Summary
There are several good reasons to visit the park, including its beautiful lake, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities.
One of the main attractions of Round Lake State Park is its namesake lake, which is surrounded by lush forests and provides a tranquil environment for fishing, swimming, and boating. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water, making it ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding. Additionally, there are several hiking trails around the lake, offering scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer, elk, and a variety of bird species.
Visitors to Round Lake State Park can also explore the park's campground, which offers a range of facilities for both RV and tent camping. The campground provides a peaceful atmosphere, with spacious sites nestled among the trees. There are also picnic areas and a playground for families to enjoy.
Interesting facts about Round Lake State Park include its history as a popular destination for early settlers. The lake was originally used as a transportation route during the logging era, and remnants of the old logging industry can still be seen in the park. Furthermore, Round Lake State Park is home to the rare and endangered Idaho ground squirrel, making it a significant area for wildlife conservation.
The best time of year to visit Round Lake State Park largely depends on visitors' preferred activities. Summer is the peak season, offering warm weather for water-based activities and camping. However, spring and fall can be ideal for hiking and wildlife watching, as the park boasts beautiful foliage and quieter trails during these seasons. Winter also offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the park.
In order to ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the details provided about Round Lake State Park across multiple independent sources.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Round Lake Campgrounds
|
||
Round Lake State Park
|
||
Springy Point Campground
|
||
Springy Point
|
||
Riley Creek
|
||
Maiden Rock Campground
|