Heyburn State Park

Heyburn State Park holds the distinction of being Idaho’s oldest state park, established in 1908 along the southern shores of Chatcolet Lake and Lake Coeur d’Alene. Located in the Panhandle region of northern Idaho, the park covers more than 5,700 acres of mixed forest, wetlands, and open water. It draws visitors who want genuine lake access, quiet paddling routes, and wooded campgrounds without the crowds that follow more heavily promoted destinations in the region.

Lake Access and Paddling

Water is the heart of Heyburn. The park touches three connected lakes, Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden, and offers boat launches, swimming beaches, and miles of shoreline to explore by kayak or canoe. Paddlers can move between the lakes through connecting channels, passing through marshland and beneath overhanging trees. This is one of the more rewarding flatwater paddling experiences in the Idaho Panhandle, particularly in the early morning when motorboat traffic is light and the water is calm. Bring your own boat or rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard at Rocky Point Marina if you plan to paddle.

Swimming is permitted at designated beach areas, and the lake water typically warms enough for comfortable swimming by midsummer. Fishing is popular throughout the park, with anglers targeting bass, perch, and northern pike from shore and by boat.

Camping Along the Water and in the Trees

Heyburn offers several distinct campground areas, giving visitors a choice between lakeside sites with direct water views and more secluded forested sites further from the shore. Hawley’s Landing and Chatcolet campgrounds sit close to the water and fill quickly on summer weekends. Benewah campground offers a quieter option, while Rocky Point is a marina/day-use and cottage area rather than a main campground. The park also has a group camp area and several cabins available for reservation. Full hookup sites, partial hookup sites, and primitive tent sites are all available, making the park workable for RVs and tent campers alike. Camping fees vary by site type, so check the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation website when planning.

Trails Through the Coeur d’Alene Wetlands

The park’s trail system runs through a range of terrain, from flat wetland boardwalks to hillside paths with elevated views over the lakes. The Chatcolet Lake Trail follows the shoreline and connects several use areas, making it a practical route for walking between campgrounds as well as a pleasant hike on its own. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a paved rail-to-trail path, passes through the park and is one of the finest multi-use trails in the Pacific Northwest. It runs 73 miles total from Mullan to Plummer, and the section through Heyburn is flat, well-maintained, and open to cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians. This alone draws many visitors to the park.

Hillside trails on the eastern side of the park climb through ponderosa pine and offer views back over the water. These are less traveled and provide a good contrast to the busier lakefront areas.

History and Context

Heyburn was named for Idaho Senator Weldon Brinton Heyburn, who championed early federal land conservation efforts. The park’s creation predates the National Park Service by eight years, and its long history is part of what gives the place its character. The land around the lakes was traditionally home to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, whose deep connection to these waters continues today. The nearby Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes was built in collaboration with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and understanding that context adds meaning to any visit.

Pet Policy

Pets are welcome at Heyburn State Park and must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. This applies on trails, in campgrounds, and in day-use areas. Pets are not permitted on designated swimming beaches. Owners are required to clean up after their animals. Given the presence of wildlife throughout the park, keeping pets leashed and under control is both a park rule and a practical safety measure.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

Black bears live in the forested areas of the park and are occasionally seen near campgrounds and on trails, particularly in the evening hours. Store all food, coolers, and scented items in your vehicle or a hard-sided container and never leave food unattended at a campsite. If you encounter a bear on a trail, make noise, do not run, and give it space to move away.

Rattlesnakes may occur in northern Idaho; check with Heyburn State Park staff for current wildlife guidance before hiking rocky or dry hillside trails. They are most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. Watch where you step and where you place your hands when scrambling over rocks. Wearing closed-toe shoes on all trails is a straightforward precaution.

White-tailed deer are common throughout the park and frequently wander through campsites. They may look approachable, but feeding them is not allowed and creates problems for both the animals and other visitors. Keep food secured and admire them from a respectful distance.

Practical Information

Heyburn State Park is located near Plummer, Idaho, approximately 35 miles south of Coeur d’Alene. Access the park via State Highway 5 to Chatcolet Road. The park is open year-round, though some facilities close in the off-season. Day-use areas require a $7 per vehicle fee, and an annual Idaho State Parks passport is available as an alternative for frequent visitors. Camping fees vary by site type and can be confirmed through the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation reservation system at getoutside.idaho.gov. Summer weekends book up well in advance, and reservations are strongly recommended between June and August.