My Favorite Park in Idaho Is an Oasis for Fishing and Kayaking

With over 30 state parks in Idaho, picking a favorite is an impossible task. Sure, some parks are more popular than others, but each one has a unique beauty to it that you won’t find anywhere else. 

If you were to ask me to name my favorite state park in Idaho, I’d have to sit and think for a while. I have many favorites, including Bear Lake, Bruneau Dunes, and McCroskey State Parks. However, tucked away in eastern Idaho, just a short drive from Yellowstone National Park, is one state park that I tend to visit the most—Henry’s Lake State Park. During the summer, this is a small oasis for time outdoors and on the water.

With dozens of state parks throughout Idaho, there are some incredible day trips or multi-day getaway destinations. Several of these parks bring in quite a crowd, and while Henry’s Park can be busy, it’s certainly quieter and sees fewer visitors than other parks that dot the state.

Henry’s Lake State Park is located in Island Park. This park is surrounded on three sides by the Continental Divide and is only a 15-minute drive from the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. I love the summer months as the meadows around this lake are covered in wildflowers and the mountains feature beautiful green trees. You may even spot some wildlife as it ventures down to the water or runs through the sagebrush.

The highlight of this Idaho state park is the 6,000-acre lake. People travel from all over to spend time near and on the water. In fact, this mountain lake draws in anglers of all ages (my family has fished this lake countless times), as it’s home to all types of fish, such as brook, cutbow, and cutthroat trout. Record-breaking fish have been caught in its waters.

I have also spent afternoons in a kayak, paddling around the lake. From my experience, it’s easy to paddle away from the shore and enjoy some quiet in this little slice of paradise. I have also spotted birds of all types, both on the water and on the shore.

I typically visit Henry’s Lake State Park for only an afternoon or a morning, as my parents live just a few miles away. However, if you wish to stay overnight or even for multiple days (this is an excellent base camp for adventures in Yellowstone National Park), there are several campsites near the lake’s shore for both RVs and tents. In total, you will find 83 serviced campsites, three cabins, and three designated ADA campsites.

While I typically spend my time at Henry's Lake State Park on the water, you can always lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. The Henry’s Lake Trail is a 3.1-mile loop trail with little elevation gain and beautiful views of the lake. Keep an eye out for wildlife of all sizes during your journey, and I recommend using resources like AllTrails+ to download an offline map, as portions of the trail can be overgrown or more difficult to follow.

But no matter whether you are on a trail, the water, or in a campsite, make sure you stop and spend a few minutes admiring the sunsets. Its views make you fall in love with this small oasis.

What are some of your favorite things at Henry’s Lake State Park? Are there lesser-known state parks in Idaho that you love? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I’d love to hear from you.

If you are looking for even more state park inspiration, just a short drive from Henry’s Lake is Harriman State Park, one of the largest state parks in Idaho and a destination that’s always worthy of a visit.