Rigby Lake Jefferson County
A clear, spring-fed lake offering swimming, water sports, and a scenic campground. Perfect for family fun and budget-friendly escapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Rigby Lake Jefferson County
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A clear, spring-fed lake offering swimming, water sports, and a scenic campground. Perfect for family fun and budget-friendly escapes.
"This is the best swimming lake to enjoy! Plenty of places to find a private spot on the sand to relax."
🚗 Easy Access
Conveniently located less than a mile from Rigby, making it a quick getaway.
💰 Affordable Stays
Campground rates are budget-friendly, offering great value for the beauty.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
Jefferson County Lake
Swim, kayak, or paddleboard in the remarkably clear, spring-fed waters. It's a refreshing escape from mossy lake bottoms.
Family Fun Slide
Beach area
Kids (and adults!) love the large water slide in the middle of the lake for endless aquatic amusement.
Scenic Campground Views
Jefferson County Lake Campground
Enjoy beautiful lake views from well-maintained sites with concrete pads and fire rings. Perfect for RVs and tents.
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Pet-Friendly Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚗 Easy Access
Conveniently located less than a mile from Rigby, making it a quick getaway.
💰 Affordable Stays
Campground rates are budget-friendly, offering great value for the beauty.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Zones
Designated areas welcome dogs, but watch out for pokey plants.
🛶 Water Toy Rentals
Rent kayaks and paddleboats for fun on the water.
Paddle boarding nearby?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access
Conveniently located less than a mile from Rigby, making it a quick getaway.
💰 Affordable Stays
Campground rates are budget-friendly, offering great value for the beauty.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Zones
Designated areas welcome dogs, but watch out for pokey plants.
🛶 Water Toy Rentals
Rent kayaks and paddleboats for fun on the water.
⚠️ Water Caution
Water can be chilly early summer and murky late August due to potential bacteria.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Rigby Lake's exceptionally clear, spring-fed waters, making it a top choice for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The adjacent campground is praised for its beautiful lake views, affordable rates, and well-maintained sites. Some minor drawbacks include potential water chilliness early in the season, a risk of bacteria later in August, and the presence of pokey plants in some areas.
"This is my first time going to the lake. It was much better than most other lakes where they have the squishy mossy bottoms. It was nice to kayak and paddleboard. It gets packed! In the area that we ended up sitting at so many FoxTails and pokies that we stepped on that that was my only reason for not giving it five stars. I do wish that they would open it up to go to the other side of the lake. That is a campground as well. At least for a day use. But now that I know where to go I will park in the grass our area where the dogs are welcome."
Erieka Pimentel
"This is the best swimming lake to enjoy! Plenty of places to find a private spot on the sand to relax and catch some rays. I highly recommend!"
Bella Broadbent
"We just discovered this campground because we drove by it. I have no idea why it never comes up when you do a Google search for campgrounds near Rexburg. We are so glad we found it. It's by far the most beautiful RV campground in the whole area. Each spot has a concrete pad, a fire ring and a picnic table. It has water and electric but no sewer or dump station. However, Lakeside RV a block away has a dump station for $5 and there is a Sinclair nearby that also has a dump station for $5 and they refill propane tanks and I hear they have the best prices around. It's 10 minutes south of Rexburg. You can stay as long as you want but you can only book for 6 nights in a row. Then you can book another 6 nights at a different spot. We stayed for 11 nights. They have pit toilets that are surprisingly clean and don't smell, 2 playgrounds, but no shower or laundry. We stayed in sites 8 and 12 and both were wonderful with shade trees and a beautiful view. I loved waking up in the morning to see a beautiful lake out my bedroom window. The lake is actually an aquafer (underground spring) so it's super clear and clean unlike most lakes. One side of the lake has a beach and my kids and I swam in the lake and they especially loved the big slide in the middle of the lake. We floated with tubes and noodles. They have kayaks and paddleboats to rent for $15 an hour. There is a walking path around the campground and a lovely little river that travels alongside the walking path. Each year in September they have Buddies Not Bullies event on the beach. We happened to be here for the event. They had lots of old cars and cool cars. My boys loved the burnout contest. They had music, a free bounce house for kids, food trucks and the radio station was here. The campground closes for the winter in October but they leave the walking trail open. $30 a night was cheaper than any other place around and this campground is far more beautiful than any other one in the area. Definitely will be back."
Shauna Hatch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rigby Lake, also known as Jefferson County Lake, is located about 10 minutes south of Rexburg, Idaho, and less than a mile from Rigby. It's easily accessible by car via Route 20.
Yes, it's conveniently located near Rigby. Some reviewers noted it doesn't always come up in general Google searches for campgrounds, so using 'Jefferson County Lake Campground' might be more effective.
