Henrys Lake State Park

High in the Caribou–Targhee National Forest, 90 miles northeast of Idaho Falls, Henrys Lake is a stone’s throw from the Continental Divide and the western boundary of Yellowstone National Park. Situated in a wide, flat basin, and surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks, this shallow alpine lake is as popular with migrating birds as it is with local sport fishers. The small state park at Henrys Lake is a great spot for spending a few days fishing, lounging and wildlife watching, or for exploring some of the area’s other attractions, including Yellowstone, Harriman State Park, Mesa Falls, and various hiking, horseback, and ATV trails. Campers visiting Henrys Lake State Park will find more than 80 tent and RV sites situated near the lake’s eastern shore. Sites are equipped with electrical and water hookups, picnic tables, and fire pits with cooking grills. Some sites are ADA accessible. Campground amenities include flush restrooms, showers, picnic areas. A dump station is located onsite. The park also has a few camping cabins for rent. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Camping is available from mid-May through mid-October. Sites are $20–; cabins are $50–; reservations are accepted. For fishing on the lake, the park has a boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Yellowstone cutthroat is the most common at Henrys Lake, but there is also a significant number of cutthroat-rainbow (cut-bow) hybrids. Paddlers can launch from the beach area; kayak rentals are available. Wildlife watching from the park’s 3 miles of hiking and biking trails—as well as the lake’s shoreline–can be exceptional. Besides the prolific number of migrating birds, including waterfowl, eagles and hawks, there are frequent sightings of deer, moose, and antelope. The park also hosts seasonal nature programs.