Reservations
Reservations for stays within Idaho’s State Parks can be made online and toll-free by phone at: 1-888-922-6743. Agents will be available seven days a week, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., MST. From Monday through Friday, another option is to call the Reservations Program at 1-855-514-2429, open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please note: While masks are now optional at Idaho State Parks, visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings if that makes them feel comfortable. Please see our COVID-19 guidelines.
Idaho State Park Rules
Idaho’s Department of Parks and Recreation tries to keep the rules simple. Above all we want you to have fun and relax in Idaho State Parks. We ask that you use common sense and courtesy when visiting our parks.
The Basics
- Fireworks are prohibited
- Dogs must be confined or on a leash
- Dogs are not allowed at Harriman State Park
- Camping is permitted only in designated areas
- Quiet time starts at 10 pm
- Sites cannot be “saved” for someone else
- All equipment and vehicles must be within the designated camp site
- Stays are limited to 15 days in a 30-day period
- Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. for campsites and 3:00 p.m. for facilities (local park time).
- Checkout time is 1:00 p.m. for campsites and 12:00 p.m. for facilities (local park time).
- Late checkouts may incur additional fees unless prior arrangements have been made.
- All Idaho State Parks are ADA friendly and support service animals.
To review all the rules and fees associated with administering and governing the Idaho Department of Parks please visit the Idaho Department of Administration website. Use this link for specific definitions related to the use of state park recreation areas and facilities.
Permits & Concession Agreements
If you wish to use an Idaho State Park for your business, you may be required to fill out a permit. Approvals will be decided by park managers but may also require approval of the region manager and director, depending on the nature of the business and longevity of the agreements. A good rule of thumb is: if you are charging for your service(s), you will likely need to have a permit and may be subject to fees.
Some examples of these may include, but are not limited to:
- Photographer/Videographers
- Hiking/Biking Outfitters
- Food Trucks
- Equipment Rentals
- Snow Cone Shacks
If you are interested in hosting a group activity at an Idaho State Park, please email inquiry@idpr.idaho.gov or call 208-514-2430 to get the process started.
Activity Sheet
Click here to view a list of common activities and amenities at the various parks. For a digital version, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a camping unit?
A. A camping unit is the combined equipment and people capacity that a site or facility will accommodate.
Q. What is the capacity of a campsite?
A. Maximum capacity limits on each campsite are subject to each site’s design and size. Unless otherwise specified, and provided the combined equipment and people fit within the designated camping area of the site selected, the maximum capacity will be one (1) family unit or a party of no more than eight (8) persons, two (2) tents and two (2) motor vehicles. No more than one (1) RV may occupy a site. Two (2) motorcycles are the equivalent of one (1) motor vehicle when determining campsite capacity. Each motorcycle will be subject to the MVEF.
Q. Where can I park extra rigs?
A. Each campsite is allowed one extra vehicle, per campsite at a cost of $7 (the standard motor vehicle entry fee). Boats, trailers and other motorized vehicles must fit entirely within the camping parking spur. If it doesn’t fit, it must be parked outside the campground area in a location designated by the park manager or a second campsite must be purchased.
Q. Can I camp on a beach or day-use area in an Idaho State Park?
A. Camping is not permitted on beaches, parking lots or day-use facilities.
Q. Can I ride my ATV or motorbike in the park?
A. ATVs and motorbikes must stay on established roadways or in parking lots. If used in the park they must pay the $7 motor vehicle entry fee or display an MVEF sticker or Idaho State Parks Passport.
Q. May I bring my pet?
A. Pets are welcome in most Idaho State Parks, but some parks prohibit them in some cabins, yurts and they are prohibited from beaches. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6-feet or confined to a camper. Do not leave pets unattended in a closed vehicle.
Q. May I pick flowers or other vegetation in the park?
A. Wildlife and vegetation are protected in all Idaho State Parks.
Q. How far in advanced can I make my reservations?
A. You can make reservations up to nine months in advance.
Q. Where can I swim?
A. Swimming is authorized in plainly marked areas. There are no lifeguards on duty and glass containers are not allowed on beaches or swim areas.
Q. Can I have visitors at my campsite?
A. Visitors are welcome. If a visitor brings their vehicle into the park, they must pay the $7 motor vehicle entry fee and they are subject to day use hours.
Q. How long can I camp in an Idaho State Park?
A. Length of stay is limited to 15 days in any 30-day period.