Here are 10 of the loveliest lakeside towns in Idaho, celebrated for their stunning natural beauty and charming communities:
- St. Charles (Bear Lake)
Known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its striking turquoise waters, Bear Lake is perfect for water sports, fishing, and relaxed lakeside living. The quaint town of St. Charles offers a peaceful, tight-knit community surrounded by forest and mountains. - Island Park (Island Park Reservoir)
A hidden gem with expansive water ideal for fishing, boating, and kayaking. The wilderness around Island Park provides endless hiking and mountain biking trails, making it ideal for nature lovers seeking solitude and adventure. - Cascade (Lake Cascade)
This vibrant town offers fishing, sailing, and windsurfing on the lake, plus nearby hiking trails. Cascade combines small-town charm with abundant outdoor activities, including parks and local restaurants. - Sandpoint (Lake Pend Oreille)
Idaho’s largest lake town, Sandpoint has a lively arts scene, festivals, and stunning mountain views. The expansive lake supports sailing, fishing, and water sports, with ski resorts nearby for winter fun. - McCall (Payette Lake)
Nestled around glacial Payette Lake, McCall boasts beautiful beaches, boat ramps, and fishing spots. The town hosts a famous Winter Carnival and offers hiking and skiing nearby, blending outdoor activity with cultural events. - Coolin (Priest Lake)
Surrounded by pristine wilderness in the Selkirk Mountains, Coolin is perfect for wilderness lovers. Priest Lake offers swimming, boating, hiking, and winter sports, with a very small, peaceful community. - Stanley (Redfish Lake)
Set against the Sawtooth Mountains, Redfish Lake is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking. Stanley’s small-town feel and spectacular natural backdrop offer a serene getaway. - Donnelly (Lake Cascade)
Located along Lake Cascade, Donnelly offers lakeside living combined with access to outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and hiking, ideal for families and retirees alike. - Bayview (Lake Pend Oreille)
A quiet, scenic town known for its slower pace and nature immersion. Bayview offers boating, hiking, and peaceful waters, making it a favorite hidden gem on Idaho’s largest lake. - Nampa (Lake Lowell)
Although better known for agriculture, Nampa is near Lake Lowell, which provides local fishing, boating, and birdwatching in a restful setting just outside the city.
These lakeside towns blend stunning water views, outdoor recreational opportunities, and charming small-town atmospheres, making Idaho a prime destination for lake lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.drgfl.com/lake-towns-in-idaho-10-beautiful-lakes-in-idaho-to-live-on-in-2024/)
[2](https://www.explore.com/1728594/lakeside-mountain-town-northern-idaho-scenic-hikes-floating-green-golf-course-coeur-dalene/)
[3](https://1043wowcountry.com/one-of-the-most-beautiful-lake-towns-in-the-u-s-is-in-idaho/)
[4](https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/6-best-lakeside-towns-in-idaho.html)
[5](https://globalgrasshopper.com/destinations/north-america/top-15-of-the-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-idaho/)
