Camper submitted image from North Shore Campground (Alturas) - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from North Shore Campground (Alturas) - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from North Shore Campground (Alturas) - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from North Shore Campground (Alturas) - 4
Camping
Camper submitted image from North Shore Campground (Alturas) - 5
Facilities

Established Camping

North Shore Campground (Alturas)

North Shore Alturas, near Ketchum, Idaho, is a scenic spot that offers a peaceful escape right by a stunning blue lake with the Sawtooth Mountains as a backdrop. With only 11 sites available, it’s a popular choice, so be ready to snag a spot if you can.

The campground is known for its clean vault toilets and friendly camp host, making it a comfortable place to stay. Visitors have enjoyed swimming in the chilly waters and have highlighted the ample hiking opportunities nearby, with trails that lead to breathtaking views. One camper mentioned, “The area is super popular... it is definitely worth the shot.”

If you’re into wildlife, you might hear wolves howling at night, adding a touch of adventure to your stay. While the sites are nicely spaced out, some campers have pointed out that the terrain can be a bit tricky for tent setups, so keep that in mind when choosing your spot.

For those looking to explore, the nearby Petit Lake to Redfish Lake trail is a recommended backpacking destination. Whether you’re here for a quick dip or a longer hike, North Shore Alturas offers a beautiful setting to unwind and enjoy nature.

Description

National Forest

Sawtooth National Forest

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.

Suggest an Edit

Location

North Shore Campground (Alturas) is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

43.9188 N
114.8658 W

Open in Google Maps

Is North Shore Campground (Alturas) sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Contact

General Info


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

75%
0%
25%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2021

Tranquil, beautiful, crystal clear blue lake with Sawtooth backdrop

Because it is so tranquil, beautiful and on a crystal clear blue lake with the Sawtooth Mountains as a backdrop, this area is super popular. With only 11 sites, it is hard to find vacancies. It is definitely worth the shot. There are other NFS campgrounds along the lake and also, lots of dispersed camping all around, so you will find something.

Camp host is great. Vault toilets super clean. It can get chilly in the evenings. Lots of hiking in the area.

Pro tip: Check out Petit Lake to Redfish Lake for backpacking destination

No cell service.

Check photos for pictures of each site.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of North Shore Campground (Alturas) by Nancy C., July 30, 2021
  • Review photo of North Shore Campground (Alturas) by Nancy C., July 30, 2021
  • Review photo of North Shore Campground (Alturas) by Nancy C., July 30, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2020

Nice place to swim

We had site 6 with lake access and went swimming every afternoon. Vault toilets were very clean and the camp host was friendly. Sites nicely spaced out.

  • Review photo of North Shore Campground (Alturas) by Heather R., August 15, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2018

Right on Alturas Lake. Water is COLD!

Small campground right on the shore. Nice camp host, bathrooms are clean. Tons of wildlife. Many great hiking areas nearby. We have heard wolves howling before.

SiteSite 3...farthest from the bathroom!
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2018

Beautiful area, so so campsite.

the sawtooths and lake alturas are beautiful. lots of activities to do. the campsite didn't have many flat areas for tents and there was quite a bit of mud at some of the sites as some of the water stations drained right into the sites.... poor design. the terrain and lakes makes it all worth it though. red fish had much nicer sites but is way more crowded.

  • Review photo of North Shore Campground (Alturas) by Chris M., June 27, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does North Shore Campground (Alturas) have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, North Shore Campground (Alturas) does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at North Shore Campground (Alturas)?

    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 North Shore Campground (Alturas). If you want to get a last-minute campsite at North Shore Campground (Alturas), try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at North Shore Campground (Alturas)?

    There are 4 campsites at North Shore Campground (Alturas) and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts