Sandy beach
Yes
Cliff jumping
No
Hike-in Required
No
Sensitive Habitat
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The North Shore Day use area at Redfish Lake offers two group picnic areas and some of the best swimming at the lake. Families claim their beach spots early to ensure their direct access to the crystal clear waters of the alpine lake all day. The beaches on the north shore are the best for swimming as they are shallower than other swimming areas. Swimmers are enticed to venture from the beach to check out one of the few diving platforms on the north end of the lake.

The picnic areas, one on the waterfront and one in the trees, can be reserved during the summer months. Both sites have a maximum capacity of 150 people, but parking is limited to 10 cars. The fees for reserving the group sites depend on the day of the week and the number of expected occupants.

The closest campground to the day use area is Glacier View, but all of the campgrounds are within a few miles with the exception of Point Campground, which is on the other side of the lake near the lodge.

Redfish Lake is one of Idaho's top summer destinations, and it's easy to see why. The 5-mile by 1-mile lake offers plenty of swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, and camping opportunities, while the surrounding Sawtooth Mountains are ideal for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding.

Be sure to check out the local trails, and there's even a ferry shuttle should you want a lift to the hiking trails at the south end of the lake. Should you need any additional provisions, stop by the General Store near the lodge for ice, propane, snacks, and even ice cream treats. 

Logistics + Planning

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Pros

Beautiful beaches. Great group sites.

Cons

Small parking area fills quickly.

Location

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.