BLM’s Blackwell Island Recreation Site in Coeur d’Alene to open May 22

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Boating season on Lake Coeur d’Alene is on the horizon and on May 22, 2025, the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) popular Blackwell Island Recreation Site will reopen for the season. The four boat launch lanes at Blackwell Island provide public access to the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene for boating, fishing, and other summer recreation activities. The recreation site is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. through mid-October.

BLM’s Blackwell Island Recreation Site offers users over 130 truck and trailer parking spaces, picnicking, a native plant garden and wildlife viewing along the boardwalk nature trail. 

In 2024, the BLM completed the process to update the fee structure at Blackwell Island. A fee increase has been implemented and is now in effect due to the rising cost of operation and maintenance of the site. Costs to maintain Blackwell Island have nearly tripled since the last fee update in 2012. Visitors planning to use Blackwell Island can purchase a day pass for $12, or a season pass voucher for $80 at one of the credit card machines located near the parking areas or at the Coeur d’Alene District Office. Season pass vouchers are then redeemable within five days for a vehicle tag by visiting the BLM’s Coeur d’Alene District Office located at 3232 W. Nursery Road in Coeur d’Alene, between the weekday hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Proceeds from recreation fees collected at the site directly support maintenance and other improvements at Blackwell. In the past, improvements include repairing the docks and gangplanks, replacing the nature trail boardwalk, re-sealing and striping the parking lot and more.

Some of these maintenance activities may take place while the site is open. Visitors may experience delays due to construction activities at the site, we ask for patience and understanding. Please be aware of your surroundings as construction crews could be in the area. The maintenance and upgrades taking place will ensure continued enjoyment of the Blackwell Island Recreation Site by public recreators for many years to come. 

For additional information about BLM’s Blackwell Island Recreation Site please visit https://www.blm.gov/visit/blackwell-island-recreation-site-0, or call the Coeur d’Alene District Office at 208-769-5000.