I’m a Boise local and this guide to the best lakes near Boise will help you plan a fun-filled day on the water!
I cover easy-to-access spots, including one that you can bike to from downtown, along with day trips from Boise. Discover places where you can swim along shore, fish from well-stocked reservoirs, and even paddle through a wildlife refuge. Plus, I share boating destinations and backcountry options. Believe me, you won’t want to miss these hidden gems!
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9 Best Boise Lakes
Redfish Lake
This picture-perfect blue lake is nestled deep in the Sawtooth Mountains.
📍 Google Maps | Official Lake Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free. Parking lot gets extremely busy on weekends in the summer | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Stanley High Country Inn
Redfish Lake is one of the most popular lakes to visit near Boise. It boasts crystal-clear water and spans over 1,500 acres in the Sawtooth National Recreation area near Stanley.
Bring your own boat or rent one of the motorized or non-motorized crafts from the convenient lakeside marina. This lake is well-known for fishing and is home to a variety of species. These include rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, kokanee salmon, and mountain whitefish.
Enjoy the pristine beach or grab a bite to eat at Redfish Lodge while on a day trip. Alternatively, extend your visit by staying at Glacier View Campground. It’s one of the best places to go camping near Boise.
Payette Lake
Explore this expansive lake in McCall.
📍 Google Maps | Official Lake Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Best Western Plus McCall Lodge and Suites
Access this mountain lake from Ponderosa State Park on the western shore of downtown McCall. This tourist-friendly lake town lies north of Boise and offers plenty of restaurant and lodging options.
Payette Lake has many beach areas that are great for kids to swim near the shoreline. It’s also an excellent option for fishing and boating. You can rent various boats from the Mile High Marina or check out other rental services that deliver right to Payette Lake.
Lake Lowell
Take a short trip outside the city to one of Boise’s closest lakes.
📍 Google Maps | Official Lake Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nampa
Lake Lowell is a city park located just outside Nampa, a short 30-minute drive from Boise. This reservoir is in the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, so you’ll likely spot birds, deer, or other animals while visiting. Utilize one of the many picnic areas around the lake or stroll on the easy nature trails for a family-friendly outing.
Stanley Lake
This quiet lake retreat offers breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Mountains.
📍 Google Maps | Official Lake Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Redfish Riverside Inn
Stanley Lake is the best lake in the Sawtooths for kayaking and paddle boarding. This lake is smaller than the more popular Redfish, making it ideal for non-motorized water activities. Head here to escape the summertime crowds and keep an eye out for wildlife. Also, be sure to check out one of the many hiking trails in the area. They’re some of the best hikes near Boise.
Lake Cascade
Enjoy a variety of water sports at this gorgeous reservoir.
📍 Google Maps | Official Lake Website | 🅿️ Parking: Parking: $7 state park entrance fee. Free with the Idaho State Parks Passport | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hotel NoBo Cascade
Lake Cascade State Park is home to one of the largest lakes near Boise, perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. It rarely feels crowded since the lake is so big. This is true even on a busy summer day. It has great beaches, picnic tables, boat ramps, and swimming areas. This lake is even a popular spot for ice fishing in the winter!
Be sure to check out Tamarack Resort while you’re here. This ski resort is open all year and offers a variety of fun activities in every season.
Lucky Peak Lake
This is one of the closest lakes to Boise, accessible via a short drive or bike ride.
📍 Google Maps | Official Lake Website | 🅿️ Parking: $7 state park entrance fee. Free with the Idaho State Parks Passport | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Best Western Northwest Lodge
Lucky Peak Lake is part of Lucky Peak State Park, which includes Sandy Point and Discovery Park. This park is just 15 minutes from downtown Boise by car. Alternatively, take a 9-mile bike ride down the famous Boise River Greenbelt, one of the best things to do in Boise.
This lake is a booming spot for motorized boats. But there are plenty of smaller areas that are ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding. Be sure to check out the connected Arrowrock Reservoir, too!
Pettit Lake
Set out on a backcountry adventure from this quiet alpine lake.
📍 Google Maps | Official Lake Website | 🅿️ Parking: $6 day use fee | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Stanley High Country Inn
Pettit Lake is the start of many backpacking and hiking trails in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Take a fun day hike along the 7.5-mile out-and-back trail to Alice Lake if you’re feeling adventurous. Otherwise, enjoy swimming, canoeing, fishing, or kayaking on this quiet alpine lake.
CJ Strike Reservoir
Check out one of the most popular fishing lakes in southeast Idaho.
📍 Google Maps | Official Lake Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites
CJ Strike Reservoir is an anglers paradise and one of the best lakes in Idaho for fishing. It is open year-round and home to a variety of fish species. This includes crappie, bass, catfish, perch, rainbow trout, and sturgeon. The excellent fishing opportunities make this reservoir a must-visit location for any fisherman.
Anderson Ranch Reservoir
Escape the crowds at this large reservoir north of Mountain Home.
📍 Google Maps | Official Lake Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites
Anderson Ranch Reservoir is located in the Boise National Forest, north of Mountain Home. This reservoir has four boat ramps and plenty of camping options nearby. The high desert scenery and excellent fishing opportunities are my favorite features at Anderson Ranch. Be sure to check out the Anderson Ranch Dam while you’re there!
FAQs About Lakes in Boise
What are the best lakes near Boise for swimming?
The best lakes near Bose for swimming are Payette Lake and Redfish Lake. Both feature dedicated swim beaches, plus other water activities.
What are the best lakes near Boise for boating?
The best lakes near Boise for boating are Redfish Lake and Payette Lake. These expansive bodies of water have on-site marinas with rental services. Lake Cascade is also ideal for boating and marina construction plans were recently approved.
What are the nearest lakes to Boise?
The nearest lakes to Boise are Lucky Peak Lake and Lake Lowell. From downtown Boise, you can drive to these lakes in 15 and 30 minutes, respectively.
What is the largest lake near Boise, Idaho?
The largest lake near Boise, Idaho is Lake Cascade. Its surface area spans 47 square miles.
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Hopefully, this list of the top lakes near Boise has helped you plan your next trip! Check out my guide on where to stay in Boise for more travel tips on the City of Trees.
