A Guide to Henry's Lake State Park: Fishing, Camping & More
9 min read · Updated March 2026
Overview
Nestled at 6,472 feet in the Centennial Mountains just 15 miles from Yellowstone's West Entrance, Henry's Lake State Park sits on the shores of one of the finest trophy trout fisheries in the American West. The 585-acre park offers camping, cabins, hiking trails, and boat access to the 6,000-acre lake.
From Lodgepole Pines Retreat, Henry's Lake is just a 25-minute drive north — making it an easy morning fishing trip or a full day of lakeside relaxation.
World-Class Fishing
Henry's Lake is legendary among anglers. The primary species are:
Yellowstone Cutthroat
2–5 lbs avg
The primary species with distinctive red-orange 'cheek pads.'
Brook Trout
1–3 lbs avg
Colorful native char, often caught near inlet streams.
Cut-Bow Hybrids
4–10+ lbs
The trophies — cross between cutthroat and rainbow.
For guided trips, BS Flies offers full-day guided trips including nearby Sheridan Lake — a private 400-acre fly-fishing-only impoundment ($625/day). See our best fly fishing spots and beginner's guide.
Henry's Lake Fishing Season
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Season | Memorial Day weekend – November 30 |
| Daily Limit | 2 trout, only 1 over 20 inches |
| License | Idaho license required ($14/day non-resident) |
| Best Months | June (opener) and September–October |
*Regulations subject to change. Verify at idfg.idaho.gov.
Camping & Cabins
🏕️ Campsites
Water & electric hookups (30/50 amp) · $20–$31/night · Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets · RV-friendly
🏠 Cabins
Sleeps 5 · Heat & AC · $50–$85/night · Book at idahostateparks.reserveamerica.com
Prefer a private cabin? Lodgepole Pines Retreat is 25 minutes away and sleeps up to 12.
Trails & Wildlife
The park features gentle nature trails along the lakeshore — excellent for birdwatching (osprey, bald eagles, pelicans, sandhill cranes). Moose are commonly spotted near marshy inlets. See our Island Park kids hiking guide.
Boating & Water Activities
The park has a boat ramp with dock access. Both motorized and non-motorized boats allowed. The shallow lake (avg ~8 feet) gets choppy in afternoon winds — plan boat time for early morning.
Season, Hours & Fees
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Park Season | Late May – September |
| Day-Use Fee | $7/vehicle (Idaho residents $5) |
| Camping | $20–$31/night (W/E hookups) |
| Cabins | $50–$85/night (sleeps 5) |
Getting There from Island Park
Drive north on US-20 for about 20 miles. Turn left onto the signed Henry's Lake State Park road. Total: ~25 minutes from Lodgepole Pines Retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of fish are in Henry's Lake?
Yellowstone cutthroat, brook trout, and cut-bow hybrids. Fish average 3–5 lbs, with trophies reaching 10+ pounds.
How much does camping cost?
$20–$31/night for campsites with hookups. Cabins are $50–$85/night.
When is the park open?
Late May through September. Fishing season runs Memorial Day weekend through November 30.
Can I swim in Henry's Lake?
Technically yes, but the water is cold (55–65°F) and the bottom is soft. It's primarily a fishing and boating lake.