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Camping

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.

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Location

Alturas Inlet Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

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

Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2021

A Sawtooth gem

If you was beautiful, off the beaten path, yet still within an easy drive to supplies and activities you certainly will love this place.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by Nancy C., July 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by Nancy C., July 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by Nancy C., July 26, 2021
  • (35) View All
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2021

Good escape from the summer heat

Alturas Lake Inlet campground is tucked into the lovely, shady forest around it. We saw plenty of birds, chipmunks and tiny wildflowers were all over our site in early July. The lake is a short walk but some campers drove over just to make it easier to tote their chairs and water gear. Bring layers - it can is cool in the evenings and at night (40s F) even in July but warm in the day, especially if you are out by the lake. We tent camped at site 17 and although it was near one of the many vault toilets, smaller trash dumpsters, and water spigots, our site was bigger and we set up a decent distance from it. Most sites seemed to have a good distance between each other and enough privacy courtesy of trees and various plant life. We didn’t have any issues, but there plenty of signs reminding campers to be bear aware. (We are pretty careful to keep our food, cooking supplies, toiletries and whatnot in our car when not in use anyway). We did not have cell service (Verizon) and it was a bit of a drive before we got it again. Overall, it’s a beautiful retreat well suited to escaping the heat of summer if you have a tent or small trailer/pull behind.

Site17
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by Jeane L., July 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by Jeane L., July 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by Jeane L., July 7, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2021

Great Launching Point

Close to Stanley, great site managers, and nearby lakes/trails make this a great place for all campers! (Our rig was 33ft class A)

Site4 & 5
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by Tim , July 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by Tim , July 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by Tim , July 4, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 22, 2021

Great spot

Cozy and pretty spacious spots. Right near the lake

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by William P., April 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by William P., April 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by William P., April 22, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2016

Serenity found!

This is one of the most gorgeous locations for camping. The campground is right on the lake which is perfect for those of us who like to bring our canoes and kayaks. It is well cared for and clean. The toilet is a also stocked and clean. The lake itself is pristine and beautiful. I recommend highly!

  • Review photo of Alturas Inlet Campground by Lisa A., July 16, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Alturas Inlet Campground?

    Alturas Inlet Campground allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Alturas Inlet Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Alturas Inlet Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Alturas Inlet Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Alturas Inlet Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Alturas Inlet Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Alturas Inlet Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Alturas Inlet Campground?

    There are 28 campsites at Alturas Inlet Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts