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.
Just weeks later, Idaho Parks and Recreation celebrated another milestone with the opening of Twin Peaks Ranch State Park, the state's first new state park since 2003. Acquired in 2025, the property expands Idaho's park system to 27 locations and preserves the character of a historic mountain retreat while offering modern amenities for today's visitors. The park features 24 overnight cabin accommodations along with a lodge that includes a full-service kitchen, shared dining space, and informal gathering areas ideal for retreats, meetings, and group events.
Like Kokanee Cove, Twin Peaks Ranch offers a flexible reservation model that supports both group and individual guests. Groups can reserve the entire property by working directly with park staff up to 12 months in advance. Nine months before arrival, any remaining cabins become available for individual online reservations, giving travelers more opportunities to experience the park while ensuring facilities remain available for organized events when needed.
Building on these innovations, Idaho is also introducing one of the nation's first state park reservation lottery applications for select high-demand experiences. Rather than relying on a first-come, first-served process that often favors those who happen to be available the moment reservations open, visitors submit a $10 application during a designated entry period. A randomized drawing gives every applicant an equal opportunity to secure a reservation, creating a fairer and more transparent process while eliminating the traditional online reservation scramble. The application fee also creates a new revenue stream for Idaho State Parks, helping support park operations while enhancing the visitor experience.
This blended reservation approach reflects Idaho State Parks' commitment to balancing operational flexibility with outstanding visitor service. By accommodating large group reservations well in advance, introducing a fair and transparent lottery process for select high-demand opportunities, and maintaining a robust online booking experience for individual guests, the parks can better serve a wide range of visitors while maximizing the use of these unique facilities. It also highlights how modern reservation technology, configurable business rules, and innovative allocation methods can help agencies adapt to different visitor needs, facility types, and booking windows without compromising the public experience.
"Idaho State Parks is very excited to see the popularity of these new areas grow," said Rebecca Honsinger, Reservations & Registrations Program Supervisor. "Come visit and book your stay today!"
As Idaho continues to grow its park system, projects like Kokanee Cove, Twin Peaks Ranch, and its innovative reservation lottery demonstrate how thoughtful facility design, equitable reservation strategies, and modern technology solutions can create more opportunities for people to gather, explore, and enjoy the state's remarkable outdoor spaces.
