When to go
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
Spring
Cool and green with the lakes rising; trail conditions are muddy in places and wildflowers bloom in the open Ponderosa pine meadows.
Pack Waterproof footwear for muddy trails, layers for variable spring weather, and a reservation for spring camping.
Summer
Warm and pleasant with the three lakes ideal for paddling, swimming, and fishing; the campgrounds and cottages are at full use.
Pack Sun protection, water, swimwear, and a paddleboard or kayak from the Rocky Point Marina rental fleet.
Fall
Crisp and beautiful with color on the hardwoods mixed through the Ponderosa forest and the lakes calm and quiet.
Pack Warm layers, a camera for lake reflections, and a fishing setup for the fall action on the three lakes.
Winter
Cold with the possibility of snow on the trail system; the park is quieter but cottages and cabins are available year-round.
Pack Full insulation, traction for icy trails, and a check on trail conditions given the 2026 windstorm blowdown noted on many routes.
Top things to do
Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
A paved 73-mile rail trail running through the park along the Coeur d'Alene River corridor and past the shores of Chatcolet Lake, one of the most scenic multi-use trails in the Pacific Northwest, accessible to cyclists, walkers, and inline skaters from the park's trail connections.
Three lakes and the Rocky Point Marina
Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden lakes offer paddling, fishing, and swimming, with kayaks, paddleboats, canoes, and paddleboards available for rent at the Rocky Point Marina and a new Chatcolet Marina opening for the 2026 season.
South Side Trail System
A multi-use equestrian and hiking trail system with five interconnected loops totaling about 7.4 miles through open Ponderosa pine forest, wildflower meadows, and ridge-top lake views above Chatcolet and Benewah lakes, built partly on CCC-era infrastructure.
Anchor the day around Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
Lock the boat, ferry, tide, or water access first, then fit the route list around that schedule. For one day in Heyburn State Park, make Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes the non-negotiable, add Three lakes and the Rocky Point Marina only if the first stop runs clean, and keep South Side Trail System as the flexible finish.
- 1Start with Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes: A paved 73-mile rail trail running through the park along the Coeur d'Alene River corridor and past the shores of Chatcolet Lake, one of the most scenic multi-use.
- 2Add Three lakes and the Rocky Point Marina: Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden lakes offer paddling, fishing, and swimming, with kayaks, paddleboats, canoes, and paddleboards available for rent at the Rocky Point.
- 3Use South Side Trail System as the optional finish, not as a reason to rush the whole day.
Plan your trip
Turn Heyburn's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around access
Plan the transfer before the trail list.
Plan your trip
4 quick tools, already seeded for Heyburn State Park. Tune the route, pack weight, weather margin, and overnight setup after the access plan is real.
What to pack
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Heyburn State Park packing list
0 of 22 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Decide what Heyburn State Park asks of your kit before you start checking boxes.
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
- First constraintHydration and exposureWater, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, Navigationmap, downloaded GPS, or a GPS watch, 3 more
- Route realityFooting and tractionHiking boots, Hiking socks, Trekking poles
- Load choicePack and carry systemDaypack
- If overnightSleep and shelterTent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad
Checklist mode
22 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
- Dates and season are set.
- Primary route, campground, or lodge is chosen.
- Water, footwear, and overnight needs are sized.
One researched pick
The first gear decision for Heyburn
A stable daypack is the one purchase that organizes water, layers, food, first aid, and the small safety margin.
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THE DAY-HIKE PICK
Osprey Talon 22
- Volume
- 22 L
- Weight
- 2 lb 1 oz (945 g)
- Back Panel
- AirScape foam with ventilation channels
- Hipbelt Pockets
- 2 zippered
- Hydration
- Compatible up to 3 L reservoir (sold separately)
- Warranty
- All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime repair or replace)
The Talon 22 is the daypack you see on the trail more than any other for good reason: it packs in a padded hipbelt, adjustable torso harness, and dual hipbelt pockets into a 22-liter package that handles loads up to 20 lb without complaint. Owners across hundreds of Amazon ratings consistently cite its adjustability and durability as standouts.
- Adjustable torso fit covers a wide range of body sizes
- Padded hipbelt and dual hipbelt pockets at this size are rare
- At 2 lb 1 oz it runs heavier than ultralight rivals for the same volume
Best for
Hikers who want a proven all-around daypack with solid load support, plenty of adjustment, and a warranty they can actually use.
Gear for Heyburn
The buying guides that match what Heyburn asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
Where to stay
Heyburn has 72 standard and 57 serviced campsites, 2 cabins (Osprey and Blue Heron at about $87 to $97 per night each sleeping 5), and 2 fully furnished lake cottages (Lakeview and Rocky Point at about $157 to $222 per night each sleeping 8). All are reservable through the Idaho system. The Scovel Education Center can be rented for groups. The town of Plummer is nearby, and Coeur d'Alene, about 37 miles north, adds the full range of lodging and services.