Driving is the most practical way to reach Rigby Lake, especially if you plan to bring your own water toys or camping gear.
Public transport options are limited in this area. Driving is highly recommended for easy access to Rigby Lake and its surrounding attractions.
Rigby Lake is approximately a 10-minute drive south of Rexburg, making it a convenient destination for a day trip or a short stay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Rigby Lake itself is generally free for day use. However, there are fees for camping at the Jefferson County Lake Campground.
The lake is typically open for day use during daylight hours. The campground has specific operating seasons, usually closing in October for the winter.
Camping fees are around $30 per night, which is considered affordable compared to other local campgrounds.
Yes, you can reserve campsites, but be aware that the online reservation system might have issues with pet additions. It's recommended to call the Park Manager if you encounter problems. You can book for up to 6 nights consecutively at one spot.
Pets are generally allowed, especially in designated dog-friendly areas. However, be cautious of foxtails and pokey plants.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, kayak, paddleboard, float with tubes, and enjoy the beach. The campground offers playgrounds and walking paths.
Yes, it's considered a great swimming lake with clear, spring-fed water. However, it can be chilly in early summer and potentially murky with bacteria in late August.
Yes, kayaks and paddleboats are available for rent at the lake for about $15 per hour.
Restrooms are available. The campground has pit toilets that are surprisingly clean and odor-free, but there are no showers.
The campground offers concrete pads, fire rings, picnic tables, water, and electricity. It also has two playgrounds and a walking path.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't permanent restaurants directly at the lake, food trucks are often present, especially during events.
Absolutely! Picnic tables are available at the campground sites, and there are plenty of sandy spots on the beach for a picnic.
Rigby is a small town with dining options, and Rexburg is a short drive away, offering a wider variety of restaurants and grocery stores.
Food truck offerings can vary, but they often cater to a casual crowd with options like burgers, snacks, and drinks, especially during events.
Yes, a nearby Sinclair station reportedly offers propane refills and competitive prices.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the clear blue water, the sandy beach, the campground sites with lake views, and the surrounding natural beauty. Sunrises and sunsets over the lake can be stunning.
The open spaces around the lake and campground could offer good opportunities for drone photography, but always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
The large water slide in the lake and the scenic walking paths along the river offer unique photographic subjects.
Events like the 'Buddies Not Bullies' car show offer great opportunities for vibrant event photography, including classic cars and burnout contests.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For camping families, the campground offers basic amenities like water and electricity, with clean pit toilets. While there are no showers, the affordable rates and beautiful lake views make it a worthwhile option. Bringing your own water toys like tubes and noodles is highly recommended for extra fun on the water.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there are small fees for renting kayaks or paddleboats, bringing your own gear can save money. Nearby towns like Rigby and Rexburg offer grocery stores for self-catering, and the availability of food trucks during events can provide affordable meal options. Dump station services are also available for a nominal fee nearby.
🐶 Pet Owners
While pets are generally permitted, it's always a good idea to confirm specific rules with the park management, especially if you encounter any issues with online reservation systems. Ensuring your pet is leashed and cleaned up after will contribute to a positive experience for everyone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Rigby Lake's Water
However, this pristine water source also has its quirks. While generally cool and refreshing, the water temperature can be quite chilly from June to early August. By mid to late August, as the water becomes more stagnant, there's a reported risk of bacteria that can cause rashes. Visitors are advised to be aware of these conditions and perhaps opt for shorter swims or stick to cooler parts of the day during this period.
The lake is also home to a large water slide, adding an element of fun for families. While rentals for kayaks and paddleboats are available, many visitors bring their own water toys to make the most of the clear conditions.
Jefferson County Lake Campground Experience
While the campground offers water and electricity, it notably lacks sewer hookups and a dump station. However, a nearby RV park and a Sinclair station provide convenient dump station services for a small fee. The campground also features surprisingly clean pit toilets that don't emit unpleasant odors, along with two playgrounds for children.
Campers can enjoy a walking path around the campground and a pleasant river that runs alongside it. The park manager is often highlighted for being helpful and accommodating, especially regarding pet policies, which can sometimes be a point of confusion on the reservation site. The campground closes for the season in October but keeps its walking trails open.
Events and Activities at Rigby Lake
These events transform the usually serene lake into a hub of activity. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle of car shows and the energy of live performances. The presence of food trucks ensures that attendees can grab a bite while enjoying the festivities.
Even outside of organized events, the lake offers a variety of activities. From kayaking and paddleboarding on its clear waters to simply relaxing on the sandy beach, there's something for everyone. The campground's amenities, like playgrounds and walking paths, further enhance the visitor experience, making it a versatile destination for both day-trippers and longer stays.
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