Skip the Ocean:

Beat the Heat With These Lakeside Idaho Beaches

by Laurie McConnell

A father and son walking along the beach at Bear Lake, carrying a stand up paddleboard. — Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Bear Lake State Park, St. Charles. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Summer is fast approaching, which means it’s time to slip into your flip-flops and hit the beach!

Now you might be asking yourself, “Does Idaho have beaches?” The answer is yes! There are, in fact, numerous lakes with beaches in Idaho.

While many Idaho lakes are in the mountains or remote locations, there are plenty of options that are easily accessible, family-friendly and have loads of activities and amenities nearby. This summer, build your own family memories with your kids and grandkids at one of these lakeside Idaho beaches.

Best Idaho Beaches for Swimming and Water Sports

A man tossing his daughter in the water at Lake Coeur d'Alene, with buildings, a marina and a forest in the background. — Swimming, Lake Coeur d’Alene, Coeur d’Alene. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Redfish Lake, Stanley

If you’re craving a summer getaway, Redfish Lake is a great spot to cool off with your crew. Unwind on the beach or rent anything that floats, from paddleboards and canoes to kayaks and paddle boats. Take a lake cruise or a shuttle ride to the main trailhead for the Redfish Lake Drainage.

Bear Lake, St. Charles

Located in the state’s southeast corner, Bear Lake spans the Idaho–Utah border. Often called the “Caribbean of the Rockies” due to its intense turquoise blue water, the lake is best known for its waterskiing, swimming, sailing, Jet Skiing and fishing. Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and watercraft of all sorts can be rented at North Beach.

Priest Lake, Coolin

Situated in northern Idaho, Priest Lake is a must-visit for sand-seekers. Some of the lodging properties along the lake are beachfront, making both water recreation and relaxing a breeze. Blue Diamond Marina offers rentals, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and a variety of powerboats. Head to Priest Lake State Park for day-use areas with large sandy beaches and designated swimming areas.

Groups of people kayaking on Priest Lake, with a forest and mountains in the distance. — Kayaking, Priest Lake State Park, Coolin. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Dierkes Lake, Twin Falls

Less than a mile from Shoshone Falls, Dierkes Lake is a popular destination for some fun in the sun. Gather around a picnic table for a barbecue, or cool off with some kayaking and canoeing. If you’re looking to get in touch with your adventurous side, don your scuba gear and venture beneath the water to discover sunken rowboats, a hidden treasure chest and more.

Sandy Point Beach, Boise

Poised at the foot of Lucky Peak Dam, 34-acre Sandy Point Beach boasts an expansive swimming area complete with water features and two beach volleyball courts. Round out your day with some disc golf, or treat yourself to a picnic beneath a shady tree.

A family carrying floaties running into the water at Sandy Point Beach. — Lucky Peak State Park, Sandy Point Beach, near Boise. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Best Idaho Beaches for Camping

Sailboats with colorful sails docked on the beach at Lake Cascade. — Sailboats ready for the day at Lake Cascade. Photo credit: Idaho State Parks.

Lake Cascade, Cascade

Lake Cascade State Park is the place to be for those seeking lake-view camping. While you’re here, swim at the beach, take a boat tour or rent WaveRunners, boats and anything else you might need from surrounding rental shops.

Payette Lake, McCall

If you’re looking for a place to pitch your tent this summer, head to Ponderosa State Park for picture-perfect views of Payette Lake, along with boating and fishing. Wiggle your toes in the warm sand, enjoy a scenic cruise with McCall Lake Cruises or romp on Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboards from Mile High Marina.

Lake Coeur d’Alene, Coeur d’Alene. Photo credit: Visit Idaho

Best Idaho Beaches for You & Your Pup

Lake Coeur d’Alene, Coeur d’Alene

There are more than 55 lakes within driving distance of Coeur d’Alene, but none more scenic and full of activities than Lake Coeur d’Alene itself. Offering lake cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding, seaplane tours and waterfront dining, there’s no shortage of things to do! To top it off, Coeur d’Alene is home to plenty of dog-friendly adventures, including McEuen Park and Tubbs Hill Beach.

Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint

Lake Pend Oreille holds the honor of being Idaho’s largest and deepest lake, making it an excellent destination for a summer escape. Its shoreline is dotted with rental cabins and unique places to stay, and nearby Farragut State Park offers public beach access and spectacular views of the water. Sandpoint’s City Beach is another local favorite, perfect for swimming or launching a kayak. Dog Beach Park, just a few minutes away, is a great place to play in the sand with your pup. While you’re in town, visit the local marinas for rentals and services, and don’t miss your chance to take a narrated lake cruise aboard the Shawnodese.

A woman and three children building sandcastles and playing in the water at Bear Lake. — Bear Lake State Park, St. Charles. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Tips for Visiting Beaches in Idaho

Plan ahead! Some popular inns in more remote locations—like Redfish Lake Lodge—are booked six months or more in advance. But don’t panic if it’s already summer and you haven’t made a reservation yet. Check for cancellations or expand your lodging choices to include guest ranches, bed and breakfasts, cabins and campgrounds.
Many lakeside communities host summer music festivals and concert series, so grab a lawn chair and let the kids dance the evening away under the stars. The Festival at Sandpoint is held on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in late July/early August and Redfish Lake Lodge hosts music on the lawn on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
When camping by water sources, remember federal guidelines state you must be at least 200 feet away from the water source.