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Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Lake Walcott

Minidoka, Idaho · Minidoka County

Located in South central Idaho within the Minidoka Wildlife Refuge. Lake Walcott is administered by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Created by Minidoka Dam, which is part of the Mindoka Project. Boat fishing on Lake Walcott is permitted from April 1 through September 30…

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42.67493, -113.48313
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About Lake Walcott

Located in South central Idaho within the Minidoka Wildlife Refuge. Lake Walcott is administered by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Created by Minidoka Dam, which is part of the Mindoka Project. Boat fishing on Lake Walcott is permitted from April 1 through September 30 in designated areas. Approximately 5 miles of shoreline are available for year-round bank fishing. Available species include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, and yellow perch. Reservoir acre feet and total reservoir capacity and cubic feet/second release rates for rivers below Upper Snake River Basin reservoirs and select river locations are updated daily and graphically provided. Site offers: dump station, flush toilets, drinking water, hiking, pull-through camping sites, barrier-free access. Boat ramp elevations. Historic Walcott Park, located on the west end of Lake Walcott, once housed an experimental farm, housing for Bureau of Reclamation workers, a resort, and a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. Stone retaining walls built by CCC workers still stand. A kiosk on the park's south end describes the park's history with a series of interpretive panels.

Plan Your Visit to Lake Walcott

Heading to Lake Walcott? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Lake Walcott?

No central reservation system listed for Lake Walcott. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/115) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Lake Walcott?

Directions: Located 13 miles northeast of Rupert off Interstate 86.

How do I contact Lake Walcott?

You can reach the park at phone: 208-436-1258 or email: PNinfo@usbr.gov.