Camping reservations
Camping reservations
Reserve Heyburn campsites, cabins, and cottages through Idaho's getoutside.idaho.gov system.
The campgrounds, two cabins, and two lake cottages are all reservable through the Idaho state park system. Cottages and cabins have a minimum 3-night stay on weekends. Note that 2026 windstorms caused trail closures; check trail conditions before arriving.
Reviewed June 11, 2026
Booking window
Idaho State Parks uses getoutside.idaho.gov for reservations, available online or by calling 1-888-922-6743. Cottages require a minimum 3-night stay on weekends and holidays.
- Osprey and Blue Heron cabins run about $87 to $97 per night sleeping 5, with electricity and A/C but guests must bring bedding and kitchen gear.
- Lakeview and Rocky Point cottages run about $157 to $222 per night sleeping 8, with fully furnished kitchens; minimum 3-night stay on weekends and holidays.
- The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes runs directly through the park; hikers and cyclists should check current trail conditions for 2026 windstorm-related closures.
Where to book or verify
Official Idaho State Parks reservation system for Heyburn camping, cabins, and cottages.
Official Idaho Parks page for the three lakes, Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, and marina details.
Check for federal campground, backcountry, tour, and permit inventory tied to this park.
Campgrounds to know
Hawley's Landing, Benewah, and Chatcolet campgrounds
Details- Booking
- Reserve through getoutside.idaho.gov; Chatcolet targets late May opening.
- Season
- Hawley's Landing and Benewah open for the 2026 season; Chatcolet targeting late May 2026.
- Sites
- 72 standard and 57 serviced sites across three campgrounds on the three lakes; ADA sites and equestrian campsites available.
- Check current trail conditions before arriving; 2026 windstorms caused significant blowdown on many park trails.
Lakeview and Rocky Point cottages
Details- Booking
- Reserve through getoutside.idaho.gov; minimum 3-night stay on weekends.
- Season
- Open year-round.
- Sites
- Two 2-bedroom fully furnished cottages sleeping 8, about $157 to $222 per night.
- Email the cottage rental agreement to HEY@idpr.idaho.gov or mail to the park if booking direct.
Getting there and practical info
Treat the vehicle plan as part of the itinerary.
Road distance, road surface, fuel, and daylight can matter as much as the final trail or viewpoint.
Getting there
Get to Heyburn State Park, then make the road plan honest.
- Access rhythm
- Car required
- Region
- Idaho
Car strategy
Heyburn State Park is at 57 Chatcolet Road in Plummer, Idaho, about 37 miles south of Coeur d'Alene and 50 miles southeast of Spokane, Washington, in the northern Idaho panhandle.
Car strategy
Take Highway 95 south from Coeur d'Alene or US-95 north from Moscow and follow signs to Chatcolet Road.
Car strategy
The park entrance is on the shores of Chatcolet Lake.
Pair this with lodging: the closest bed is not always the simplest one if road time, road quality, or fuel stops dominate.
Can you photograph here? Permit and drone rules
Idaho issues no statewide permits and most cities require none; the real rule is the Idaho state parks filming permit with its 100 dollar application fee.
- Permit
- Usually fine for personal shoots; commercial or large productions can need a permit
- Drones
- Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107
- Land
- Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US
From our photography sister site, Aperture Authority. Verified 2026-07-01.
Frequently asked questions
What is Heyburn State Park known for?
Heyburn is the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest, established in 1908. It is known for its three connected lakes (Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden), the paved Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes running directly through the park, CCC-built structures from the 1930s still in use, and a complete range of outdoor recreation from paddling and fishing to hiking and cycling. The park offers everything from tent camping to fully furnished lake cottages.
Can you bike the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes at Heyburn State Park?
Yes. The paved Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, a 73-mile rail trail, passes directly through Heyburn State Park along the Coeur d'Alene River and Lake Chatcolet shoreline. It is open to cyclists, walkers, and inline skaters and is one of the most scenic multi-use trails in the Pacific Northwest. Note that 2026 windstorms caused some trail blowdown; check current conditions before planning a trip.
What kind of rentals are available at Heyburn State Park?
The Rocky Point Marina rents kayaks, paddleboats, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards for use on the three lakes. The Chatcolet Marina opened new slips for the 2026 season. The park also offers Osprey and Blue Heron cabins (sleeping 5, about $87 to $97 per night) and Lakeview and Rocky Point cottages (sleeping 8, about $157 to $222 per night), all reservable through getoutside.idaho.gov.
Are there any current closures or issues at Heyburn State Park?
Yes, as of 2026. Two major windstorms caused significant damage to the park's trail system, with extensive blowdown on many trails. Park staff do not anticipate having all trails fully open until mid to late summer 2026. Contact the Heyburn Visitor Center at (208) 686-1308 or email hey@idpr.idaho.gov for the most current trail status before planning a hiking trip.