4.5Ponderosa State Park(297 reviews) - Unspoiled beauty Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks
Located just 1.5 miles from downtown McCall, Ponderosa State Park is a year round destination park. Covering a thousand-acre peninsula that juts into Payette Lake, this picturesque state park offers guided walks with naturalists, campfire programs and camping facilities. During winter months the park has groomed Nordic Ski trails and snowshoe trals.See more..
Once a World War II-era naval training station, this 4,000-acre park now provides camping opportunities with 223 individual sites, 10 camping cabins, and 7 group camps. Located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains of northern Idaho, Farragut State Park offers unique scenery, history and an abundance of recreational opportunities, including disc golf, a radio-controlled airplane field, fishing, hiking, biking, equestrian facilities and World War II history — don’t miss the Museum at the Brig during your visit.See more..
4.5Hells Gate State Park(141 reviews) - One of the nicest state parks ever Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks
Hells Gate lies on river bottom left over from the great ice age floods about 15,000 years ago. At the south end of the park are basaltic columns from the Pomona flows 14 million years ago. Hells Gate State Park was once the site of a Nez Perce Village. Little is left of the village, but depressions south of the campground are the remnants of pit houses used for years by the Nez Perce as they fished for lamprey near Asotin Creek.See more..
With one of the longest camping seasons in the Idaho Parks system, Bruneau Dunes State Park offers camping opportunities throughout the year. Campsites and cabins are available with plenty of first-come, first-served sites too. Bruneau Dunes park boasts the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America with a peak rising 470 feet above the surrounding desert floor. Explore the dunes in your hiking boots or rent a sandboard from the Visitor Center, but off-road vehicles are only permitted on the main road. You can also fish for bluegill in the lakes at the foot of the dune; unlock the mystery of the desert with a breathtaking hike or horseback ride; plan a group picnic or visit the Bruneau Dunes Observatory (during non-COVID-19 times) and gaze at the night sky through the Observatory’s collection of telescopes.See more..
4.5Harriman State Park(101 reviews) - Lovely hiking trails State Parks • Parks
The park fee is only $5 and it’s totally worth it. There was an office where we could stop in and ask about the trails. A pleasant young lady in the park office told us about her favorite trail, which was Silver Lake. There was a detailed map with plenty of trails. After leaving Yellowstone and arriving at this uncrowded place, we were thrilled. They have horseback riding there if you like horseback riding. The cost was reasonable. They charge $35 an hour and $20 an hour after one hour. If you choose to go there, wear pants to keep mosquitoes off of your legs. Use mosquito repellent because there is a lot of water there, hence mosquitoes. Enjoy the park!See more..
4.0Heyburn State Park(71 reviews) - Great launch for south Lake Couer d'Alene State Parks
We stayed 3 nights in the Benewah campground. Trees and terrain created privacy, bathrooms were very clean and free hot showers!! We were in a camper van that required no hook ups and we backed into our spot easily. We had a citronella candle that kept the bugs away. We were out biking every day. Most campers had kayaks or boats and were on the lake. This is a big state park with multiple campgrounds. We drove around to access the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene via another entrance. Tip – Conkling Marina to the NW along the lake serves a great breakfast!See more..
The Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park spotlights the oldest building in Idaho. The Mission of the Sacred Heart was constructed between 1850 and 1853 by Catholic missionaries and members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Sacred Heart Mission and the Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park provide an educational experience not found anywhere else, giving visitors an opportunity to examine the dynamics and complexities between Jesuit missionaries and the tribal people among whom they settled in a beautiful park setting. The park features the Sacred Heart Mission church, a restored Parish House and a historic cemetery.See more..
4.5Three Island Crossing State Park(63 reviews) - Definitely a Hidden Gem. Must see! Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Excellent exhibits with a quality introductory film. Museum exhibits include interactive parts which are great for kids and adults alike. Also, the air condition makes for a welcome break on a hot summer afternoon.See more..
This is a really beautiful area with lots of history. Don't miss the short walk to see the falls and enjoy wandering the grounds. This area is quite popular in the summer time - we saw lots of families with water toys etc.See more..
4.5Lake Cascade State Park(43 reviews) - Lake Cascade is worth some time to see it and experience it Spent 2-3 hours State Parks • Bodies of Water
Lake Cascade is worth the time to at least slow down and drive around the lake and of course get out for some nice photos. Besides the State Park make sure you drive on the west side of the lake and in particular the campground sites near Tamarac Falls Fishing Bridge. The BEST morning photo opps are right next to that bridge within the campground area.See more..
On a gorgeous June day, we were one of just a few people at this incredibly beautiful state park. The formations are stunning and so many vantage points to discover. We left there surprised that it doesn’t seem to be broadly known. Terrific for a two-hour visit or a full day. Worth the day trip from Salt Lake City. See more..
I have never fished or camped here. However, I enjoy hiking the trail around the lake no matter what season it is. I’ve gone when it’s 90 degrees and when there’s been enough snow to snowshoe. The views never get old!See more..
