Skip to content

You don’t have to venture far from the road to see out-of-this-world scenery in Idaho’s state parks. Whether you’re looking for a short day trip, or plan to enjoy an extended camping stay, Idaho’s state parks have something for you. Load the kids in the car, lace up your boots, and journey to three of Idaho’s most unique parks today.

Farragut State Park

Two people fishing on a dock.
Fishing at Farragut State Park. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism

Farragut State Park boasts 4,000 acres of pristine Idaho wilderness. Soak in breathtaking views of Lake Pend Oreille, take the kids on scenic hikes between towering pine trees, or bike on one of the many family-friendly trails. Before it was a park, the area was used as a World War II-era naval training station. Now, visitors can tour the Museum at the Brig, which is located in the former confinement facility at the Farragut Naval Training Station. You’ll be transported back in time as you walk through the boot camp and check out the war memorabilia displays.

A picture of a lake.
Farragut State Park and Lake Pend Oreille. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism

Park Snapshot

  • The park’s visitor center is located at the west entrance.
  • There are over 40 miles of trails to explore throughout Farragut State Park.
  • During the summer, trail hikes, Junior Ranger, and evening campfire programs are directed by park naturalists.
  • The Eagle Boat Launch offers boaters major access to Lake Pend Oreille on the south end of the lake.

Campgrounds and Park Maps

Farragut State Park offers 217 individual campsites, 10 camping cabins, 7 group camps, and multiple large group use areas including an outdoor amphitheater.

To view park maps, campground locations, group areas and facilities, and summer trail maps, click here.

Bruneau Dunes State Park

A picture of sand dunes in the summer.
A view of Bruneau Sand Dunes from on top of a dune. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism

Home to the tallest free-standing sand dune in North America, Bruneau Dunes State Park boasts monstrous dunes reaching dizzying heights. Journey there and hike outstanding trails with unique 360-degree views, rent a sandboard, scale the dunes, and carve your way back down for a sandboarding experience like none other. Make your trip an overnight stay, fish in the nearby small lake, and watch the stars move across the night sky at Bruneau Dunes Observatory.

A picture of sand dunes with a river running between them.
The sun setting over Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism

Park Snapshot

  • The entrance fee to the park is $5 per car (the standard fee for all of Idaho’s State Parks) with additional fees for camping.
  • The Visitor Center rents sandboards for $15 per day.
  • Plan on wearing shoes you don’t mind filling with sand.
  • Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6-feet or confined to a camper.

Campgrounds and Park Maps

Bruneau Dunes State Park offers 82 serviced sites, 31 standard, 5 group, and 2 cabins. Reservations for campsites and cabins can be made toll-free by phone at 1-888-922-6743 or online here.

To view park maps, campground locations, group areas and facilities, summer trail maps, and equestrian maps, click here.

Three Island Crossing State Park

A picture of a lush valley with a river running through it.
A sweeping view of Three Island Crossing State Park. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism

Three Island Crossing State Park is a famous destination in the northwest due to 19th-century pioneers initially crossing the Snake River at this location. Visitors can now take self-guided tours and experience the park’s history first-hand. Check out Conestoga replicas, camp where pioneers once walked, picnic, hike, mountain bike, fish, and watch local wildlife. You can also take the family to visit the Oregon Trail History and Education Center to learn more about the pioneers, early settlers, and Native Americans of the 19th century.

Park Snapshot

  • The entrance fee to the park is $5 per car (the standard fee for all of Idaho’s State Parks) with additional fees for camping.
  • Operating hours for the History Center may vary. Please call or check the website before arriving.

Campgrounds and Park Maps

Three Island Crossing State Park offers serviced campsites and several cabins. Reservations for campsites and cabins can be made toll-free by phone at 1-888-922-6743 or online here.

To view park maps, campground locations, and year-round trail maps, click here.

Trip Tips

  • Be sure to make early reservations if you plan on staying overnight in an Idaho state park as spots tend to fill quickly.
  • Pets are welcome in most Idaho State Parks, but some parks prohibit them in some cabins and yurts and they are prohibited from beaches.
  • During your visit to Idaho’s state parks, make sure you connect with our park rangers. Our rangers will enhance your experience with their broad scope of knowledge about the parks. Learn more about our park rangers online here.

Visit Idaho


Updated on December 09, 2021
Published on April 26, 2016

Related Tips

Related Adventures