
Farragut State Park
Vast Idaho state park on Lake Pend Oreille, offering history, hiking, disc golf, and water adventures.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Farragut State Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast Idaho state park on Lake Pend Oreille, offering history, hiking, disc golf, and water adventures.
"Absolutely gorgeous park with stunning lake views and plenty of activities for everyone!"

Book campsites early
Campsites, especially in popular areas like Gilmore Campground, fill up fast. Book ahead!
Pack for all activities
Bring gear for hiking, swimming, disc golf, and exploring the historical museum .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Pend Oreille Waterfront
Southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille
Stunning lake views perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Beaver Bay is a popular spot .

Disc Golf Paradise
Multiple courses throughout the park
Challenge yourself on 5 eighteen-hole disc golf courses catering to all skill levels .

The Brig Museum
Former Farragut Naval Training Station site
Explore the rich history of this former U.S. Navy training base .

Adventure Park
Adventure Park area
Soar through the trees on zip lines and tackle obstacle courses .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vastness
History & Adventure Await
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book campsites early
Campsites, especially in popular areas like Gilmore Campground, fill up fast. Book ahead!
Pack for all activities
Bring gear for hiking, swimming, disc golf, and exploring the historical museum.
Leash your pets
Park hosts are strict about leash laws. Keep your furry friends secured.
Check for ranger talks
Enhance your visit by learning about the park's WWII history from park rangers.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book campsites early
Campsites, especially in popular areas like Gilmore Campground, fill up fast. Book ahead!
Pack for all activities
Bring gear for hiking, swimming, disc golf, and exploring the historical museum.
Leash your pets
Park hosts are strict about leash laws. Keep your furry friends secured.
Check for ranger talks
Enhance your visit by learning about the park's WWII history from park rangers.
No hammocks on trees
While beautiful, hammocks are not permitted on trees in the camping areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Farragut State Park for its immense size, stunning lakefront access, and diverse recreational opportunities, from extensive hiking trails to multiple disc golf courses. The park's historical significance as a former naval base also adds a unique dimension to the experience. While generally well-maintained and family-friendly, some campers noted strictness from camp hosts regarding pet policies.
"Great State Park with several campgrounds within. Each has clean bathrooms and hot showers. More than 40+ miles of trails for fun hiking and mountain biking. The lake is beautiful for kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and boating. Love it."
Tami Warren
"We visited the state park on a Thursday. We arrive around noon so we couldn’t check-in to our campsite. We decided to drive around and see what it had to offer. We were completely surprised at how big the park is. Once 2 o’clock came we headed back to the visitor center and checked in. Our campsite was spacious. Dry camping only, in our loop. There was a bathhouse and toilets centrally located."
Nelida Safrit
"This state park is absolutely gorgeous! The lake is stunning, and the swimming was awesome—such a perfect spot to cool off and enjoy the outdoors. The campgrounds are spacious, clean, and really well-maintained, which made the whole experience even better.
Everything about the park feels cared for and inviting. I would highly recommend visiting, and I’ll definitely be coming back!"
Rachel Bond
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Farragut State Park is located in Athol, Idaho. It's accessible via SH-54, offering a scenic drive. It's about an hour from Spokane, Washington. Driving is the most common way to reach the park.
Yes, it's approximately an hour's drive from Spokane, Washington, and closer to areas like Hayden and Athol in Idaho.
The park is quite large, so driving between different areas like campgrounds, day-use sites, and the museum is recommended. Biking is also a great option on the extensive trail system.
Public transportation options directly to Farragut State Park are limited. It's best to plan for a personal vehicle or rental car.
Roads leading to and within the park are generally well-maintained. SH-54 is a scenic route. Conditions can vary by season, with potential for snow in winter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Farragut State Park typically has a day-use fee for visitors. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type and season. It's advisable to check the official Idaho Parks and Recreation website for current fees.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like campgrounds, visitor centers, and the Adventure Park may have seasonal hours. Always check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
Campsites can be booked online through the Idaho Parks and Recreation reservation system. Popular campgrounds like Gilmore fill up quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for summer and holiday weekends.
Yes, Farragut State Park offers various camping options, including dry camping (no hookups) in some loops, as well as RV sites and potentially cabins. Check the reservation system for availability.
Absolutely! Farragut State Park has day-use areas like Beaver Bay with picnic facilities, swimming access, and trailheads, making it perfect for a day trip.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
With over 40 miles of trails, options range from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging forest paths. Many trails are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Lake Pend Oreille offers excellent opportunities for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and boating. Rentals may be available at Beaver Bay.
Farragut is a disc golf hotspot with 5 distinct 18-hole courses. There are courses for beginners and experienced players alike.
Families can enjoy swimming at Beaver Bay, exploring the Brig Museum, playing disc golf, and hiking. The Adventure Park offers thrills for older kids and adults.
Cell service can be spotty within the park due to its size and terrain. Wi-Fi is generally not available at campsites, so plan for limited connectivity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options within the park are limited. Wet Willie's at Beaver Bay offers food for purchase, but it's best to bring your own food and drinks for picnics or prepare meals at your campsite.
Nearby towns like Athol and Hayden offer various dining options, from casual eateries to local restaurants. Spokane also has a wide array of choices.
Campfires are typically allowed in designated fire rings at campsites, but always check for current fire restrictions or burn bans issued by the park or local authorities.
Yes, you can find grocery stores in the nearby towns of Athol and Hayden for stocking up on supplies before heading into the park.
Easy-to-prepare meals like sandwiches, pasta, grilled items, and pre-made salads are great for camping. Don't forget snacks and plenty of water!
📸 📸 Photography
The lakefront offers stunning shots, especially during sunrise and sunset. The historical buildings at The Brig Museum and the dense forests also provide great photographic opportunities.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or at specific times. It's essential to check the park's regulations regarding drone operation to ensure compliance.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for landscape and nature photography.
Capturing the contrast between the park's natural beauty and its historical naval training station past can lead to unique shots. Drone shots can offer a unique perspective of the park's vastness.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and forest views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Disc golf is another fun activity that families can enjoy together. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and ensure pets are leashed. The spacious campgrounds also make it an ideal spot for a family camping trip.
🏞️ Nature Lovers & Hikers
🎣 Anglers & Boaters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Naval Training Station
Visitors can explore 'The Brig Museum' to delve deeper into the station's operations and the lives of the servicemen who trained there. Park Ranger talks also provide fascinating insights into this period, making it a compelling destination for history buffs. Understanding this background adds a profound layer to the natural beauty of the park.
While much of the base has been reclaimed by nature, the historical significance is palpable. It's a reminder of the park's transformation from a vital military hub to a beloved recreational area for all to enjoy.
Outdoor Adventures Galore
Water lovers will be drawn to the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, one of Idaho's largest and most beautiful lakes. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and boating. Beaver Bay is a popular day-use area with amenities and rentals. For a unique challenge, the park features five 18-hole disc golf courses, attracting players of all skill levels. Thrill-seekers can test their mettle at the Adventure Park, complete with zip lines and obstacle courses.
From the serene beauty of the lake to the adrenaline rush of the adventure park, Farragut State Park provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
Camping and Accommodations
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, as campsites can fill up quickly. While hammocks are not permitted on trees in camping areas, the park provides ample space for tents and RVs. The campgrounds are generally well-maintained with clean bathrooms and hot showers available.
For those who prefer not to tent camp, the park may offer cabin rentals, providing a more comfortable stay while still immersing you in the natural surroundings. Planning your accommodation in advance is key to securing your spot in this sought-after destination.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit