Camas Country
A Great Place to Fish
A Summer Interpretive Program
Day Use Area
Lakeside Trails provide
peaceful moments and great fishing hideaways
Winchester Lake State Park
- Located in Lewis County, 1/2 mile west of the town of Winchester, 36 miles south of Lewiston
- Elevation is 3,902 feet
- Open year round
Winchester Lake State Park is in a forested area at the foot of the Craig Mountains. The 103-acre lake is surrounded by 211 acres of park land.
Wildlife most commonly observed includes white-tailed deer, beaver,
raccoon, muskrat, otter and painted turtle. Numerous small mammals
are also present. A variety of birds observed include Great Blue
Heron, Bald Eagle, Canadian Geese, Steller's Jay, Turkey, Grouse
along with several duck species of which the American Coot is
the most common.
The most popular activity is fishing for rainbow trout, which
are planted annually by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
The lake also supports populations of large mouth bass, perch,
crappie and catfish. Because of the lake's size, boats are limited
to no gas motors.
Camping at the park goes hand-in-hand with fishing. Evening is
the time to relax by the fire enjoying stories about the ones
that got away. Several trails are available for the person who
wants to relax and investigate the parks natural areas. The most
popular trail encompasses the lake.
History
In 1910, the Craig Mountain Lumber Company built a sawmill near Lapwai Creek and laid out the town of Winchester for its employees. A dam was constructed across Lapwai Creek to form the log storage pond that is now Winchester Lake.
By 1965, most of the mature timber in the area had been cut and the saw mill was closed. The lake and adjacent land was acquired by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game soon afterwards. In 1969, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation assumed management of the land and developed the park, which has become a favorite spot for fishing, picnicking, camping and just relaxing.
Yurts
Nestled in the pines near the lake are domed, circular tents called yurts. Hardwood lattice walls and clear plexiglass skylight roofs make the yurt fully insulated and designed to withstand high winds and heavy snowloads. Lockable wood doors and windows offer security and added protection from the outside elements. They are modeled after the dwellings of Northern China's Mongolian herdsmen.
Each yurt is furnished with a bunk bed, futon, and table with
chairs. They are equipped with electric lights, outlets and heater.
Outdoor fire grills have been provided for cooking. Each unit
comfortably sleeps five. Yurts are available on a first-come,
first-serve basis. Reservations can be made by calling (208)
799-5015.
Activities
Summer
o Camping 75 units, 50 w/hook-ups
o Fishing
o Picnicking
o Boating no gas motors
o Hiking
Winter
o Camping 25 units, no hook-ups
o Ice fishing
o Ice skating
o Cross-country skiing
o Snow shoeing
Local Services
o Lodging
o Restaurants
o Gas
o Propane
o Fishing supplies and licenses
o Groceries
o Worship services
o Hospitals in Cottonwood and Grangeville
