Cyanobacteria Health Alert
Lake Walcott, Blaine County
A cyanobacteria health alert has been issued for Lake Walcott in Blaine County. Cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose a high risk to the health of pets and livestock and can cause illness in humans, especially small children.
Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s waterbodies, but when conditions are right, they can multiply rapidly, or “bloom,” and release toxins into the water. Exposure to cyanotoxins through skin contact or ingestion can cause skin irritation, upset stomach, and more serious symptoms. Effects can be more serious in animals since they are more likely to drink the water.
Blooms don’t all look the same; they may look like mats, foam, spilled paint, or surface scum and have a foul odor. Use caution when recreating in and around water. When in doubt, stay out and keep pets out of the water.
Summer/Fall 2026
Lake Walcott water levels are lowering for the season. The boat ramp handling docks and kayak launch docks are currently still in place. Please check before launching and loading equipment. Use caution around the shoreline and boat ramps.
2026 Events
September 19, 2026 – Walcott Open Disc Golf Tournament. The disc golf course will only be open to participants in the tournament.
Construction Notice – Fall 2026
Construction for the park-wide potable water system upgrade will begin in Fall 2026. During the construction period, the campground will close and day-use pavilions will be unavailable for reservation. More information and specific closure dates will be announced once the construction schedule is finalized.
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Lake Walcott has a great disc golf course, awesome fishing opportunities, a canopied park perfect for group activities and a variety of campsites. Campers can set up primitive sites along the water’s edge. Several group camp sites for tent camping are also available as are fully serviced campsites and cabins.
Located on the edge of Idaho’s high desert, Lake Walcott offers a welcome refuge for water and wildlife lovers. Picnickers will love the grassy, shaded day-use area and disc golfers come from all over to play the world-class 21-hole course. The park is a great base from which to explore the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, which offers some of the best birding in southern Idaho.
There is no additional information about group accommodations available.
Lake Walcott is open to watercraft April 1 to October 31.