4.5Massacre Rocks State Park(31 reviews) - Relaxing and cheap camping experience State Parks • Parks
Massacre Rocks State Park has recreational opportunities for all ages; 42-unit campground, 8-miles of hiking and biking trails, 18-hole Disc Golf course, boating access to the Snake River, Historic Oregon Trail ruts & Register Rock, Visitor Center with resale items and much more. We are open year-round with the Upper Loop campground with two camper cabins available during the winter months.See more..
Very nice place to visit. Great facilities and laid out well. Plenty to do. Nice store on site and sandy beach. Plenty of shade and very quiet. Could not enjoy because the COOLIN MOTEL lost my reservation and had to leave the area.See more..
We stayed in the Tamarack Yurt. Three ladies. It was very roomy and cozy. Although we had unexpected snow and it was very cold outside we still enjoyed it. Inside was a good heater, microwave, and picnic table. Very clean camp ground. Dale the Park Ranger was so kind. He pulled our car because we got stuck in snow. He helped load and unload our car. Loved the 4 day experience and would do it again. See more..
We had to stop to see what history and this area had to offer. We got an extra bonus seeing the military memorial. Loved this place and the sight. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. Normally you can even pan for gold ✨ here. But they have a two flake take home posted. When we got there they were not doing this but nonetheless we had a good time. With nice picnic areas and a short movie available to show and teach about the local ghost towns in the area. Quite interesting and informative . We enjoyed it and our walking ♂️ within the area. Hope you enjoy also. See more..
4.5Ritter Island State Park(8 reviews) - Beautiful place all year long! Wednesday: State Parks • Islands
My favorite place for an easy hike. Great spot for picnics, kayaking, fishing. Awesome scenery and lots of water, birds, etc... Very close to my home so I go there frequently, all year long. See more..
5.0Lake Walcott State Park(5 reviews) - Beautiful setting State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
We had a great visit here-our two families meeting up from Boise (3hour drive) and Idaho Falls (2hour Drive). It’s about 20 minutes off the freeway. Beautiful, well maintained state park and we saw a tiny snake, squirrels, a deer, a pelican, and many other birds. Large playground area, full basketball court, spacious frisbee golf course, numerous picnic tables spread out for privacy and in the shade. Flush toilets in the bathrooms. No “beach area” or sand but younger ones were able to wade right off the grass easily. We went on a Wednesday in June and only saw a handful of people all day, only one motor boat, and two fishing boats, until about 5:30 when there were a few more people around. Other posts have complained of bugs. We saw none down by the water and only saw some swarms in the parking lot as we loaded up at 6:30-so it may depend on time of day. In 2020 water fountains were off be because of COVID so bring extra water bottles. We had a great, fun day!See more..
4.0Dworshak State Park(4 reviews) - Nice stop wild ride State Parks • Bodies of Water
This is a chapter not for the weak interstate driver, but enjoyable once you get there. We had a fun time going to almost anything we could get to and this stop made some of the other roads that we had been on seem mild but still glad we had a truck. Lol. Enjoy See more..
Walkers, hikers, and cyclists of all ages love Coeur d’Alene Lake Parkway State Park. Spend the day on foot, on a bike or on the half-mile long beach. The paved parkway lies along the north shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene and has 5.7 miles of non-motorized fun. The parkway is part of the nationally famous North Idaho Centennial Trail, a multi-use recreational trail system that meanders for 24 miles from the Idaho/Washington state line. Along the parkway is Higgens Point where there is a boat launch facility and group picnic area overlooking the lake. Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes are allowed on the parkway.See more..
4.0Crystal Mountain(1 review) - Gorgeous 360 degree View of Peyette National Park Spent < 1 hour State Parks • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations We came up here with family who live in Boise. Crystal Mountain is a 6,929 ft / 2,112 m mountain peak near McCall, Idaho, United States. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 1007th highest mountain in Idaho and the 14388th highest mountain in the United States. The nearest peaks are Bear Pete Mountain, Ruby Mountain, War Eagle Mountain, Chimney Rock, Marshall Mountain, and Squaw Point.It was a gorgeous day and we climbed to the top. Bring gloves as this mountain is made entirely up of Quartz and is very sharp and steep to climb, so you need to use your hands. Once at the top the views are spectacular. It is so peaceful and beautiful. It is a magical place and if you like geological formations this is a must see. We brought lunch and enjoyed a tranquil lunch as we were the only ones there.See more..
4.0Bear Lake State Park(1 review) - Beautiful, but overcrowded beach Spent More than 3 hours State Parks
Bear Lake State Park is located in the southeastern corner of Idaho near the Cache mountain range. Campsites for groups as large as 50 are available along with several serviced and standard sites. A popular destination for water lovers, Bear Lake welcomes about 15,000 campers annually. Bring your boat, your bathing suit, sunscreen, fishing rod and your water toys; Bear Lake is a water lover’s paradise.See more..
