Sandy Point Beach In Idaho – Complete Visitor Guide
Looking for a great way to cool down on these hot Idaho days? We recently visited Sandy Point Beach, a hidden gem for those who want a relaxing day at a lakeside beach.
Where It Is & How To Get There
Sandy Point sits at the base of Lucky Peak Dam, just off Highway 21 on the drive between Boise and Idaho City. It’s only about 15-20 minutes from downtown. With our phone carrier, we didn’t have any signal at the beach, so saving an offline map for the area is recommend if you plan to explore beyond the beach itself.
Entry Fees & Hours
Admission is $7 per vehicle (waived if you have an Idaho State Parks Passport). The gates close after 8:00 PM.
The Beach
Expect a broad crescent of sand that’s more coarse and grainy than powder-fine—great for castle-building but gentle enough on bare feet. Because the cove is protected by the dam wall, the water stays calm and shallow for quite a distance, perfect for families with younger kids. On most days you’ll share the shoreline with a few geese and opportunistic seagulls scouting for dropped chips, so keep your snacks sealed.
There are water features close to shore for younger children, and a large fountain spout in the middle of the water makes for a fun paddle boarding experience.
The water can be quite cold, even in the middle of Summer. While many still swim, traversing the water with a paddle board or only dipping your feet in may be preferable.
Amenities On Site
- Two sand volleyball courts sit just back from the waterline—bring a ball, rent one, or join a pick-up game.
- A shaded picnic lawn with tables and charcoal grills offers relief from midday sun.
- Clean restrooms and individual changing stalls are located steps from the parking lot.
- A seasonal concession stand sells cold drinks, refreshing shaved-ice, and other beachy treats when you need to cool down fast.
- An onsite rental shack stocks paddle boards, kayaks, and tubes; the going rate when we visited was about $20 for the first hour on a paddle board.
Money-Saving Tip
If you already own water toys, toss them in the car—rentals add up quickly. The beach is large enough that you’ll have plenty of room to launch without feeling crowded even on busy weekends.
Rules Worth Noting
- No pets are allowed on the beach (dogs are welcome at the Discovery Park unit downriver if you want to bring them along for the ride).
- Alcohol is technically prohibited, and rangers do patrol.
- Glass containers are banned for obvious safety reasons.
Final thoughts
Between the ample sand, mellow water, and handy perks like on-site food and volleyball, Sandy Point is an easy day-trip escape when the valley heat starts to climb. Pack plenty of water, sun protection, and your own water toys, and you’ll be set for a fun Idaho summer afternoon! We’ll definitely be going back.
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