Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation

Last week we celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new Chatcolet Marina at Heyburn State Park!

This incredible partnership project creates a premier recreation destination for North Idaho and future generations of visitors.

The new marina offers expanded opportunities to boat, bike, fish, swim, paddle, and explore the beauty of Lake Coeur d’Alene and Heyburn State Park with features including:

148 covered boat slips with electrical hookups
14 additional houseboat slips
A 1,000-foot accessible breakwater for fishing, swimming, lounging, and lake access
Fuel dock and pump-out station
Two-lane boat launch and community dock space
Kayak and paddleboard storage lockers
Plaza promenade connected directly to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
Waterfront convenience store with scenic patio views

Built with durable, commercial-grade infrastructure and designed for year-round recreation access, Chatcolet Marina will support local tourism, outdoor recreation, and community connection for decades to come.

We are grateful for the strong collaboration between the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, project contractors, engineers, construction crews, Idaho Parks and Recreation staff, and the many community supporters who helped make this vision a reality.

Moorage opened Memorial Day Weekend 2026! Visitors can reserve slips and learn more at getoutside.idaho.gov

Join Us! We still have volunteer opportunities open for the 2026 summer!

There are multiple positions available across our 30+ state parks including:

• Camp host
• Visitor support
• Maintenance
• Park store support
• Kiosk support
• Housekeeping
• Special projects and events

We look forward to welcoming you to our volunteer team.🌄

👉 Apply to volunteer:
https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/park-activity/volunteering/

Looking for the perfect Memorial Weekend getaway? Look no further! Use our discount codes at checkout to get 25% off your reservations statewide!

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day, we hope to see you at your favorite state park! 🇺🇸

🏕️ Ready to make this your daily view? Volunteer with us as a campground host!

Volunteering in Idaho State Parks is a joyful way to give back—meet great people, spend time outside, and help keep our parks beautiful for everyone. All our parks welcome volunteers, and every hour makes a real difference.

Right now, these locations are in extra need of support: Priest Lake, Farragut, Old Mission, Wi******er Lake, Lake Cascade, Lucky Peak, Eagle Island, Three Island Crossing, Thousand Springs, Bear Lake, Harriman, Massacre Rocks, and Twin Peaks.

If you are ready to spend time outdoors while giving back to the places you enjoy, we would be thrilled to have you join our volunteer community!

✨ Learn more and sign up:
https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/online-volunteer-application/

Farragut State Park is seeking Hosts for the 2026 Season for the following positions:

• Kiosk host pair - Full season

• 2 Kiosk Host Pairs couples or 4 individual Kiosk Hosts - August & September

• Whitetail Campground Host - Full Season

• Whitetail Campground Host - September

• Gilmore Campground Host- August

• Waldron Campground Host

Please Call (208) 514-2493 for more information or to apply!

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is accepting applications to fill vacancies on the following Advisory Committees in the following areas:

· Recreational Vehicle Program (RV) Advisory Committee

· Waterways Improvement Fund (WIF) Advisory Committee

· Off-Road Motor Vehicle (ORMV) Advisory Committee

· Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Advisory Committee

These committee members evaluate grant applications based on established criteria and make recommendations to the Idaho Park and Recreation Board for funding. View the full announcement, a district map, and get application information on our website.

Following the passing of former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recrestion wishes to extend its gratitude to Governor Kempthorne and his family.

Governor Kempthorne led a life dedicated to public service and was a champion of state parks.

In 2005/2006 Governor Kempthorn led an effort called Experience Idaho in an effort to support Idaho’s State Parks, and connect visitors with Idaho’s great outdoors.

One of the long-standing programs that still serves visitors today is the Experience Idaho Loaner Backpack Program. Governor Kempthorne knew that getting children outside and exploring the natural world was and is one of Idaho State Park’s most important goals.

This program is indicative of Kempthorne’s dedication to Gem State’s Crown Jewels—its parks. The program is a small part of Kempthorne’s monumental legacy.

Ponderosa State park is home to the Dirk Kempthorne visitor center. If you’re ever visiting Ponderosa, be sure to take the time to read and learn more about Kempthorne’s contributions to our parks system.

Crews are continuing to make progress on the Hunt Creek Bridge replacement project on East Shore Road.

Traffic is down to one lane and the road width is 12 feet wide and with a speed limit of 25 mph.

Please be mindful of the crews working 24/7 to complete the bridge replacement. Drive carefully and give them a wave!

Hunt Creek Bridge is approximately 5 miles south of the Indian Creek Campground of Priest Lake State Park

What a perfect way to launch our new launch! 😉

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the ribbon cutting at the Discovery Unit of Lucky Peak State Park, Idaho - Spring Shores, Sandy Point, Discovery yesterday.

We are so excited to have this resource that will be enjoyed for years to come!

Even if you missed us yesterday, be sure to go and check out the new development! 🏖️

Looking for a great place to start to your America 250 Celebration?

Now through May 31st, celebrate with us and receive 25% off your lodging reservation by using code “A250Lodging” at checkout.

Visit getoutside.idaho.gov to book your stay!

This offer applies to campsites at the above parks and is not retroactive. It may only be redeemed online.