exhibits in the visitor center.
The park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history or architecture, and a great place to spend a day exploring Idaho’s rich cultural heritage.
Ponderosa State Park
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Located on the northeast edge of McCall in Valley County, Idaho, Ponderosa State Park is a beautiful public recreation area and state park.
The park occupies a peninsula in Payette Lake and covers 1,515 acres of land, including a second unit called North Beach, situated six miles north of McCall.
The park is home to several hiking and biking trails, guided walks, evening programs, beaches, picnic areas, and opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching.
The sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and the pristine lake make Ponderosa State Park a much-loved destination for locals and visitors alike. The park offers something for everyone, from adventurous activities to relaxing spots for a family picnic.
Priest Lake State Park
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Priest Lake State Park is a remarkable public recreation area that offers visitors a chance to experience the serene natural beauty of the Selkirk Mountains.
The park covers a total of 755 acres (306 ha) and is located about 30 miles from the Canada-United States border in Bonner County, Idaho. The park consists of three units located near the southern, eastern, and northern shores of Priest Lake: Dickenseet, Indian Creek, and Lionhead.
Each unit offers a distinctive experience, from camping and hiking to fishing and boating. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, and mountain biking.
The park also offers opportunities to observe wildlife such as moose, elk, and bald eagles. Whether you’re looking for an active outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat in nature, Priest Lake State Park will tick your box.
Round Lake State Park
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Round Lake State Park is a hidden treat located in Bonner County, Idaho, just a short distance from Sagle. The park is known for its phenomenal 123-acre Round Lake, which was formed from glacial activity during the Pleistocene period.
Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as camping, fishing, and swimming. Non-motorized and electric-powered watercraft are permitted on the lake, providing a peaceful environment for boating enthusiasts.
The park also offers several trails for hiking, biking, and skiing, making it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Round Lake State Park is the perfect spot.
Thousand Springs State Park
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Thousand Springs State Park is a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts visiting Idaho.
The park comprises several units, including Billingsley Creek, Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Malad Gorge, Niagara Springs, and Ritter Island, each offering inspirational views and unique outdoor experiences.
Visitors can hike through the lush vegetation, take a dip in the refreshing water, go fishing or kayaking, and admire the scenic waterfalls that the park is known for.
The Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve is a favorite among visitors, as it boasts crystal-clear turquoise blue water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
With its diverse range of attractions, Thousand Springs State Park is a splendid place to explore and discover the beauty of Idaho’s natural wonders.
Three Island Crossing State Park
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If you’re a history buff or just looking for an unparalleled experience, Three Island Crossing State Park is definitely worth a visit.
The park offers an immersive glimpse into the history of the area, specifically the Oregon Trail and the Snake River ford. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities including camping, hiking, and disc golf.
The visitors center provides interpretive exhibits that tell the story of the pioneers who crossed the Snake River at Three Island Crossing, and the challenges they faced on their journey west.
With its scenic location along the river and rich history, Three Island Crossing State Park provides a beautiful day out in Idaho.
Winchester Lake State Park
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If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in the midst of nature, Winchester Lake State Park must be on your travel itinerary.
The park offers a tranquil setting with breathtaking views of the surrounding Craig Mountains. Whether you enjoy fishing, hiking, or wildlife watching, Winchester Lake has something for everyone.
Anglers can cast their line in the lake for rainbow trout, perch, bass, and bluegill. Hikers can explore the park’s trails while observing white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and other wildlife.
Winchester Lake State Park also offers picnic areas, a playground, and camping options, making it a perfect spot for a family getaway.
