Ririe Reservoir Blacktail Park
A picturesque day-use area on Ririe Reservoir, offering stunning mountain views, clean waters for recreation, and ample picnic facilities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Ririe Reservoir Blacktail Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque day-use area on Ririe Reservoir, offering stunning mountain views, clean waters for recreation, and ample picnic facilities.
"Perfect mix of relaxation and adventure with a beautiful lake and mountain backdrop!"
Bring Cash for Parking
Parking fees are cash only! Have $5 for weekdays and $10 for weekends/holidays ready. :moneybag:
Reserve Picnic Shelters
For guaranteed shade and seating, reserve larger picnic shelters in advance. Smaller ones are first-come, first-served. :parkwithshelter:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 613 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Lake
Ririe Reservoir
Enjoy swimming, kayaking, and jet skiing on a long, winding lake with stunning mountain backdrops.
Covered Picnic Shelters
Blacktail Park
Numerous well-placed, covered picnic areas with tables offer comfortable spots for day trips and gatherings.
Scenic Mountain Views
Surrounding Ririe Reservoir
The lake is framed by rugged mountains, offering breathtaking views from every turn.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Fees
Picnic Shelter Reservations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Parking
Parking fees are cash only! Have $5 for weekdays and $10 for weekends/holidays ready. :moneybag:
Reserve Picnic Shelters
For guaranteed shade and seating, reserve larger picnic shelters in advance. Smaller ones are first-come, first-served. :parkwithshelter:
Arrive Early on Weekends
To snag a good beach spot or FCFS picnic table, aim for an early arrival, especially on summer Saturdays. 🌅
Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along! The park is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for the whole family. 🐕
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Parking
Parking fees are cash only! Have $5 for weekdays and $10 for weekends/holidays ready. :moneybag:
Reserve Picnic Shelters
For guaranteed shade and seating, reserve larger picnic shelters in advance. Smaller ones are first-come, first-served. :parkwithshelter:
Arrive Early on Weekends
To snag a good beach spot or FCFS picnic table, aim for an early arrival, especially on summer Saturdays. 🌅
Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along! The park is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for the whole family. 🐕
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful, clean lake and stunning mountain scenery at Ririe Reservoir Blacktail Park. It's praised as a perfect spot for a day trip with ample space for water activities and well-maintained picnic areas. Some note the presence of wildlife droppings in grassy areas and the cash-only parking fees.
"Blacktail Day Use Area is beautiful! The lake sits against a rugged mountain backdrop and is super clean and well kept. We spent the day swimming with the kids, kayaking, and jet skiing — the lake is long and winds through the mountains, so every turn has a new view. Plenty of picnic spots (some reservable, others first come, first serve) and it’s also a great fishing spot. Perfect mix of relaxation and adventure!"
Tan. T.
"Really nice area that's well kept. About 20 min drive from Idaho Falls. Lots of permanent covered areas. The smaller ones are FCFS, and the larger ones are reservation only. Only downside is depending on what time of year you go lots of wildlife droppings in the grassy areas."
Tristan Rodeback
"PARKING FEE: cash only
WEEKDAY PARKING $5.00
HOLIDAY AND WEEKEND PARKING $10.00
WINTER PASS $30.00
SUMMER PASS $80.00"
Monica J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blacktail Park is conveniently located about a 20-minute drive from Idaho Falls, making it an easy day trip destination.
From Idaho Falls, you'll typically head east towards Ririe. Specific routes can vary, but GPS navigation is recommended for the most direct path.
Public transportation options to Ririe Reservoir Blacktail Park are very limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Yes, a winter pass is available for $30, indicating that the park is accessible during the colder months, though activities may be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking fees are cash only: $5.00 for weekdays and $10.00 for holidays and weekends. Seasonal passes are also available.
The primary fee is for parking. There isn't a separate per-person entrance fee, but you will pay for your vehicle's parking.
Yes, there are winter passes ($30) and summer passes ($80) for those who plan to visit multiple times during those seasons.
Yes, larger picnic shelters can be reserved in advance, while smaller ones are typically first-come, first-served.
While specific hours aren't listed, the availability of seasonal passes suggests it's open for extended periods during the warmer months. It's advisable to check local listings or call ahead for precise times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, jet skiing, paddleboarding, tubing, and fishing on the reservoir. The park also offers picnic areas and barbecues.
Absolutely! The lake is great for swimming and water sports, and there are plenty of picnic spots for family gatherings. It's a perfect day trip destination.
Yes, the lake is clean and well-kept, offering ample space for swimming. Many visitors enjoy spending the day in the water.
Yes, the park is dog-friendly, so you can bring your pets along for your visit.
Amenities include picnic tables, covered shelters, barbecues, and a boat launch. Restrooms are also available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Blacktail Park itself. Visitors typically bring their own food and utilize the picnic areas and barbecues.
Yes, barbecues are available for use at the park, making it a great spot for grilling and outdoor dining.
The park offers numerous picnic spots, including reservable covered shelters and first-come, first-served areas. Arriving early on busy days is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning mountain backdrops against the clear reservoir waters. The boat launch area and scenic lake views are particularly photogenic.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues.
The winding nature of the reservoir means new views appear around every bend. The area near the boat launch and any elevated points offer great perspectives.
Social
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