28.4K Safer Swimming Holes in East Idaho by endovereric
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Packsaddle Lake
Tetonia, Idaho
9.3 miles W of Tetonia, IdahoPacksaddle Lake is a little-known gem tucked into the Big Hole Mountains west of Tetonia, Idaho — a small, cold, tree-ringed mountain lake with a rope swing, a hidden-away feel, and glimpses of the Tetons on the way in. It sees a fraction of the crowds of the more famous Teton-side lakes, which is a big part of its charm, but earning that solitude takes a rough drive and a steep little hike.
Getting there is the crux. The access road is genuinely rough — a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended, and drivers of cars and minivans report needing some creative maneuvering to pick their way up. About 0.4 miles below the trailhead the road takes a steep, washed-out turn, and there are good pull-offs where you can simply park and walk the rest. From the upper trailhead it's a short but steep descent of around 300 feet in under half a mile down to the water; you'll spot the lake from the top of the trail, and switchbacks make the grade manageable.
At the lake you'll find a small camp area on the eastern shore and a rope swing out over the water — swing out far enough, since the lake shallows and drops off quickly near the edge, and the water is bracingly cold. It's a fun spot to swim, float (bring an inflatable if you can), picnic, and cool off after the hike in. Mountain bikers can also reach the lake by a longer, climbing singletrack from the lower trailhead that serves up beautiful Teton views before dropping to the water.
A few seasonal notes: the mosquitoes can be fierce up top in early summer (they ease off down by the lake), so bring repellent, and water levels drop as the season goes on. Snow lingers on the high road into early summer and returns in fall — more than one group has gotten a vehicle stuck in an early- or late-season snow squall up here.
The Big Hole Mountains that cradle the lake are a quieter, lower range just west of the Tetons, laced with trails and dotted with small lakes — a locals' playground for hiking, mountain biking, and hunting that rarely feels crowded. Packsaddle is one of its little treasures: a place to swing off the rope, float away an afternoon, cast for the occasional trout, or pitch a tent for a low-key overnight under the stars. On the drive and hike in, the reward is those signature Teton views rising to the east over the intervening ridges.
Come prepared for backcountry conditions: there are no facilities, so carry plenty of water, sun protection, and everything you'll need, and pack out all your trash. For those willing to brave the road, Packsaddle Lake is a rewarding, off-the-radar escape in the quiet Big Hole Mountains.
Jefferson County Lake (AKA Rigby Lake)
Rigby, Idaho
2.0 miles N of Rigby, IdahoJefferson County Lake — known to everyone in the area simply as Rigby Lake — is a beloved man-made swimming lake and county park just outside Rigby, Idaho, about a 20-minute drive from Idaho Falls or Rexburg. In a landlocked stretch of eastern Idaho, it's the closest thing to a day at the beach: a broad sandy shoreline, warm-but-refreshing water, floating docks, and a summer crowd of families making the most of the season.
Jefferson County has invested heavily in the park over the years, and it shows. A wide sandy beach runs along much of the south shore — perfect for sandcastles and burying kids up to their necks — and a line of buoys separates the shallow, protected swimming area from the open water beyond. Out on the west end sit two floating docks, the big draw for many visitors: they're anchored over deep water that's great for jumping and diving, and one dock has a slide that launches you out over the lake. Beyond the buoys, the open water fills with canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, and rentals are often available on site if you didn't bring your own.
The amenities round out a full family day: two playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, large and small covered pavilions, restrooms, a seasonal food truck, and a campground on the north end for those who want to stay the night. It's well maintained and genuinely set up for a crowd, yet regulars note that even on a packed weekend the water itself rarely feels crowded — you can usually walk right up to the dock slide without much of a wait.
A few practical details. The park charges a modest day-use fee — currently around $5 per vehicle (walk-in or bike-in about $3), or a $30 season pass (not valid for camping) — and it's generally open daily from about 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Because the lake is filled with irrigation water, the season is weather- and water-dependent: it typically fills enough for swimming around June 1 and stays good through about the end of September before it's drawn down for the year.
Come summer, bring what makes a beach day: sunscreen, chairs or a canopy for the grassy area above the sand, and floats or inner tubes, which reviewers say really add to the fun. The water tends to run cool but comfortable — refreshing without being shivery. And the lake has a fun second life in the cold months: once it's drawn down and frozen, the basin becomes a popular local sledding spot, with no fee to park in winter. However you catch it, Rigby Lake is a genuine eastern-Idaho institution — a little slice of the beach in the middle of the high desert.
