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High in the Caribou–Targhee National Forest, 90 miles northeast of Idaho Falls, Henrys Lake is a stone’s throw from the Continental Divide and the western boundary of Yellowstone National Park. Situated in a wide, flat basin, and surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks, this shallow alpine lake is as popular with migrating birds as it is with local sport fishers. The small state park at Henrys Lake is a great spot for spending a few days fishing, lounging and wildlife watching, or for exploring some of the area’s other attractions, including Yellowstone, Harriman State Park, Mesa Falls, and various hiking, horseback, and ATV trails.
Campers visiting Henrys Lake State Park will find more than 80 tent and RV sites situated near the lake’s eastern shore. Sites are equipped with electrical and water hookups, picnic tables, and fire pits with cooking grills. Some sites are ADA accessible. Campground amenities include flush restrooms, showers, picnic areas. A dump station is located onsite. The park also has a few camping cabins for rent. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Camping is available from mid-May through mid-October. Sites are $20–$31/night; cabins are $50–$55/night; reservations are accepted.
For fishing on the lake, the park has a boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Yellowstone cutthroat is the most common at Henrys Lake, but there is also a significant number of cutthroat-rainbow (cut-bow) hybrids. Paddlers can launch from the beach area; kayak rentals are available. Wildlife watching from the park’s 3 miles of hiking and biking trails—as well as the lake’s shoreline–can be exceptional. Besides the prolific number of migrating birds, including waterfowl, eagles and hawks, there are frequent sightings of deer, moose, and antelope. The park also hosts seasonal nature programs.
From town: Go N on US-20, then 2 mi W on access road.
This was a fantastic stay for our short time at Yellowstone. An amazing park with good power and water, but no septic nor sani-station.
Clean bathrooms and showers, fantastic trails, and a gorgeous lake.
We lucked out and had storms both nights - so the light show over the lake was pretty spectacular. Got to see a Moose cow and her calf running through the lakeside forest finding shelter in the storm.
The lot was paved, but had a slight incline. We booked online so we didn't interact with anyone working there, but the care and maintenance was obvious.
We'll definitely return.
Traveling with the family and wanted to find a place to swim. We went for a few hours and it was fun. They loan the kayaks for free, have an RV park (we didn’t stayed overnight, so I don’t have any comments on that), and a beach.
The views are great but the beach is very rocky and there’s leeches in the water. It was still good to go in the water for a bit and kayak around the lake.
we stayed here for a week. It's a very beautiful campground to stay, about 20 min. from West Yellowstone . We enjoyed the scenery. We were at spot 83 and we can see the lake right from our RV, this park is very well maintained and has a good service!! I would highly recommend it !! We will stay here again
We had a great time exploring this park while staying nearby on the lake. Beth at the front station was very helpful and made sure we knew all the safety rules of the lake. We took out the kayaks for a few hours and they were in good shape as were the paddles and life jackets. The trail around the park was beautiful but please bring bear spray! Overall, a great place to spend a few hours. There are leeches in the water so watch out!!
I camped here this summer for a week, and I still find myself thinking about Henry's Lake everyday! This is definitely a place I will visit for the rest of my life. The lake is beautiful, fishing is good, and the mountains are so so amazing. A short drive to GTNP, and an even shorter one to Yellowstone! The bathrooms were insanely clean, and staff was the friendliest I experienced throughout my trip. If you don't want to pay the high prices of staying in a NP, Henry's Lake is the place for you! I absolutely cannot wait to be back in Idaho!!
