Where the Sawtooth Mountains rise above Alturas Lake, North Shore Campground occupies 11 sites along the shoreline within Sawtooth National Forest. This Forest Service facility operates year-round, though access conditions vary seasonally on the forest roads leading to the lake basin.
The campground provides direct lake access from several sites, with campers reporting consistent success swimming and fishing from the shore. Vault toilets receive frequent praise for cleanliness, and an on-site host assists with fees and firewood sales. Sites vary in terrain, with some offering more level ground for tents than others. Water drainage issues affect certain sites during wet periods, creating muddy conditions near some spigots.
Hiking trails branch out from the area into the surrounding wilderness. Nancy C. recommends the "Petit Lake to Redfish Lake for backpacking destination" as a notable route. Cell service remains unavailable at the campground. Wildlife sightings are common, with wolves occasionally heard at night.
The small size means sites fill quickly during peak season. Smokey Bear sits just 0.3 miles east as an alternative, while camping near Sawtooth National Forest includes several other lakeside options. Pets are not permitted. The combination of lake access and mountain backdrop draws return visitors despite the competitive reservation landscape.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNorth Shore Campground (Alturas) is located in Idaho near Atlanta
Coordinates
43.9188 N
114.8658 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
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 25 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 5 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 24 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 39 min from Pocatello, ID
