Lake Walcott

Make no bones about it, Lake Walcott is an excellent camping choice for those looking for an Idaho outdoor adventure a little off the beaten path. Though the campground is located in the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, you won’t need to sacrifice too many mod-cons during your stay. Sites come with 30 amp electricity and water hookups, as well as access to showers.

The location isn’t bad to look at, either! The campsites are shaded by mature trees, though the trade-off is that not all sites have views of the lake just a bone’s throw away. The main draw is the wildlife watching. You might well feel like you’re in a Disney movie, seeing the deer and jackrabbits casually wandering through camp. Best to keep a tight leash on your furry friend if they have a tendency to tear after small, scurrying critters! Avid birders might want to keep an eye out for wood ducks, geese, shorebirds, and even the odd pelican.

Lake Walcott also offers plenty of ways to stay. There are primitive sites available for those who want a more rustic experience (or to save a few bucks), as well as a group camp that fits up to forty people. Cabins are also available to rent, but you’ll need to leave your buddy at home if you’d like a little more luxury. There’s a $5 entrance fee to the park, and sites start at $10. Reservations are essential during peak season (May to September), particularly if you’ll need to stay at one of the accessible sites or the group site.

You and your four-pawed pal are sure to find plenty to see and do during your stay! The area around the lake itself is fairly developed and features several activities that might be of interest to non-furry family members, including a disc golf course. Keen anglers might be glad to know that the lake is stocked with all sorts of species of bass and trout. While the paved paths around the lake make for a nice, sedate stroll, serious hound-dog hikers might want to venture fur-ther afield to the wildlife refuge proper to find their entertainment.

WiFi is available at Lake Walcott, and all cellular networks should receive at least some service. Fires are permitted, and you’ll find drinking water available on-site. Remember to bring waste bags for your doggo, and have a pawesome trip!