The state parks of Idaho are one of the most beautiful things that this great state has to offer.  If you need a list of Idaho state parks for the entire area try viewing the state park reviews for each listed here.

Idaho State Parks

Idaho became the nation’s 43rd state in 1890 and it has been nicked named the gem state because of certain types of semi-precious stones that can only be found in this territory. Not only is Idaho known for gems, Wild Huckleberry fruit, Appaloosa horses and golden brown potatoes it’s also home to many Idaho state parks that are available for recreation, vacation and exploration.

Idaho has 30 state parks that are located within its borders and it is also home to Heyburn State Park which was the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation manages all of Idaho’s state parks and their goal is to improve the quality of life through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship.

Heyburn State Park isn’t the largest commons area in Idaho but it is one of the most well known parks within the nation. Since this park has such a long history it’ll be featured first as one of Idaho’s premiere recreational locations. Heyburn State Park features 3 lakes and some of these areas are open for water recreation, fishing and sports.

The City of Rocks National Reserves is an extremely gigantic and rugged area within the state of Idaho. Many people from all over the country visit this park to tackle its rough terrain. Many visitors are climbers and they traverse many of rock formations within the area through the bolted routes. This park has over 14,000 acres of land and most of it is available for climbing purposes. This park is considered the largest within the state and the locals have dubbed it “The City”. The Castle of Rocks State Park also offers the same terrain as the City.

Henrys Lake State Park showcases a lake that is located in the mountains in Idaho. Many fishermen within the region make it a point to visit one of the best fishing locations in Idaho.

Skyline Drive is a well known road in McCroskey State Park. This park is known for its pleasant scenery which stretches over 18 miles. While cruising along Skyline Drive visitors can view the thick forests and a vast stretch of prairie land which is called the Palouse. While on the drive tourists will notice wild life and an intact natural environment. McCroskey State Park is the second largest park in the state in terms of land area.

The next set of Idaho state parks feature land marks and attractions that showcase buildings from the past. Many of these structures were built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They feature the Coeur d’ Alene’s mission, the ghost town of Bayhorse and a former U.S. naval training base.

Idaho’s oldest standing building is located in the Old Mission state Park. This area is also considered a national state park. It displays a church, parish house and other early American structures. This Mission is also known as Mission of the Sacred Heart and it provides educational opportunities relating to frontier life.

Ghost towns are settlements that still exist long after the inhabitants have abandoned them or moved on to resettle another area. The Land of the Yankee Park in Idaho features 3 ghost towns which are left over relics from the past. Bayhorse, Bonanza and Custer were once frontier towns which were used to mine gold. Visitors can explore these towns and learn firsthand knowledge about how people lived during this time period in history.

Idaho seems like it would be one of the most unlikely places to train sailors for their service in the navy but it use to house the world’s second largest training facility during World War II. Farragut State Park features this old naval base which was converted to a recreational area after it was closed in 1949. It is one of the most original Idaho State Parks within the area.

Hells Canyon doesn’t sound like a place that most people would want to visit but since this place is located in one of Idaho’s state parks they just might change their mind. Hells Gate State Park is home to Hells Canyon which is North America’s deepest river gorge. Hells Gate State Park is situated between the states of Oregon and Idaho and it also features Devil Mountain.

The 500 foot tall dunes of Bruneau are considered a unique type of land formation within America. Bruneau State Park not only showcases the dunes it also has a telescope for stargazing.

Idaho National Parks

The United States boasts of numerous national and state parks that are well preserved and managed. Around the year, the scenic beauty and historical heritage of these parks attract millions of domestic and international Tourists. The U.S. State of Idaho leads the pack with almost 30 state parks and several National Parks, Monuments, Historic Trails, and National Reserves. The responsibility of managing state parks is with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation whereas United States National Park service takes care of National Parks.

Yellowstone National Park:

The Yellowstone Park takes pride of being world’s first National Park and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Park is home to implausible wildlife and has a unique topography that includes vast number of hot springs and geysers. The Park is covers over 3,472 square miles of area mainly within the northwest corner of Wyoming and extends over some portions of Idaho and Montana.

Facts:

• Came to existence in the year 1872 and was designated as a world Heritage site in the year 1978.
• Is home to a Super Volcano that is believed to erupt for every 600,000 to 900000 years.
• Has a very diverse and integral collection of hot springs, geysers and fumaroles.
• Park is the heart of Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which is the world’s largest temperate zone ecosystem
• Climate of the park is very unpredictable, daytime temperatures range from 25c to 30c in summers and in winter temperature varies between -20c to -5c. In spring and fall daytime temperature varies between 0 to 20c.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve:

Craters of the Moon is a very special park situated in the Snake River Plain, specifically created with main intention of protecting vast landscape of lava flows. The Park came to international lime light after Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell, Joe Engle and Eugene Cernan visited the place in 1969 to research about geology of volcanoes.

