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. Water skiing, power boating, windsurfing, sailing and bird watching are only a few of the activities that will make your stay at Lake Walcott enjoyable. Camping areas with RV hookups are available. Picnickers and tenters enjoy the acres of grass beneath groves of stately eastern hardwoods. Nearby sites of interest include Minidoka Falls near the park, Rupert City Park, and the historic railroad community of Minidoka.
The Park Today
January 2010
We are now in our winter season. The lake is frozen and the ice fishermen are really pulling in some nice big lake trout. The RV Center is open year round and there are electric hook-ups in each RV site but the water has been turned off to prevent frozen pipes. Camping is first come-first served. The tent grounds are open all winter also, so we invite you to come and enjoy some time here at Lake Walcott.
The Disc Golfers have been out occassionally for some winter fun and it's been a wonderland for the photographers.
Bring your binoculars and cameras to enjoy the birding and wildlife. Some of the hiking trails still have a little snow on them but all are paved and offer good access to see the birds and the deer for those fun “Kodak” moments. We look forward to your visit.
For more information about our area, visit our local Chamber of Commerce online at www.minicassiachamber.org.”
Located at the northwest end of the Bureau of Reclamation's Lake Walcott Project, Lake Walcott State Park is perfect for camping and fishing. Picnickers enjoy the acres of grass beneath groves of stately eastern hardwoods. Paved trails connect restrooms, group shelters, an interpretive kiosk and boat launch with the modern campgrounds. The park serves as a convenient base from which to explore the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, which offers some of the best birding in southern Idaho.
Lake Walcott State Park is 11 miles northeast of Rupert off State Highway 24. Nearby sites of interest include Minidoka Falls just outside the park, Rupert City Park and Square and the historic railroad community of Minidoka.
FAQ's
Can we visit the Minidoka Dam? - Yes, you can if you call the Bureau of Reclamation ahead of time to set up a guided tour, phone number is ( 208 ) 436-4187.
How large is Lake Walcott and the Refuge? - The refuge extends upstream approximately 25 miles from the Minidoka Dam along both shores of the Snake River and includes all of Lake Walcott. It encompasses 20,699 acres, over half of which is open water and some small marsh areas.
What are the metal baskets in the park? Are they to feed deer and elk? Or are they there to hook your dog leash to? - No, they are the goals for our 18-hole Disc Golf course. You need to try it out with your family it is a blast.
Can we swim in the lake? - No. Swimming is not allowed.