These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life

Location:

St. Charles, ID

Highlights:

If you're dreaming of turquoise water, soft sandy beaches, and mountain views, Bear Lake State Park is your perfect lakeside retreat. It’s ideal for summer days filled with swimming, boating, and camping under Idaho skies.

We Recommend This For:

Families, campers, lake lovers, boaters, and road-trippers exploring southeast Idaho.

What we Love:

Bright blue water, spacious sandy beaches, full-hookup campsites, and serene views of the Cache mountain range.

• Swim in the lake’s safe and shallow waters, known for their signature Caribbean-blue color.
• Camp lakeside at one of the large serviced campsites with electricity and water hookups.
• Boat or kayak across Bear Lake’s calm, expansive surface—ideal for paddling or water sports.
• Fish for cutthroat and lake trout in one of the region’s most scenic freshwater spots.

Distance from Montpelier:

Expect the drive to take around 25 minutes.

How to Get to Bear Lake State Park:

From Montpelier, head south on US-89 for about 15 miles. Turn left onto North Beach Road and follow signs to Bear Lake State Park’s North Beach entrance near St. Charles.

Location:

Bruneau, ID

Highlights:

If you’ve ever wanted to hike up a towering sand dune and stargaze through a powerful telescope, Bruneau Dunes State Park is your dream desert escape. It’s a surreal landscape of dunes, lakes, and open sky that’s perfect for outdoor adventure and discovery.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, campers, stargazers, geology lovers, birders, and anyone seeking a unique Idaho experience.

What we Love:

North America's tallest single-structured dune, on-site observatory, desert lakes, and horse-friendly trails.

• Climb the 470-foot dune for stunning views and an exhilarating workout with soft sand underfoot.
• Stargaze through the telescope at the Bruneau Dunes Observatory, open seasonally to the public.
• Camp at Eagle Cove or Broken Wheel Campgrounds with standard and RV sites, plus an equestrian overnight area.
• Enjoy activities like fishing, swimming, non-motorized boating, birdwatching, and horseback riding across scenic desert terrain.

Distance from Mountain Home:

Expect the drive to take around 30 minutes.

How to Get to Bruneau Dunes State Park:

From Mountain Home, head south on ID-51 for about 15 miles. Turn east onto Bruneau Sand Dunes Road and follow it to the park entrance.

Location:

Almo, ID

Highlights:

If you’re into dramatic mountain scenery and unforgettable rock formations, Castle Rocks State Park is a must-visit. It’s a year-round playground for climbers, hikers, and nature lovers, all nestled at the base of the majestic Albion Mountains.

We Recommend This For:

Rock climbers, adventure travelers, hikers, mountain bikers, and winter sports enthusiasts.

What we Love:

Ancient granite formations, scenic backcountry trails, overnight stays in historic lodgings, and four-season outdoor fun.

• Climb world-renowned rock faces formed 2.5 million years ago—perfect for beginners to expert climbers.
• Camp or stay overnight in a cozy yurt, restored ranch house, or bunkhouse surrounded by wild, rustic beauty.
• Explore hiking, biking, and horseback trails through Idaho’s largest pinyon pine forest and up Smoky Mountain.
• Play in winter with snowshoeing, ice climbing, and cross-country skiing across a frosty high-altitude wonderland.

Distance from Burley:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour.

How to Get to Castle Rocks State Park:

From Burley, take ID-27 south to Oakley, then follow ID-77 to Almo. Turn onto Castle Rock Road and continue east to reach the park entrance.

Romantic Idaho State Parks

Location:

Malta, ID

Highlights:

If you’re chasing epic climbs, eerie rock towers, and unforgettable views, City of Rocks National Reserve is pure adventure. Known as the "Silent City," this surreal landscape draws climbers, hikers, and nature lovers from around the world.

We Recommend This For:

Rock climbers, geology buffs, photographers, hikers, bird watchers, and wildflower seekers.

What we Love:

Over 1,000 climbing routes, ancient granitic spires, peaceful high-desert trails, and neighboring access to Castle Rocks State Park.

• Climb world-famous granite formations from the Archean Green Creek Complex and Oligocene Almo pluton.
• Hike through a stunning desert landscape where towering rock spires line historic pioneer trails.
• Watch for wildlife, birds, and vibrant wildflowers—this area is rich in biodiversity year-round.
• Explore adjacent Castle Rocks State Park for even more outdoor recreation and scenic diversity.

Distance from Burley:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How to Get to City of Rocks National Reserve:

From Burley, take ID-77 south through Oakley and Almo. Continue past Castle Rocks State Park and follow signs into the City of Rocks National Reserve.

Location:

Cataldo, ID

Highlights:

If you're fascinated by pioneer history and panoramic bike trails, Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park offers both in one beautiful riverside setting. It’s where Idaho’s oldest standing building meets one of the country’s most scenic cycling routes.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, cyclists, families, architecture enthusiasts, and cultural travelers exploring North Idaho.

What we Love:

The Cataldo Mission, breathtaking scenery, historical exhibits, and easy access to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.

• Tour the Cataldo Mission, Idaho’s oldest building, and explore the restored Parish House and nearby historic cemetery.
• Cycle the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a premier biking trail with stunning views and a smooth, scenic ride.
• Learn from interpretive displays about the interaction between Jesuit missionaries and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.
• Soak in the serenity of this riverside park, perfect for reflection, photography, and peaceful walks.

Distance from Coeur d'Alene:

Expect the drive to take around 35 minutes.

How to Get to Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park:

From Coeur d'Alene, take I-90 east to Exit 39. Follow signs south on S Mission Road directly to the park entrance in Cataldo.

