Many of us might not immediately think “awesome beaches” when we think of Idaho, but we’d be mistaken. The Gem State is chock full of incredible sandy shores along its many lakes, ponds, creeks, and rivers. Here are the top 10 you don’t want to miss on your next venture through the state.
Top Beaches in Idaho
Idaho Beaches
Priest Lake
Priest Lake offers a variety of access points including several sandy beaches. One noteworthy and easy-to-get-to option is located inside Priest Lake State Park. Other spots worth checking out include Huckleberry Bay and Reeder Bay, not to mention some of the snazzy waterfront vacation rental properties with private beach access on offer. Marinas along the waterside rent canoes, paddleboards, and even motorboats for those eager to explore the lake’s entirety more thoroughly. That said, you can also have an excellent time simply sipping the sunshine and wading in the water.
Things to do near Priest Lake
This fairly remote part of Idaho is closest to the town of Bonners Ferry, and there are plenty of other excellent nearby wildernesses to explore. For example, Round Lake State Park offers another beautiful waterfront just a little more than an hour south.
Silver Beach
Spirit Lake is home to the hidden gem of Silver Beach. This resort-style lake beach is known for its privacy and beauty, offering a classic, lush Idaho forest ringing a beautiful lake. This spot is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and just plain enjoying the great outdoors. The lake is also popular among fisherfolk, who come to reel in bluegill, kokanee, large- and smallmouth bass, brook trout, cutthroat trout and many more.
Things to do near Silver Beach
The small namesake town of Spirit Lake offers plenty of charm and all the resources you might need as far as dining and shopping are concerned, along with a lovely little historical downtown area.
Lake Coeur d’Alene
Stretching down through the Kootenai and Benewah counties like a shimmering Oasis, Lake Coeur d’Alene is another beautiful Idaho body of water. Rringing in at just shy of 50 square miles, this reservoir of glacial melt is dotted with many small (and not-so-small) communities and offers a variety of beachfront access points. With dozens of waypoints along the many miles of coastline, such as Valhalla Point, Swede Point, Mica Bay and Everwell Bay, this lake offers truly endless opportunities for exploration.
Things to do near Lake Coeur d’Alene
Located just south of the town of the same name, which is one of the major population centers in Idaho, Lake Coeur d’Alene is within easy reach of urban adventure opportunities, just in case you need a break from stunning natural beauty. (Yeah, we didn’t think so, either.)
Black Canyon Dam
Many consider Black Canyon Dam to be one of the state’s premier hidden gems — especially for those looking for an easily drivable getaway from the major population center of Boise. Along with the dam itself, this area also offers beautiful waterfront access and soft sands perfect for keeping little hands busy. A variety of small area parks, such as Wild Rose Park, Cobblestone Park, and Black Canyon Park line the Black Canyon Reservoir, offering a number of viewpoints and entryways.
Things to do near the Black Canyon Dam
Only an hour or so north of Boise and Nampa near the town of Emmett, Black Canyon Dam is a perfect getaway opportunity that doesn’t require you to get very far away at all. And, of course, there’s plenty else to see in this neck of the woods, such as Eagle Island State Park and the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.
Eagle Island State Park
Eagle Island State Park boasts more than 500 acres of land and a few miles of shorefront along the Boise River. Some of that shorefront offers sandy access for wading, swimming, and plain old hanging out. Even better: these beaches are backed up by lots of developed amenities that make for an easy-as-pie day away from it all. There are also several walking trails throughout the park as well as a disc golf course, and a Visitor Center that welcomes guests and helps orient them to the landscape and learn more about local events and gatherings.
Things to do near Eagle Island State Park
There’s no camping on-site at this park, which is located just about equidistant from Boise and Nampa. That said, there are plenty of other camping options around and by staying in one of the cities, you’ll find all kinds of awesome attractions.
Lake Lowell
Another excellent beach spot that’s extremely accessible from the Boise area, Lake Lowell offers fishing and boating opportunities along with swimming, wading, and beach-bumming options, too. Lake Lowell Park is one place to head for access, which also offers a disc golf course and barbecue grills. Gotts Point is another intimate, private water entry. Much of the lakeshore is constituted by the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, which protects over 250 species of birds as well as the unique wetland vegetation that grows here. Additionally, the Refuge is filled with hiking and horseback riding trails, and offers seasonal hunting and fishing opportunities.
Things to do near Lake Lowell
Literally within Nampa city limits and only half an hour from Boise, this lake is surrounded by must-see attractions, like the Warhawk Air Museum.
Redfish Lake
Easily one of the most popular options, Redfish Lake and its surrounding wilderness offer the perfect combination of pristine, lush mountain lake vistas and sandy beaches. Lake cruises are an option for those wishing to further familiarize themselves with this scenic stretch of water, and paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats are available nearby for rent. There are many lovely day-use areas to explore — you could spend not one but several beach days along this lake and never have the same view twice!
Things to do near Redfish Lake
Tucked between the Sawtooth National Forest and the Boise National Forest, Redfish Lake is the place to head if you’re looking for a generally rugged adventure experience. Hikers will be tempted by nearby destinations like Sawtooth Lake and many others.
Pettit Lake
Another remote, alpine lake in the Sawtooth National Forest, Pettit Lake offers a surprising abundance of soft, smooth sand perfect for laying out a towel. Head to the Pettit Lake Day Use Area for some of the most incredible views you’ll see in your lifetime. A variety of hiking trails nearby giving outdoor enthusiasts plenty of more heart-pumping opportunities, including access to the Tin Cup Trailhead, the entryway to a strenuous 20-mile loop that may be best taken on as an overnight backpacking journey.
Things to do near Pettit Lake
This peak-studded part of the state is so remote and rugged that it’s home to the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, so if you’re all amenable to staying up late, this is the place to go stargazing.
Lake Pend Oreille
Covering a whopping 148 square miles and stretching more than 65 miles in length, it’s no wonder Lake Pend Oreille is called “immense” by many. While laketop activities like boating and waterskiing are popular, this lake also offers a variety of beautiful sandy shorelines for wading, sunbathing, and castle-building. These include everything from Sandpoint City Beach Park’s family-friendly festival atmosphere to the shimmering turquoise waters at the more remote Green Bay (which also offers a small undeveloped campground).
Things to do near Lake Pend Oreille
Nestled as it is between the Kaniksu National Forest and the urban centers around Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, Lake Pend Oreille is a convenient getaway for many Idaho residents and visitors.
The Best Idaho Beaches for RVers
Payette Lake
Another high-elevation glacial lake sitting at about 5,000 feet above sea level, even in the dead heat of the summer, Payette Lake’s waters offer a refreshing coolness. Although there are many miles of shoreline, much of which offers sandy beach access, one of the easiest to get to is Ponderosa State Park. This park also boasts about a dozen miles of hiking and biking trails along with volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a boat launch for watersports enthusiasts.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
Onsite camping makes it easy for RVers to park in the middle of the action and enjoy an immersive getaway.
Things to do near Payette Lake
Located at the edge of the Payette National Forest, there’s a nearly unending list of things to see and do in this area, particularly for outdoorsy types. Lake lovers in particular may want to make time to visit another, more remote alpine lake via the Louie Lake Trail or the longer Summit Lake and Buckhorn Summit Trail.
Planning an RV Trip to Idaho
The beautiful state of Idaho has so much to offer — beaches are just the beginning! You’ll want to check out the best campgrounds and to stay in and explore. Of course, you’ll also want to see the best state parks in Idaho, as well as its many big, bustling cities.
