Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation reservations were previously made through Reserve America. Our new system is smartphone-friendly and is simple to navigate with a statewide parks map. It resembles modern reservation systems for hotels or airlines. Prices may drop during low demand periods and go up when demand is highest. The price adjustments help keep camping rates low during lower-demand time with the higher rates offsetting the lower fees. Learn more about the system launch in our press release. Please keep in mind that camping fees fund Idaho State Parks. We look forward to seeing you!
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Reservation FAQs
IDPR launched a new online reservation system in January 2025 to better serve the growing number of visitors to Idaho’s state parks. The new system is faster, more efficient, and easier to use—whether you’re reserving online or by phone. It also includes key features such as dynamic pricing and same-day reservations.
As park visitation continues to increase, this system supports sustainable operations through user-generated revenue. IDPR parks are not funded by general taxpayer dollars—revenue from reservations and fees helps keep the parks operating and maintained.
Dynamic pricing means that campsite, cabin, and day-use fees may vary based on demand. During high-demand periods—such as summer weekends—rates may be higher, reflecting the premium value of popular locations. In contrast, during off-peak times like weekdays or shoulder seasons, rates are often reduced, making it more affordable for flexible travelers.
This pricing model helps distribute use more evenly across seasons and parks, promotes better availability, and ensures that park funding keeps pace with demand.
Yes! One of the most convenient features of the new IDPR reservation system is same-day reservations. If you’re planning a spontaneous trip or traveling without a strict itinerary, you can now book an available campsite on the same day you plan to arrive.
This offers more flexibility for campers who don’t want to book months in advance. Just visit the Reservations Home Page or call 1-888-922-6743 to see what’s open today.
To reserve a campsite, cabin, or day-use area in one of Idaho’s state parks, you have two options:
Online: Get started with our Reservations Home Page
Phone: Call 1-888-922-6743 during Customer Service Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Mountain Time)
- Saturday–Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mountain Time)
For help or technical support, email IDPR at idprcustomersupport@idpr.idaho.gov.
Reservations can typically be made up to 9 months in advance, and popular sites fill quickly—especially during peak season (May through September).
To ensure fair and equal access to Idaho’s most in-demand lakeside group camping areas, IDPR has launched a lottery system for the 2025 season. This new system prevents the frustration of sites selling out within minutes and gives all applicants an equal chance—regardless of internet speed or booking time.
The 2025 lottery applies to:
- Lionhead Group Camp at Priest Lake State Park
- Group Camps 100 and 101 at Bear Lake State Park
These group camps have extremely limited availability and have historically booked instantly. The lottery helps level the playing field for all families, groups, and organizations.
Read the March 2025 News Release for details.
- Only 3 reservations per session: You can book up to three campsites/cabins at a time. For more, re-enter the system after completing your first booking.
- No holds: Reservations are only confirmed when payment is completed.
- Book early: Peak dates sell out quickly. Consider weekdays or shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October).
- Compare prices: Use dynamic pricing to find better value at less-busy parks or dates.
- Flexible travel? You may save money by shifting your trip by just a day or two.
Idaho State Parks are primarily funded by user fees, not general taxpayer dollars. That means the money you spend on camping and entrance passes directly supports the maintenance and operations of parks across the state.
The new reservation system helps ensure fair pricing, sustainable revenue, and the ability to keep improving facilities and visitor services—without relying on state taxes. It’s a critical part of IDPR’s long-term strategy to manage increased demand and protect Idaho’s natural assets for future generations.
Group Camp Lottery
To ensure fair and equal access to Idaho’s most sought-after group camping areas, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) is launching a lottery reservation system for the 2025 season. This system will be used for:
Lionhead Group Camp – Priest Lake State Park
Direct link to lottery: https://getoutside.idaho.gov/priest-lake/lottery
Group Camps 100 & 101 – Bear Lake State Park
Direct link to lottery: https://getoutside.idaho.gov/bear-lake/lottery
- Application Window: Opens March 31, 2025 | Closes April 15, 2025
- Stay Dates Covered: May 22, 2025 – September 2, 2025
- Application Fee: $25 (nonrefundable)
- Applicants can select both a primary and secondary date range
- Minimum stay is 2 nights; maximum is 7 nights
- If selected dates are partially available (minimum 2 nights), IDPR may offer adjusted dates
- Cancellations will be re-awarded to the next customer drawn in the lottery
- Selected customers must sign a reservation contract and pay for the full stay upon notification
The application window provides a couple of weeks for people to enter the lottery. The chances of being selected for a reservation are the same no matter when a person enters the lottery during the window. After the application period closes, lottery winners will be selected electronically through the new reservation system and will be notified soon after.
About Idaho State Parks
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) manages 30 State Parks in Idaho which covers 60,000 acres of land. Many of the parks have reserved camping facilities available, but the Idaho State Parks experience goes well beyond a standard campsite. There are more than 2,500 overnight campsites, cabins, yurts and group facilities within Idaho State Parks. Close to 200 full-time staff members, over 300 seasonal workers and hundreds of volunteers all work together to provide customer-service based, unique experiences at the most scenic geographical locations across the state.
Reservations Support
If you need help making a reservation, have questions about your booking, or run into issues using the new system, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) offers several convenient ways to get support. For the fastest assistance, visit the Reservations Home Page where you can view availability, check pricing, and manage your bookings online. You can also speak with a reservation specialist by calling 1-888-922-6743—phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (MST), and Saturday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MST). For questions or technical support outside of those hours, email the IDPR customer support team at idprcustomersupport@idpr.idaho.gov.
Agency Contacts and Public Inquires
For public inquires, media requests, and to find state parks and contact information visit our Contact Us page. IDPR is committed to providing excellent customer service and continuously improving the reservation experience for all park visitors.