National Parks in Idaho
10 NPS units in Idaho — complete visitor guides with fees, hours, hiking, camping, and seasonal tips.
Visiting National Parks in Idaho
Idaho is home to 10 units managed by the National Park Service, ranging from 1 full national parks to historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a multi-week adventure, Idaho's national parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.
Before your visit, make sure to check current entrance fees, operating hours, and any active alerts — all updated daily on each park's page. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units and is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks in Idaho.
National Parks in Idaho
Other NPS Units in Idaho
California
National Historic Trail
Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the…
City Of Rocks
National Reserve
Described by California Trail emigrants as “a city of tall spires,” “steeple…
Craters Of The Moon
National Monument & Preserve
Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with…
Hagerman Fossil Beds
National Monument
During the Pliocene, this place looked quite different. Lush wetlands, forests, and…
Ice Age Floods
National Geologic Trail
At the end of the last Ice Age, 18,000 to 15,000 years…
Lewis & Clark
National Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through…
Minidoka
National Historic Site
During World War II, over 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were forcibly…
Nez Perce
National Historical Park
Since time immemorial, the valleys, prairies, mountains, and plateaus of the inland…
Oregon
National Historic Trail
Imagine yourself an emigrant headed for Oregon: would promises of lush farmlands…
Planning Your Idaho National Park Trip
- →Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer the best combination of good weather, open facilities, and manageable crowds across Idaho's parks.
- →America the Beautiful Pass: At $80/year, this annual pass covers entrance to all 10+ NPS units in Idaho and all other NPS units nationwide.
- →Book early: Lodging and campsite reservations at popular parks fill up months in advance. Plan and book as early as possible, especially for summer visits.
- →Check alerts: Road closures, fire restrictions, and seasonal closures can affect your plans. Check each park's page for current alerts before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks are in Idaho?
Idaho has 1 designated national parks and 10 total NPS-managed units, including monuments, recreation areas, and historic sites.
What is the best national park to visit in Idaho?
The best park depends on your interests. Yellowstone is one of the most popular options. Browse the parks above to find the one that matches your travel style.
Do I need a pass to visit national parks in Idaho?
Most NPS units in Idaho charge an entrance fee. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all of them and is great value if you plan to visit more than 2-3 parks.
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.