North Park

Bruneau, Idaho

Verified · 3 independent sources

WATER: reservoir
ACCESS: Designated swim area
FEE: $20/night
SEASON: Varies by conditions

About North Park

North Park is an Idaho Power-operated campground and day-use area on the northwest corner of C.J. Strike Reservoir, about 23 miles south of Mountain Home and a few miles from Grand View and Bruneau, Idaho. The site pairs RV and tent camping with a boat ramp and designated swim areas along the reservoir shoreline, making it a convenient swimming hole and among the easiest places to swim near Grand View and Bruneau.

North Park sits on the shoreline of C.J. Strike Reservoir, a roughly 7,500-acre impoundment of the Snake River in the high-desert Owyhee country of southwestern Idaho, at the end of the Strike Dam cut-off road. Idaho Power, which built and operates the dam, manages the surrounding parkland as one of its network of reservoir campgrounds.

Swimming at North Park

Idaho Power's own facility listing for North Park names 'swim areas' among the site's amenities alongside its boat ramp, meaning the reservoir shoreline here is set up for casual lake-style swimming rather than a river current or waterfall plunge. No independent trip reports describing water depth, clarity, or entry conditions were found in this research session.

How to get to this swimming hole

Per Idaho Power, North Park is located 23 miles south of Mountain Home at the end of the Strike Dam cut-off road, on C.J. Strike Reservoir's northwest corner; it is roughly 3.5 miles from Grand View and 5.3 miles from Bruneau, Idaho.

The walk in

No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. North Park is a drive-up campground/day-use area at the end of the Strike Dam cut-off road; the swim area and boat ramp are on-site along the shoreline. The only path is a level waterfront walking path with interpretive signs, not a hiking trail, so no hike is needed to reach the water.

Plan your visit

Bringing kids

OK with supervision

Idaho Power lists a designated 'swim area' along the reservoir shoreline, suggesting calm, lake-style water rather than river current, but no source describes entry depth, slope, or supervision. Reservoir shorelines can drop off unevenly and there are no lifeguards at Idaho Power day-use parks, so caution with young kids is warranted despite the designated swim area.

Parking

Free

Day use (including parking) is free; Idaho Power's facility page does not specify a lot size or surface, only that the 18-acre park sits at the end of the Strike Dam cut-off road.

Restrooms

Yes

Restrooms are listed among the park's official amenities; exact building/vault-toilet type not specified by Idaho Power's site.

Hours

Day use is free with no specific hours published; overnight camping check-in is 2 p.m. and check-out 1 p.m. Mountain Time, with a 14-day stay limit.

On the water

Motorboats

Idaho Power's official facility page confirms a boat ramp at North Park, indicating motorized boat launching is allowed. No source was found explicitly confirming or restricting kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards, or stating any no-wake/electric-only zone, so those are left unconfirmed rather than guessed.

North Park: FAQ

Does North Park charge a fee?

Day use is free. Overnight camping: RV sites $20/night by credit card or $25/night cash/check; tent sites $15/night credit card or $20/night cash/check; picnic shelter reservation $75/day (includes a $25 non-refundable reservation fee), plus a $7 online or $15 phone booking fee. Per Idaho Power's site-status page, cash is not accepted for overnight stays on-site, payment must be an advance reservation or credit card at the kiosk.

Is North Park kid friendly?

Do I need to hike to reach North Park?

No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.

Where do I park for North Park?

Day use (including parking) is free; Idaho Power's facility page does not specify a lot size or surface, only that the 18-acre park sits at the end of the Strike Dam cut-off road.

Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to North Park?

What are the rules at North Park?

Idaho Power park-wide policies apply: 11 p.m.-6 a.m. noise curfew, pets must be leashed (6-foot leash) and cleaned up after, fires restricted to provided grills/fire rings, fireworks and discharge of firearms prohibited, and a family-friendly conduct standard (no profane displays). Maximum stay is 14 days; check-in 2 p.m., check-out 1 p.m. Mountain Time.