Horseshoe Lake
Ashton, Idaho
18.3 miles E of Ashton, IdahoHorseshoe Lake is a tranquil, tucked-away gem hidden in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Ashton, in the Island Park country of eastern Idaho. Ringed by pines and dotted with lily pads, this peaceful little lake is a favorite for those who like their water quiet, clear, and free of the roar of motorboats — in fact, motorized boats aren't allowed, which keeps the whole place serene.
Getting there is easy: a well-maintained forest road leads to the lake, with plenty of pull-outs and parking once you arrive. The shoreline slopes in gradually, making it great for wading and easy for kids to splash around, while the middle deepens into water plenty deep enough for swimming, paddling, and a refreshing dip on a hot summer day. A youth camp maintains a floating dock out toward the center that's often open for anyone to use — a perfect launch pad for jumping into the cool water.
It's an ideal spot for paddling. Bring a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and you can glide across the glassy surface, weave among the lily pads, and explore the quiet coves at your own pace. Anglers do well here too, casting for trout in the calm water, and the surrounding forest offers dispersed camping for those who want to linger overnight under the stars.
Summer is the sweet spot, when the water warms up and the lily pads are in bloom. Pack a picnic, your paddle, and your swimsuit, and remember to pack out everything you bring in to keep this little lake as pristine as you found it.
Peaceful, scenic, and refreshingly uncrowded, Horseshoe Lake is the kind of hidden Idaho water that makes the search worthwhile.
Egin Lakes
Saint Anthony, Idaho
8.9 miles W of Saint Anthony, IdahoEgin Lakes is one of the favorite gateways to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. The lakes themselves are unusually shallow and where you'll actually find a lake depends greatly on what time of the summer you go. The earlier in the year, the larger the lake. If you do find a lake, you'll find plenty of shallow areas for water games. The 2-3 feet deep areas are great for tackle football, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, or any other running game you want to take to the water. If you come early in the summer you'll find the lake extended pretty far east into the sandiest parts. It's the closest you'll find to a real beach in Southeast Idaho.
There is a $5 per vehicle access fee which gets you into a great parking lot, parts store, showers. The Egin Lakes Campground also offers a potable water system, RV dump station and 48 improved camp units, including electrical service. If you do ride ATVs at the dunes, be sure to take all proper precautions, including a flag for visibility.
Big Springs
Island Park, Idaho
7.6 miles NE of Island Park, IdahoThere's also a great little walking trail along the river with placards that tell about the ecosystem and history of the area. There's about a 1/2 mile that's paved and then a 1/2 mile of dirt trail. The trail is NOT a loop. The trailhead is on the South West side of the bridge. There's a great spot to feed the fish under the West side of the bridge so bring some quarters to buy fish food. The trail to Johnny Sack's Cabin is on the North Side of the Cabin.
Campground (Fee Required)
This campground Is located on the Ashton·lsland Park Ranger District, comprising nearly 650,000 acres of National Forest System lands. Numerous amenities are offered such as single and double sites which Includes fire rings. utlllty tables. picnic tables, and reslrooms. This campground is situated nen to the beautiful Henry's Fork shaded by Lodgepole Pines. Come In and relax with friends and family. Head on out and explore the Big Springs Interpretative Trail which starts at the bridge Just Outside the campground. Be sure to visit the historical Johnny Sack Cabin, offering a unique Insight Into the history of the Big Springs Area. Just follow the asphalt walkway which will take you to the cabin Just north of the campground. Explore the historical, cultural, geological, and recreational resources this area has to offer.
Take a scenic drive south along the Mesa Falls Scenic By·Way. Stop by the Mesa Falls Visitor Center for an interpretative tour and captivating view of Upper Falls. A two mile Interpretative hiking uall will offer you a view of Canyon Rim.
Length of Stay: Forest Order
Camping or occupying a Single site for a period longer than 16 consecutive days Is prohibited. After leaving a site, a minimum of 7 days Is required before any group or person(s) from that group may reoccupy their original location.
This limit of stay restriction Is necessary to reduce displacment of other Forest desiring to occupy a particular campsite, and reducing the opportunity for visitor or group of visitors from monopolizing a campsite for long periods time (in excess of 16 days).
Fire Safety: Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires
Make sure your fire is DEAD OUT
- NEVER leave a fire unattended.
- Keep your fires small. Firewood Is available for sale. See campground host.
- Check with campground host for current fire restrictions.
- Use existing fire rings. Scrape away litter end any other burnable material within a l0 foot-diameter circle surrounding the fire ring.
- Make sure all wood fits inside the fire ring.
- To put out a campfire, slowly pour water onto the fire and stir with a shovel until all material is cool to the touch.
