2025: Spring/Summer
- Spring trails are now open; the $6 winter access fee has ended for the season.
- The $7 per-vehicle MVEF (Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee) remains in effect.
- Seasonal trail closures (April 15–June 15) for waterfowl nesting:
- Affected segments run from the North Gate to the John Muir Trail along the Henrys Fork River, near the bird sanctuary.
- Construction notice (May – October):
- Extensive water and septic upgrades will impact rental cabins, day‑use areas, parking lots, and roadways.
- Buildings with water/septic service will be offline for rentals; the four yurts are bookable via the new reservations system. getoutside.idaho.gov/harriman
- The Boys House remains open as a family gathering space.
- Dog policy:
- Dogs allowed only in parking lots; no summer‑season trail access.
- Must be on a six‑foot leash and attended at all times; stray or unattended animals may be impounded at owner’s expense (IDAPA 26.01.20.175.09).
- Bear‑aware reminders:
- Make noise, travel in groups, stick to daylight hours.
- Carry bear spray and a bell.
- Follow our Facebook page for the latest trail conditions, upcoming events, and a link to local weather.
The Railroad Ranch was the full-time or part-time home of Roland and Gladys Harriman, ranch managers, cattle foremen and cowboys. Now it can be your part-time home, too. Follow the links below for more details on the various lodging opportunities in Harriman State Park. Pets are not allowed on park trails or in any of the buildings or yurts, due to the ranch being on the list of National Historic Places as well as a wildlife refuge.
Day-Use
RANCHVIEW GROUP SHELTER
Bring your family or group to Harriman State Park for a picnic or barbeque on the banks of the beautiful Henrys Fork of the Snake River.
SITE DETAILS:
- Season: May 15 – Oct. 15
- Type of Use: Day Use
- Max Number of People: 50
- Check In: 9:00 a.m.
- Check Out: 10:00 p.m.
- Cost: $100
AMENITIES:
- ADA Accessible
- 2 BBQ Grills (36” x 36”)
- Picnic Tables
RESERVATION INFORMATION:
To Make Reservations contact the park office at 208-558-7368.
Overnight
Railroad Ranch Dormitory & Dining Hall
- Groups of 15 to 36 can reserve the rustic log dormitory and original neighboring Dining Hall
- Bunkhouse, with cookhouse, accommodates up to 13 people in two buildings
Laura Clarke Scovel Education Center
- The Scovel Education Center is a group facility with 10 cabins for 20 visitors and a conference center with kitchen and surrounding a court yard
- The Boys House is a completely renovated meeting room for 75 people with river front views
- This 4-bedroom fully furnished log home, for 8, has a modern kitchen, a rustic knotty-pine living room with a stone fireplace and an enclosed sun porch. It’s perfect for that once-in-a-lifetime fly-fishing vacation
- This is a beautifully furnished three-bedroom cabin (maximum capacity of 6) located within the historic Railroad Ranch. A wood burning stove and complete kitchen make this historic cabin an incredibly comfortable way to enjoy Harriman State Park. Two of the bedrooms have full-sized beds, the third bedroom has 1 twin bed, and the unit has a pull out full-size sofa bed.
- Two Mongolian-style domed tents are available near Silver Lake
Harriman Backcountry Yurt
- Becker Backcountry Yurt
This unique outdoor experience allows you to get away from it all by hiking or biking to a backcountry yurt to enjoy the splendor of Harriman State Park. The yurt sits on a knoll overlooking Thurmon Creek and grassy meadows with views of the Tetons.
SITE DETAILS
- Season: May 1st – November 30th
- Distance from Parking: 1.5 miles
- Sleeps: 6
- Cost: $85-$90
- Check-in Time: 3:00 pm
- Check-out Time: 12:00 pm
AMENITIES:
- Wood Stove
- Camp Stove
- 2 Bunk Beds (twin over queen)
- Table and Benches
- Hutch
- Vault Toilet
- Firewood
- Bear Proof Food Storage Box
WHAT TO BRING:
This is a backcountry, “pack it in, pack it out” experience. You are responsible to bring everything you need, other than what is listed above. All trash must be packed out.
- Water (No potable water is available at the yurt. Water must be packed in or can be pumped and filtered, from Thurmon Creek at campers’ own risk).
- Propane Fuel Canisters for Stove and Lantern (1 lb. green Coleman type)
- Pots, Pans and Cooking Gear
- Garbage Bags
- Bedding
- Bear Spray
RESTRICTIONS:
- No Campfires
- No Smoking
- No Pets
- No Horses
SAFETY:
You are in Bear Country! Be Bear Aware.
- Proper Food storage is required.
- Carry bear spray.
- Hike in groups.
- Make your presence known.
- Check with park for Bear information, warnings and updates.
There are no landline telephones readily available, and cell coverage can be spotty. The park office is over 3 miles away and is open 8 am- 6 pm, (208) 558-7368. Rangers do live onsite, and are housed in the Ranch Foreman’s House and historic Ranch Office. In a medical emergency call 911.
RESERVATION INFORMATION:
- Reservations: 1-888-922-6743 or online getoutside.idaho.gov/permits/
- Customer Service: 1-888-778-4520
Current Conditions
Address: 3489 Green Canyon Rd
Island Park, ID 83429
Phone: (208) 558-7368
Hours of Operation: Day-use locations within state parks are open from 7 am to 10 pm, per Idaho state code 26.01.20 (5). Day-use hours may change based on park manager discretion.
