Shaded by fir and pine within Sawtooth National Forest, Alturas Inlet Campground sits at the edge of Alturas Lake, accessible by both car and boat. The campground runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with nightly rates between $24 and $48. Sites tend to be well-spaced, with trees and undergrowth providing natural separation between neighbors. No pets are allowed here, and reservations are available, which is worth noting for summer weekends.
Water access is the central draw. The lake is a short walk from most sites, though some campers drive down to haul chairs and gear more easily. Fishing and swimming are the primary on-water activities, and paddlers with canoes or kayaks have direct access to the lake. Vault toilets, water spigots, and trash dumpsters are distributed throughout the campground, and reviewers consistently describe the facilities as well-maintained and clean. Bear awareness signs are posted throughout, a practical reminder to store food and scented items in your vehicle.
Temperatures can drop into the 40s Fahrenheit on summer nights even in July, so layers are worth packing. Cell service is limited or absent at the campground, with coverage returning some distance down the road. RVs up to 40 feet are accommodated, though the access road has a reputation for being rough. Jeane L. describes the setting as "tucked into the lovely, shady forest around it," with birds, chipmunks, and wildflowers visible from campsites in early July. Campers wanting a different configuration along the same lake can look at North Shore Campground (Alturas) to the northeast.
Description
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.
Facilities
This campground contains several family campsites, some of which have lake or creek views. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs are gravel. A day-use site is adjacent to the campground with a designated swim beach. Smokey Bear Boat Ramp is less than 1/4-mile away.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAlturas Inlet Campground is located in Idaho near Atlanta
Public CampgroundDirections
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
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
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 30 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 10 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 29 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 45 min from Pocatello, ID
