Where Do You Go Boating in Southeast Idaho?

I love Idaho's great outdoors! We have everything: boating, fishing, swimming, surfing, hiking, atv trails, snowmobiling, skiing... I could easily go on! 

Sometimes, among the endless options, it's hard to know where to start. When you search "where do you go boating in southeast Idaho" you get a slew of choices. 

Where are your favorite places to go boating in southeast Idaho? 

On the Fish and Game's website there is an extensive PDF of every boating location. This PDF also breaks them all down and lists out which places have public bathrooms, camping options, a boat ramp/dock, and whether they're ADA accessible or not. I recommend you download this PDF and keep it handy. 

Places to Go Boating Near Idaho Falls

If you want to stay in town there's always John's Hole or Gem Lake. Blacktail reservoir is a favorite of many because it's so large and has beautiful scenery. There is plenty of room for everyone: fishermen, surfers, swimmers, and other calm water activities. There are covered areas for day camping and a beach area for kids to play in. Adults too... we don't discriminate!

For those looking for more privacy and who own a boat, there are two campgrounds that can only be reached by boat: Benchland Park and Willow Point Park, located on the reservoir between Juniper Campground and Blacktail Park. 

Both provide shelters, picnic tables, fire rings and a grassy area, and are a pleasant place to stop and picnic, enjoy the water, take a boating break or stay overnight.  No reservations are required for overnight camping.  If you pack it in, you MUST PACK IT OUT.  Please help keep it neat and clean, free of trash so that everyone can enjoy these wonderful parks! 

Boating in Island Park, ID

It is worth the drive every time to get up to Island Park to boat. There are so many things to see up there that you'll never see it all in one or two trips. It will always be a new adventure. While you're up there be sure to check out Pond's Lodge and Lakeside Lodge. 

Idaho is beautiful and thankfully we have room to breathe and ample boating options. Stay safe this summer as we navigate new times in our society, but don't forget to experience what you have right outside your back door. 

So, tell us! Where do you like to go boating?