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
There is a distinct smell of spring in the air and the winter season is slowly giving way. We still have a few mounds of snow but the springtime birds are arriving and their songs are letting us know it's time for a new season. The ice fishermen are still enjoying catching the big beautiful rainbow lake trout but the ice is fast receeding. Shore fishing is still a favorite pastime.
The RV Center is open year round depending on snow and construction conditions so please call ahead at 208-436-1258 for that information before coming. There are electric hook-ups in each RV site, but the water won't be turned back on until about the first of May. However, there is water available from a frost-free faucet just outside the office.
The boat docks are due to open April 1, and the tent grounds are open year 'round for dry camping so we invite you to come and enjoy the park with its spring scenery. Again, please check ahead for water and weather conditions. There is one heated restroom in the picnic area near the Klebe pavilion that will be open thru the winter and spring, but the others are still closed until the water is turned back on.
Bring your binoculars and cameras to enjoy the birding and wildlife here. Our hiking trails are all paved and offer good access to those fun “Kodak” moments. Disc Golf is always a popular attraction, and draws many visitors to enjoy some friendly competition or just to practice for fun. We look forward to your visit here. 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.