Former naval training base a forested wonder on Lake Pend Oreille

An expanse of conifers and sandy beaches hugs the shoreline.

Frigid fresh air stings the cheeks when snow caps the mountains in the distance. Cool breezes soothe sunburned skin on hot summer days when the waters of Lake Pend Oreille offer swimmers salvation from the sun's beating rays.

From campers and disc golfers to Boy Scouts and sailors, countless visitors to Farragut State Park have frolicked in its majesty and enjoyed the natural environment where numerous activities and adventures can be found.

"With over 4,000 acres, Farragut State Park ranks among the top state parks in Idaho for visitation, recreation opportunities and camping demand with an average of more than half a million visitors a year," officials at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation shared with the North Idaho Business Journal. "Originally a World War II naval training station, the park preserves its historic roots while offering recreation opportunities now and for future generations."

Farragut Naval Training Station was named for David Farragut, the first admiral in the U.S. Navy and the leading naval officer during the Civil War. 

"Ground was broken in March 1942, and by September the base had a population of 55,000, making it the largest city in Idaho," reads the history on parksandrecreation.idaho.gov. "Liberty trains to Spokane ran three times daily. At the time, Farragut was the second-largest naval training center in the world."

The base was open for 30 months. In that time, nearly 300,000 soldiers trained on the Farragut grounds. The last recruit graduated in March 1945 and the base was decommissioned in June 1946.

During its World War II era, Farragut Naval Training Station was used as a prisoner of war camp. Nearly 900 German POWs worked as gardeners and maintenance men.

The site served as the Farragut College and Technical Institute from 1946-1949 but did not reopen in late 1949 because of financial challenges. History buffs are welcome to discover Farragut's past for themselves at the Museum at the Brig, which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The land at Farragut was transferred to the state in 1949. It became a state park in 1965. The park adjoins the deep-water Lake Pend Oreille, where the Navy maintains the Acoustic Research Detachment submarine research center in Bayview.

Farragut State Park has long been a site for Boy Scouts to explore as they conduct projects and participate in campouts and other activities. From July 31 to Aug. 9, 1969, the 12th World Scout Jamboree was held at the park. The Scouts watched a delayed broadcast of the historic moon landing that summer, during which Neil Armstrong, an Eagle Scout, gave the Jamboree a shout-out from space.

With most military buildings long gone, the park has about 270 campsites/RV sites and some basic cabins in a vast natural setting. According to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Farragut saw 102,998 campers in 2024, along with 478,737 day-use visitors, based on traffic counters and motor vehicle entrance fees. Camping fees alone generated $1,368,331 at Farragut State Park in 2023.

"By providing well-maintained spaces for RV travelers, tent campers and outdoor enthusiasts, Idaho’s state parks — including Farragut State Park — help drive tourism, local business growth and job creation," Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation officials said. "Park revenue also supports park maintenance, staffing, infrastructure improvements and conservation efforts."

Farragut State Park, like all state parks, is primarily funded by user fees, although Farragut does benefit from federal grants for specific projects, such as trail maintenance, infrastructure improvements and outdoor recreation programs.

The park operates with 10 full-time staff members, 15-18 seasonal staff and 60-70 volunteers.

The Peterson Group Camp is the most significant upcoming project at Farragut. It is currently under construction with a planned completion in summer 2026. This new facility will accommodate group camping needs, offering tent pads, RV sites and camper cabins in a shared space with amenities like a group shelter, fire pit and restrooms.

"The project addresses the rising demand for group camping experiences while maintaining a balance with traditional camping and conservation efforts," Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation officials said. 

Recreational opportunities at Farragut include disc golf, a radio-controlled airplane field, fishing, hiking, biking and equestrian facilities.

The park is also rich in biodiversity, home to dozens of bird species and a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, chickadees, snowshoe hares, badgers, Columbian ground squirrels, white tail deer, occasional moose, elk and cougar.

Visit Farragut at 13550 E. Highway 54, Athol. Call 1-888-9-CAMPID or 1-888-922-6743 for park reservations.

    An RV is camped out at Farragut State Park. Farragut has about 270 campsites/RV sites and some basic cabins in a vast natural setting. According to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Farragut saw 102,998 campers in 2024, along with 478,737 day-use visitors, based on traffic counters and motor vehicle entrance fees. Camping fees alone generated $1,368,331 at Farragut State Park in 2023.
  

    The Friendship Tower at Farragut State Park is a collection of 12 60- foot poles representing the 12 Boy Scout World Jamborees. Metal bands encircle the poles and read "For friendship" in three languages.
  

    A "Women of World War II" exhibit was erected at the Museum at the Brig at Farragut State Park in 2017 to honor women who contributed to the war effort.