Idaho State Parks Expands Opportunities for Group Gatherings with Innovative Reservation Model

Idaho State Parks continues to invest in memorable outdoor experiences with the addition of new overnight and group facilities designed to serve families, organizations, and communities. Two recent projects, Kokanee Cove at Ponderosa State Park and the newly opened Twin Peaks Ranch State Park, showcase how thoughtful planning, flexible reservation policies, and modern technology solutions can make state parks more accessible for both large groups and individual visitors.

At Kokanee Cove in Ponderosa State Park, visitors can reserve six cabins and an event center together as a single group destination. Groups may contact the park to reserve the entire complex up to 12 months in advance, providing certainty for reunions, retreats, educational programs, and other special events. Nine months before arrival, any remaining availability transitions to individual online reservations, allowing the public to book cabins while maximizing occupancy throughout the season. Reservations opened in November 2025 through IDPR’s reservation system powered by Brandt, connecting Idaho’s flexible reservation strategy with the modern technology needed to support a seamless booking experience. The facility celebrated its grand opening on June 1, 2026.

To read more, visit NASPD’s July 2026 VISTAS Newsletter.