Eagle Island State Park Pets

PARK UPDATE:

June 28, 2024 Construction Update:

The main entrance reopened at noon on Friday after some roadside trench work, and the entrance now will remain open through July 7th.

On the morning of July 8th, the main entrance will close for the installation of a new water line and subsequent paving. Visitors can expect to use the secondary entrance off Hatchery/Linder roads until early October, when the main entrance should reopen permanently, and the Hatchery entrance will close.

Attention Park Visitors: Please adhere to trail closure signs during the construction process. The shop road/horse trailer access road is currently closed but will reopen when it is safe to do so. We ask that horse trailers please use our overflow gravel parking lot for the time being!

Note: The completed campground will not impact trail areas, this is only temporary while work is being done. Thank you!

The park’s water slide will remain closed and is scheduled to be removed later this year. Originally constructed in 1983, it has been idle since 2023 due to equipment failures, which now make it unsafe to operate. Fixing the equipment will cost too much to be feasible, given the age of the structure.

Park management is evaluating alternative uses for the space once the waterslide is removed.

Historic Building Renovations:

The park will also be working on historic building renovations. Please be mindful of workers in the area.

Eagle Island State Park in mid-2022 enacted a new policy regarding dogs off-leash and has designated an area and trails that are open to off-leash dogs that are under the demonstrated control of their owners. Click here for details.

Pet restrictions are now in place at Eagle Island State Park. But there are still places to take your dog.

For Your Health

For your health, and to keep this popular recreation area open and accessible for your enjoyment, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has adopted a “no pets in the lake” policy at Eagle Island State Park.

Pet feces (direct, on fur, and paws) is a major cause of harmful bacteria in recreational waterways.

Keep pets on a leash when in the park
Always pick up pet waste
No pets allowed on beach or in lake

Off-Leash Areas: A Pilot Program

The Department has implemented a pilot program to create off-leash areas within the park. Per state law (IDAPA 26.01.20.175.09), dogs must be on a leash at State Parks, but the department has the ability to designate off-leash areas.

Dogs are now allowed to be off-leash on designated, off-leash trails and in the newly designated Dogs Off-Leash Area (please see map) – but only if the owner demonstrates control over their animal(s). Having control of an off-leash dog means the owner prevents the pet from disturbing other park visitors and wildlife, and the owner has the ability to recall the animal at any time.

The 212-acre, Dogs Off-Leash Area is south of the main access road, and south of the old Slaughterhouse and Warden’s House (dark green shaded area on map). Please note that the area remains a working farm, so dog owners can expect flood irrigation. Two areas where dogs have formerly been allowed off-leash, north and south of the Prison Dormitory Road, will no longer be available because of the new campground and associated pond, which will break ground in the spring of 2023.

Off-Leash Area Requirements: Dogs cannot harass people, wildlife or other pets. Owners must carry a leash, waste bag, and clean up after their animal(s).
Off-Leash Trail Requirements: An unleashed dog must be within 30 feet of its owner and under voice control. Dogs cannot harass people, wildlife or other pets. Owners must carry a leash, waste bag, and clean up after their animal(s).

Bacteria, Water, and You

Learn more about harmful bacteria and waterborne illness from our partners at Boise City Parks and Recreation, the Department of Environmental Quality and the Central District Health Department (CDHD).

E. Coli – Boise City Parks and Recreation

Harmful Algae Blooms – CDHD (Central District Health Department)