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State Park · ID

Henry's Lake State Park

Henry's Lake State Park offers a tranquil setting along the shores of Henry's Lake in southeastern Idaho, featuring excellent fishing, camping, and birdwatching opportunities surrounded by high mountain landscapes.

State Park5854+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

585

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Henry's Lake State Park

Henry's Lake State Park offers a tranquil setting along the shores of Henry's Lake in southeastern Idaho, featuring excellent fishing, camping, and birdwatching opportunities surrounded by high mountain landscapes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in Fremont County in southeastern Idaho, Henry's Lake State Park sits on the northern shore of the 6,600-acre Henry's Lake, a large alpine lake fed by multiple streams and springs from the surrounding Yellowstone Plateau. The park covers about 585 acres of grasslands, wetlands, and shoreline, providing important habitat for waterfowl, moose, deer, and a rich diversity of bird species. Henry's Lake itself is known regionally for its trout fishing, including cutthroat, rainbow, and lake trout, making it a popular destination for anglers year-round. The park's terrain includes open grassy fields, dense willow thickets, and scenic views of nearby mountains such as the Centennial and Henrys Peak. Henry's Lake has cultural significance dating back to Native American use of the lake and surrounding area for fishing and hunting. Today, visitors enjoy a range of recreational activities including camping, boating, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and hiking along trails adjacent to the lake. The Henry's Lake Lookout Trail provides panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The park is also a key stopover for migratory birds, attracting bird watchers and photographers keen on spotting species such as trumpeter swans, great blue herons, and bald eagles. Winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the region. The park is accessible from U.S. Highway 20 and is located about 40 miles west of West Yellowstone, Montana, making it a convenient alternative for visitors exploring the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Henry's Lake State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

A Tranquil Escape at Henrys Lake State Park★ 7.5⌖ 2 miFishing
Henrys Lake State Park

A Tranquil Escape at Henrys Lake State Park

Explore Henrys Lake State Park in Island Park, Idaho. Popular with anglers and nature enthusiasts, it offers fishing, hiking, and bird-watching. Enjoy the tranquility of this serene escape with its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Gateway to Yellowstone Wonders★ 8.5⌖ 15 miWildlife Viewing
West Yellowstone

Gateway to Yellowstone Wonders

Explore West Yellowstone, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Experience easy-access wildlife viewing, hiking, and fishing with stunning natural beauty and abundant biodiversity. Best visited late spring to early fall.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→
Fly-Fishing Slough Creek In Yellowstone★ 7.8⌖ 16 miFly Fishing
Gallatin Road

Fly-Fishing Slough Creek In Yellowstone

Explore Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park, a remote fly-fishing paradise accessible via a hike. Adventure seekers will enjoy the challenge of catching native cutthroat trout while surrounded by stunning, serene landscapes. Permits required.

Fly FishingView Details→
Exploring the Madison River for Fly Fishing★ 7.7⌖ 16 miFly Fishing
Yellowstone National Park

Exploring the Madison River for Fly Fishing

Explore Madison River in Yellowstone National Park for fly fishing in a stunning natural setting. Ideal for adventure seekers, with spring and fall being the best seasons. Permits required. Watch for eagles, bison, and elk while enjoying the river's beauty.

Fly FishingView Details→
Camping at Madison Campground in Yellowstone National Park★ 8.8⌖ 26 miCamping
Madison Campground East Loop

Camping at Madison Campground in Yellowstone National Park

Explore camping at Madison Campground in Yellowstone National Park, offering drive-in sites near Madison River. Enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, and easy access to Yellowstone's famous geothermal features. Open from mid-April to mid-October.

Firehole Canyon★ 6.6⌖ 27 miAdventure Spot
Firehole Canyon

Firehole Canyon

Described in the supplied sources as a short, narrow roadside route along the Firehole River with waterfall views and limited pullouts, Firehole Canyon is a quick, scenic pause best added to a larger Yellowstone‑area day plan.

Adventure SpotView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Henry's Lake Lookout Trail with panoramic views of Henry's Lake and the Centennial Mountains✦ Outstanding trout fishing opportunities targeting cutthroat, rainbow, and lake trout✦ Diverse birdwatching with species like trumpeter swans and bald eagles✦ Quiet lake shoreline perfect for kayaking and paddle sports
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Henry's Lake State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Henry's Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Henry's Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Henry's Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Boating

Available in Henry's Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Henry's Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Kayaking

Available in Henry's Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Henry's Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Henry's Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Snowshoeing

Available in Henry's Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Cross-Country Skiing

Available in Henry's Lake State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Henry's Lake State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day use and camping fees apply; no additional permits required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Henry's Lake State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Henry's Lake Campground

Large campground near the shore with RV and tent sites, restrooms, and boat launch access.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Henry's Lake State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Island Park
⌖ 9.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Island Park, Idaho

A tranquil outdoor haven offering unique landscapes for thrill-seekers and nature lovers in the Rocky Mountains.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
West Yellowstone
⌖ 15.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

West Yellowstone, Montana

Gateway town offering immediate access to outdoor adventures, centered around Yellowstone National Park and its wilderness.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Yellowstone National Park
⌖ 30.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The unparalleled adventure haven that combines geothermal wonders, vibrant ecosystems, and diverse wildlife experiences.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Yellowstone National Park
⌖ 30.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Yellowstone National Park, Montana

An iconic wilderness offering diverse ecosystems, geothermal wonders, and exceptional wildlife experiences.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Ashton
⌖ 38.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ashton, Idaho

A quiet gateway town offering easy access to the outdoor wonders of the Snake River Valley and the Yellowstone-Teton area.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Mammoth
⌖ 42.11 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mammoth, Wyoming

A gateway to Yellowstone's enchanting wilderness with great access to natural wonders and thrilling outdoor adventures.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Henry's Lake State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.