Location:

Lenore, ID

Highlights:

If you love lake life and outdoor variety, Dworshak State Park is your perfect waterfront playground. With campsites, cabins, a full-service marina, and three unique recreation areas, there’s something here for every kind of adventurer.

We Recommend This For:

Boaters, campers, family vacationers, anglers, water-sports enthusiasts, and group retreat planners.

What we Love:

Lakefront camping, scenic hiking trails, excellent boating facilities, and a lodge ready for special events and group getaways.

• Camp at Freeman Creek in one of 105 sites or cozy up in a camping cabin—perfect for family fun or quiet escapes.
• Launch your boat from the marina and spend the day fishing, skiing, or cruising on the massive Dworshak Reservoir.
• Stay at Three Meadows Group Camp for a rustic retreat with cabins, a full lodge, and kitchen amenities.
• Explore the trails, archery range, and picnic areas, or plan a celebration at the Big Eddy Lodge with 101 boat slips and a stocked marina store.

Distance from Orofino:

Expect the drive to take around 45 minutes.

How to Get to Dworshak State Park:

From Orofino, take Dent Bridge Road west across the reservoir. Continue following signs to Freeman Creek Road to reach the park’s main entrance and recreation areas.

Idaho State Parks for Families

Location:

Eagle, ID

Highlights:

If you're after a full day of family-friendly fun with river views and outdoor play, Eagle Island State Park is your local go-to. It’s packed with activities, from beach swimming and hiking to ziplining and disc golf—all just outside Boise.

We Recommend This For:

Families, day-trippers, outdoor enthusiasts, equestrians, and anyone looking for diverse recreation near the city.

What we Love:

Swimming beach, zipline, equestrian trails, water slide, and 18-hole disc golf—plus a cool history as a former penitentiary farm.

• Swim at the designated beach or cool off on the park’s fun seasonal water slide.
• Explore over five miles of hiking and horseback trails that wind through riverfront forests and meadows.
• Play a round of disc golf on the full 18-hole course, or enjoy volleyball, horseshoes, and ziplining with friends.
• Picnic in shaded areas near the Boise River, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy a full day outdoors.

Distance from Boise:

Expect the drive to take around 20 minutes.

How to Get to Eagle Island State Park:

From Boise, head west on State Street (ID-44), then south on Eagle Road. Turn west onto Eagle Island Parkway and follow it straight into the park entrance.

Location:

Athol, ID

Highlights:

If you want an outdoor playground with a side of WWII history, Farragut State Park has it all. Set beside Lake Pend Oreille, this massive park mixes nature, recreation, and military heritage in one stunning mountain setting.

We Recommend This For:

Campers, mountain bikers, families, history buffs, water sports lovers, and group retreat organizers.

What we Love:

Lake access, miles of forest trails, fascinating WWII history at Museum at the Brig, and activities ranging from archery to disc golf.

• Camp in one of many well-equipped sites or reserve a cozy cabin for a more comfortable overnight stay.
• Swim, boat, or fish in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest and deepest lake.
• Explore hiking and biking trails, try your aim at the archery range, or fly model aircraft in designated areas.
• Visit the Museum at the Brig for an eye-opening look at the park’s naval training station origins and WWII artifacts.

Distance from Coeur d'Alene:

Expect the drive to take around 40 minutes.

How to Get to Farragut State Park:

From Coeur d’Alene, take US-95 north to Athol, then head east on ID-54. Follow signs to the park entrance located just five miles from town.

Location:

Island Park, ID

Highlights:

If you’re looking for pristine wilderness, rich history, and world-class fly fishing, Harriman State Park is a breathtaking escape. Nestled in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, it’s a haven for wildlife watchers, anglers, and winter adventurers alike.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, fly fishers, wildlife photographers, skiers, and history buffs seeking peaceful immersion in wild Idaho.

What we Love:

Scenic beauty in the Henry's Fork Caldera, incredible wildlife viewing, top-tier fly fishing, and ski trails through snow-covered forests.

• Fish eight miles of the legendary Henrys Fork River, known for some of the best fly fishing in the West.
• Watch for moose, elk, bears, trumpeter swans, and sandhill cranes across the refuge’s diverse habitats.
• Learn about the park’s roots as a private retreat for the Harriman and Guggenheim families on Union Pacific land.
• Glide across 24 miles of groomed trails for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking in the winter months.

Distance from Idaho Falls:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

How to Get to Harriman State Park:

From Idaho Falls, take US-20 north to Island Park. Turn south on Green Canyon Road and follow it three miles to the park entrance.

Location:

Lewiston, ID

Highlights:

If you want to stand at the gateway to North America’s deepest canyon, Hells Gate State Park is your front-row seat to epic adventure. With river access, rich geology, and deep Nez Perce heritage, it’s a powerful mix of history and high-energy recreation.

We Recommend This For:

Jet boaters, river lovers, history buffs, campers, anglers, and geology and canyon exploration fans.

What we Love:

Jet boat trips into Hells Canyon, riverside campsites, 14-million-year-old basalt formations, and preserved Nez Perce village remnants.

• Ride a jet boat deep into the heart of Hells Canyon for an unforgettable river experience.
• Camp at one of the state’s lowest elevations—just 733 feet above sea level—with easy access to water and trails.
• Explore hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails surrounded by dramatic cliffs and basaltic rock formations.
• Learn about Nez Perce history by visiting the preserved pit house sites near Asotin Creek.

Distance from Moscow:

Expect the drive to take around 45 minutes.

How to Get to Hells Gate State Park:

From Moscow, head south on US-95 to Lewiston. Follow Snake River Avenue to Hells Gate Road and continue to the park entrance on the southern edge of the city.