Henry's Lake Wilderness Study Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Henry's Lake Wilderness Study Area

Henry's Lake Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is a 350-acre stretch of diverse public land nestled into eastern Idaho. This beautiful area lies only a few miles from the Idaho-Wyoming border and features the peaceful waters of Henry's Lake. Administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Henry's Lake WSA is a popular and inviting destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Visitors will find opportunities for camping, wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, and other fun activities in the fresh air.

The WSA is one of several hundred natural areas under the protection of the BLM, and like many of the agency's sites, it contains a well-kept, peaceful campground. With a quick search online for "BLM camping near me," you can discover any similar outdoor destinations in your region. Then you can try out BLM camping yourself and see what all the hype is about!

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Targhee Creek Trail

The Targhee Creek Trail is a long out-and-back trail found within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, which lies just south of the Henry's Lake WSA BLM site. The trail features a river, lush wooded areas, scenic views, and a fair amount of solitude. In addition to hiking, visitors frequently use the trail for horseback riding and mountain biking as well. In some parts of the trail, hikers will experience steep elevation, which may prove too challenging for some. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, as moose and many other creatures are regularly spotted in the area.

Length: 12.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Big Springs Interpretive Trail

The Big Springs Interpretive Trail is also located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, but it's significantly shorter and easier than the Targhee Creek Trail. The out-and-back route takes only around an hour to traverse, so it's a perfect hike if you're on a limited schedule. The trail takes visitors through a peaceful, shaded area near a river and features lots of wildflowers and pretty scenery. In general, the ideal time to visit the hike is between May and October.

Length: 2.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing & Boating

Beautiful Henry's Lake lies right within Henry's Lake WSA, and it offers fantastic opportunities for fishing and boating. If you want to cast your fishing line, you can do so either from the shore or from a boat, and you'll have a great chance of catching some cutthroat trout, brook trout, and mackerel. The lake also features a boat ramp and dock, which are located at nearby Henry's Lake State Park. Visitors to the placid reservoir are free to enjoy kayaking, motorboating, canoeing, and various watersports.

Climbing

Although there aren't many rock climbing destinations for beginner climbers near Henry's Lake WSA, there are several peaks that experienced climbers can take on. Most of these peaks are located directly north of the BLM site, and the most popular is probably Targhee Peak. The 10,300-foot mountain is a challenging climb to be sure, but an adventurous and dedicated climber should be able to summit it. Anyone who does make the climb will undoubtedly be rewarded with incredible panoramic views.

Wildlife Viewing

With its many bodies of water and dense forests, Henry's Lake WSA is a wonderful area for any wildlife enthusiasts. During your visit, there are a wide variety of species you might encounter. In particular, you'll have a good chance of spotting large mammals such as grizzly bears, black bears, moose, deer, and elk. If you keep your eyes on the skies, you should also spot plenty of interesting birds. Waterfowl and numerous species of raptors have been known to inhabit the region.

Picnicking

At the Henry's Lake WSA BLM site, you'll have many excellent choices for picnicking spots. The nicest areas to enjoy your meal will probably be at the on-site state park or anywhere along the shores of the sizable lake. There will be plenty of picnic tables to choose from at the state park, and there should be many peaceful spots to lay out a picnic blanket anywhere else next to the water.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Henry's Lake WSA is a perfect destination to enjoy some BLM RV camping. The on-site Henry's Lake Campground features 86 campsites with both back-in and pull-through RV sites. The campground features water, sewer, and electric hookups, as well as all sorts of conveniences and amenities. Campers at the site have access to showers, restrooms with flush toilets, a snack store, an amphitheater, drinking water, and even an RV dump station. There aren't any other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area, but with so much to offer at Henry's Lake Campground, you shouldn't need any.

Free Camping

If you don't want to stay at Henry's Lake Campground or any of the nearby RV parks, you can always participate in some Bureau of Land Management free camping in the area instead. It'll be up to you if you want to stake out your campsite near the lake, beside one of the area's streams, or in any of the forested sections of the WSA. Regardless of your choice, it should be a serene experience that brings you closer to nature.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Henry's Lake Wilderness Study Area BLM trip

If you're heading to Henry's Lake Wilderness Study Area, keep in mind the federal regulations surrounding areas designated as wilderness. While motorized vehicles are permitted at the state park and in certain parts of the BLM site, there are other areas where their use is forbidden. Make sure to keep your eyes open for posted regulations and to refrain from driving your RV into restricted areas.

If you hike or camp in any of the more remote and secluded parts of the WSA, you should be aware that grizzlies and black bears have been known to roam the region. Consider bringing bear spray along with you, and be careful not to leave any food out to attract them. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

When you journey to the Henry's Lake Wilderness Study Area BLM site, it's up to you and your fellow visitors to help keep the area clean and healthy. During your stay, please do everything possible to leave the natural site in the exact same condition as when you arrived. As long as you properly dispose of your trash, avoid disturbing the nature or ecosystems, keep your campfires contained, and only camp on durable land, you'll be doing your part to preserve the area. Additionally, please respect the other visitors to the site and only observe wildlife from a safe, non-threatening distance.

Henry's Lake Wilderness Study Area Location

To reach the Henry's Lake Wilderness Study Area from Idaho Falls, ID, merge onto US-20 E, and follow it for approximately 91 miles. Then, turn left onto Henry's Lake State Park Rd, and follow it for 1.6 miles. This will lead you right to the lake and state park.

Ready to visit Henry's Lake Wilderness Study Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.