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The search for a passage through the Rocky Mountains brought explorers to Idaho in the 1800’s, and it’s the incredible beauty of Idaho’s lush valleys, white water rivers, forested mountains, and rolling hills that bring people back exploring on vacation after memorable vacation. Idaho State Parks are as varied as they come. Reach new heights rock climbing at The City of Rocks; paddle across Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake, in Farragut State Park; surf the sand waves of Bruneau Dunes, which is the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America.

Exploration of Idaho’s State Parks is especially exciting for families who are interested in experiencing something new or unusual. Find hidden swimming holes, hike through lava fields, watch wildlife up close, or discover centuries-old waterfalls that are only flowing three days out of the year.

Whether you plan an intimate day trip, camping in the backcountry, or a family outing, get outside and play in Idaho State Parks.

  • Bear Lake

    Bear Lake State Park is located in a high mountain valley in the extreme southeast corner of Idaho. At 5,900 feet elevation, the park offers a wide variety of both summer and winter recreation opportunities. Watch Video

  • Bruneau Dunes

    The tallest single-structured sand dune in North America rises to 470 feet high above small lakes in the high desert south of Mountain Home. The state park includes desert, dune, prairie, lake and marsh habitat with opportunities to observe nocturnal species. Watch Video

  • Lake Cascade

    Lake Cascade State Park is nestled in the majestic mountains of central Idaho approximately 75 miles north of Boise on State Highway 55. This large park provides diverse and exciting recreational opportunities throughout all four seasons. Watch Video

  • City Of Rocks

    Granite columns, some reaching 60 stories tall, loom high above Circle Creek Basin and are popular with climbers. Many of the granitic rock formations that are the outstanding features of the Reserve are over 2.5 billion years old, some of the oldest found in North America. Watch Video

  • Castle Rocks

    Castle Rocks State Park, a former ranch, is Idaho's newest state park, located adjacent to the City of Rocks National Reserve. Its 1240 acres includes similar outstanding rock formations, early 20th century ranch structures and pastures. Watch Video

  • CDA Parkway

    Walkers, hikers and bikers love this linear park that follows the north shore of beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene. The Coeur d' Alene Parkway lies along the north shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, following Centennial Trail east from Coeur d'Alene to Higgens Point. Watch Video

  • Dworshak

    Dworshak State Park is located among trees and meadows on the western shore of Dworshak Reservoir. The park is comprised of three units - Freeman Creek, Three Meadows Group Camp, and Big Eddy Lodge and Marina. Watch Video

  • Eagle Island

    Eagle Island is a 545-acre day-use park west of Boise that features a popular swimming beach, a grassy picnic area, a waterslide and more than five miles of equestrian trails for those looking for a place to ride horses. Watch Video

  • Farragut

    Farragut State Park is located 30 miles north of Coeur d’Alene on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake. Once the world’s second largest naval training station, today the 4,000-acre park provides a multitude of recreation opportunities. Watch Video

  • Harriman

    Harriman State Park lies within an 11,000-acre wildlife refuge in the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Moose, Elk, and Sandhill Cranes are common, as is North America's largest waterfowl, the Trumpeter Swan. Watch Video

  • Hells Gate

    Hells Gate State Park is the gateway to both Idaho's Lewis and Clark country and to Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. Shady campsites along the Snake River make comfortable base-camps for exploration of the surrounding area. Watch Video

  • Henrys Lake

    Located just 15 miles west of Yellowstone National Park, this high mountain lake is the kind of place fishermen dream about. The state park, named after explorer Major Andrew Henry, opens the Thursday before Memorial Day and closes October 31st, weather permitting. Watch Video

  • Heyburn

    Heyburn State Park is the oldest park in the Pacific Northwest. Created in 1908, it is comprised of approximately 5,500 acres of land and 2,300 acres of water. Watch Video

  • Lake Walcott

    Lake Walcott State Park is located at the northwest end of the Bureau of Reclamation's Lake Walcott Project, a welcome refuge on the edge of Idaho's high desert. Watch Video

  • Land of Yankee Fork

    he Land of the Yankee Fork State Park brings to life Idaho’s frontier mining history. This state park is part of the larger Land of the Yankee Fork Historic Area located in scenic central Idaho. Watch Video

  • Lucky Peak

    Four distinct units can be found at this state park, three of which are located near Lucky Peak reservoir just 8 miles east of Boise. Discovery Park is a popular roadside park to picnic in, walk your pet or fish the Boise River. Watch Video

  • Massacre Rocks

    Oregon Trail emigrants referred to the Massacre Rocks area as "Gate of Death" and "Devil's Gate", but modern day travelers use terms like beautiful, serene, and restful to describe the park. Watch Video

  • McCroskey

    This 5300-acre ridgeline park is dedicated to pioneer women. McCroskey State Park's highlight is an 18-mile skyline drive through the park on unimproved roads provides spectacular views of the rolling Palouse country and access to 32 miles of multi-purpose trails. Watch Video

  • Old Mission

    Old Mission State Park features the oldest standing building in Idaho, The Mission of the Sacred Heart, which became a state park in 1975. Also known as Cataldo Mission, it was built between 1848 and 1853 by members of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and Catholic missionaries. Watch Video

  • Ponderosa

    Ponderosa State Park covers most of a 1,000-acre peninsula that juts into beautiful Payette Lake near McCall. The scenic overlook at Osprey Point offers a spectacular view of the lake. The park offers hiking and biking trails, guided walks with park naturalists and evening campfire programs. Watch Video

  • Priest Lake

    Priest Lake State Park lies just 30 miles from the Canadian Border, nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. Watch Video

  • Round Lake

    Round Lake State Park is situated in 142 acres of forest surrounding a 58-acre lake at an elevation of 2,122 feet. The lake is the product of glacial activity dating back to the Pleistocene Epoch. Watch Video

  • Thousand Springs

    Thousand Springs State Park and the four beautiful units within are testaments to why the area is called the Magic Valley. Watch Video

  • Three Island Crossing

    Three Island Crossing State Park is located on the Snake River at Glenns Ferry. It is home to The Oregon Trail History and Education Center where visitors can learn about pioneer emigrants and Native American history. Watch Video

  • Trail of the CDA's

    The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is a 73-mile paved trail spanning the Idaho panhandle between Mullan and Plummer. It was created through a unique partnership between the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Union Pacific Railroad, the U. S. Government and the State of Idaho. Watch Video

  • Winchester

    Winchester Lake State Park surrounds a 103-acre lake, nestled in a forested area at the foot of the Craig Mountains, just off US 95 adjoining the town of Winchester. Watch Video