Facts:

• Park came to existence in the year 1924.
• Numerous volcanic eruptions over the years has resulted creation of rugged landscape.
• Park is home to 660 types of plants and over 280 types of animal species.

The state of Idaho also has other National Parks in addition to the above two like Minidoka National Historic Site, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Nez Perce National Historic Park, and Oregon National Historic Trail that are worth a visit.

Idaho RV Parks

Idaho has become renowned as the “Gem State” and the Remarkable Idaho RV Parks are among the things that attract motor home enthusiasts to this state. Some of the finest unmarred natural beauty in the United States can be found in Idaho, which is the reason Pacific Northwestern state is considered so wonderful. Despite its small size, Idaho is one of the most diverse and scenic states in the US.

While the tourists often overlook the Idaho campgrounds for surround areas like Montana or the Pacific shores, but as many outdoor options are also offered by Idaho as well. In fact, Idaho offers a blend of fun and exciting things to with, along with astonishing Idaho RV Parks and enjoyable Idaho campgrounds. This is why staying at Idaho will prove to be worthwhile for you; especially if you are a motor home enthusiast or you just want to enjoy the experience of staying at an RV park.

A decent RV park or resort in Idaho can be found anywhere you stop along the way. While exceptional accommodations in Idaho are available everywhere but those from the RV world favor the state for its amazing RV parks. The RV parks in Idaho are located in between some of the most mesmerizing surroundings. While staying at these Idaho RV Parks, activities such as boating, fly fishing, pond fishing and swimming can also be enjoyed.

If you decide to stay at an RV park in Idaho, you will also get to enjoy night time campfires too. A countless number of activities and nearby attractions will also be offered to you when you stay at one of the RV parks in Idaho. Staying at one of these RV parks is also perfect for you if you want to lie back and enjoy the scenery. Some of the most popular Idaho RV Parks include Bambi RV Park, Royal George RV resort, Trail Break RV Park, and you should consider staying at one of them on your next visit to Idaho.

Idaho Water Parks

Idaho water parks can offer fun for anyone. You can enjoy the thrill of a high speed water slide, or take a more relaxing river ride with a group of friends. Families will find activities for people of all ages. There are many water parks all over Idaho for your convenience. They all offer a wide array of fun, services, and concessions.

Water parks a great place to go for some summer fun. People of all ages enjoy them as a relaxing and enjoyable break for a day, or a thrilling blast of wet excitement. Whatever you are after, water parks from all over Idaho can put a smile on your face.

Water parks offer a great variety of slides and services. There are hair raising speed slides that will give you a real rush as you scream along at top speed. Children will get their enjoyment from more gentle and colorful pools with water spouts and gentle waves. Groups can gather in a large raft and enjoy bouncing around in a river rafting like experience while getting tossed around by the rapids. There are even covered slides that will leave you tossing and turning as you slide down the darkened tunnel.

There are other services and amenities that can be enjoyed as well. Many Idaho water parks will rent out a cabana for a reasonable rate. There you can enjoy a little privacy for your friends or family. Food can be had on site for your convenience, keeping you fueled up for fun for the whole day. Lockers can be rented to keep your valuables safe and dry. Gift shops are available for you to buy something for yourself, or someone back home who missed out on all the fun.
Whatever kind of fun you are after, Idaho water parks can deliver for everyone.

Idaho Theme Parks

If you are looking to have a lot of fun and excitement, then Idaho theme parks are a great option. For theme parks in Idaho, there really is only one main choice, and that is Silverwood. But, what a choice it is. There is plenty of fun and activities of all kinds to ensure that you can have the best time possible.

Theme parks are mainly popular for the rides. After all, you can play games or eat food anywhere, but where else can you go hurtling along at break neck speeds on a roller coaster? Of course, the roller coaster is the main attraction when it comes to rides at any theme park. Idaho just happens to have several, including a very noteworthy one.

The Corkscrew was the very first modern inverting roller coaster. It first appeared at Knott’s Berry Farm way back in 1975, and it has been a hit ever since. Speed is the name of the game in this steel roller coaster, and there is plenty of it. There is also one of the highest rated wooden roller coasters in the country available as well in Tremors. While it is newer than the Corkscrew, you can enjoy a blend of old time styling with modern thrills as you are kept on the edge of your seat while hurtling around. You can enjoy the kind of experience only available on a wooden coaster. There are plenty more thrill rides available too.

Of course, there are lots of other rides suitable for all kinds of people. Children can have a blast on the large assortment of more gentle and fun rides. There are also rides that are more suited for all people, like the ever popular bumper cars, Ferris Wheel, or Tilt-A-Whirl.

There is plenty of great food, games, events, shows, and more available for all of your needs. So, plan your adventure to Idaho theme parks and have a great time