Established Camping
Alturas Inlet Campground
Alturas Inlet Campground, near Stanley, Idaho, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the summer heat and enjoy the beauty of nature. With its cozy sites nestled among the trees, it’s perfect for tent camping, RVs, or even glamping.
The campground is right by the pristine Alturas Lake, making it a prime location for canoeing and kayaking. Visitors have raved about the shady forest surroundings, where you can spot birds and chipmunks while enjoying the wildflowers that bloom in early summer. One camper noted, “This is one of the most gorgeous locations for camping,” highlighting the stunning scenery that surrounds you.
Facilities include clean vault toilets and water spigots, ensuring you have what you need without sacrificing the natural vibe. Campers appreciate the spaciousness of the sites, which offer enough privacy thanks to the trees and plant life. Just remember to bring layers, as it can get cool at night even in July.
If you’re looking to explore, you’re just a short drive from Stanley, where you can find supplies and other activities. With friendly site managers and a welcoming atmosphere, Alturas Inlet Campground is a great launching point for your outdoor adventures.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Sawtooth National Forest
Overview
Alturas Lake Inlet Campground is located on the shores of scenic Alturas Lake at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountain Range.
Recreation
This site is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. Alturas Lake offers excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for bull trout and Kokanee salmon. The 10-mile round trip Alpine Meadows Trail begins nearby, with spectacular canyon, meadow and alpine lake views. The trail is also a popular area for bird watching.
Natural Features
Alturas Creek runs through the campground, where summer wildflowers are plentiful and a mixed-growth conifer forest provides partial shade. Temperatures are cool, with an average summer high of 78 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.
Nearby Attractions
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers a myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities, and an estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains. Perkins Lake is less than 2 miles away, with excellent fishing and canoeing. Pettit and Yellowbelly Lakes are nearby, with more fishing, canoeing and hiking. The Salmon River offers fishing for rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat trout and occasional hybrid cutbows and bull trout. Popular area events include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair and Fireman's Ball in September.
Location
Alturas Inlet Campground is located in Idaho
Directions
From Highway 75, turn onto Forest Road 205/Alturas Lake Road. Travel approximately 3 miles to the campground.
Address
SAWTOOTH NRA
Stanley, ID 83340
Coordinates
43.9 N
114.8830556 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TFair
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