- Do not bury your fire. The coals can smolder and re-ignite.
- Make sure the fire is dead out. Many wildfires have been caused by abandoned campfires.
Bear Country: Required Food Storage Order
Your Safety Is Important to Us
All food and other items that might attract bears must be stored where bears cannot access them at night and during the daytime when unattended. Attended means that a person is physically present within 100 feet and in direct sight of the food.
What are bear attractants?
- All food and anything that contacted food. This includes full or empty coolers, packaging, boxes, cans, bottles, dirty dishes and silverware, etc.
- All beverages and beverage containers, full or empty (including water)
- All garbage, food scraps, and cooking grease. Never dump grease, beverages, or scraps on the ground.
- Never leave garbage in your fire pit or outside.
- Pet food and pet food bowls.
- Gas cans.
- Grills. Burn grill for at least 5 minutes after use to get rid of any residues. Clorox the grease trap.
Anything with a strong odor is an attractant for bears. Attractants must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. If you are away from your campsite or asleep at night in your test/trailer/RV, these attractants MUST BE STORED. You may be fined if you do not properly store your attractants. If you cannot properly store your attractants, inform the campground host and a bear resistant container may be provided for you.
What is bear resistant storage?
Acceptable places to store and dispose of your attractants are inside a hard-sided trailer, an enclosed vehicle, inside a bear dumpster or trash can (this campground has bear-resistant dumpster). Coolers, tents, underneath your RV/trailer the back of pick-up trucks, boxes, beverage bottles, canned goods, soft-sided trailers, and other containers are not bear resistant. All garbage must go to bear-resistant dumpsters. Garbage must never be left outside unattended. If the dumpster is full, you must take your trash back with you and inform the campground host of the situation.
NOTICE: ATV and Motorcycle use is prohibited
ATVs and motorcycles are prohibited from use in this campground. The following are exempt:
- Licensed street legal motorcycles.
- Vehicles used by handicapped individuals.
- Vehicles used by campground hosts for their official duties.
ATVs and motorcycles may be trailered into the campground, kept in the campsite on a trailer, or parked at a location designated by the campground host.
Educate Yourself
Contact the Island Park or Ashton Ranger Station for information on which areas are open to ATVs.
If you have a Dog: Keep your pet secure at all times
In the national forest, you and your dog could meet people, horses, mountain bikes, ATVs, other dogs, and wild animals. Help make the outdoor experience enjoyable for you, your dog and all the forest's users by following these safety tips:
- Please remove all feces before vacating your site.
- Give your dog plenty of water and rest, and watch for signs of stress and fatigue.
- Keep your dog leashed and under control in campgrounds. Secure your pet in a shady spot and give it lots of attention to minimize barking.
- If you encounter wild animals, respect them by restraining your dog.
Fireworks are prohibited
Fireworks or other explosives are prohibited within campgrounds and other recreation sites.
Fishing Rules: A fishing license is required to fish in this forest
- A state fishing license is required to fish in this national forest.
- A fishing license can be purchased over-the-counter at various stores in the local area. For more information, contact Idaho Fish and Game.
Blacktail Day Use Area
Ririe, Idaho
3.9 miles SE of Ririe, IdahoTucked onto the north end of Ririe Reservoir east of Idaho Falls, the Blacktail Day Use Area is eastern Idaho's go-to spot for cliff jumping and lakeside thrills. While the main reservoir draws boaters and swimmers, this rugged little park is all about the rocks — a string of cliffs above clear, deep water that has made it a summer rite of passage for adventurous locals.
From the south end of the parking lot, a trail leads down along the cliffs to a series of jumping spots that range from low, beginner-friendly ledges just above the water all the way up to dramatic perches as high as 80 feet. Whether you want a gentle splash or a serious leap, there's a launch point to match your nerve — and the same cliffs draw rock climbers looking to scramble the rugged shoreline.
Cliff jumping is genuinely dangerous, so use your head. Always check the water depth and watch for submerged or shifting rocks before you jump, since conditions and water levels change through the season. Start low, never dive headfirst, never jump into water you haven't checked, and skip the higher ledges unless you really know the spot. There are no lifeguards here, so look out for each other and know your limits.
The Blacktail Day Use Area is managed by Bonneville County, with a modest day-use fee (around $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends and holidays). Summer is the season, when the water's warm and the cliffs are busy with sun-seekers; weekday mornings are quieter if you'd rather have a little more room.
Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes for the rocky trail, pack out everything you bring in, and you'll see why this cliff-lined corner of Ririe Reservoir is one of eastern Idaho's most exhilarating summer hangouts.
