Sawtooth National Forest is home to Outlet Campground at Redfish Lake, a US Forest Service campground sitting within a lodgepole pine forest along the shore of one of the most visited lakes in the Sawtooth range. The access road is fully paved all the way to the campground, a detail worth noting given that some routes in this area involve rough conditions. Sites include paved parking pads, tent pads, fire pits, and picnic tables, and the lake shore sits less than 100 yards from each campsite, with open sightlines toward snowcapped peaks. No pets are permitted.
Water access drives most visits here. Swimming and fishing are the primary draws, and several campers mention that any kind of water sports you crave are available through the adjacent Redfish Lake Lodge, which also rents kayaks, SUPs, and boats, runs a shuttle across the lake, and has a restaurant, camp store, and ice cream stand. Pay showers ($3) and a dump station are located on the main road. Cell coverage is limited, though wifi is available at the lodge.
Crowds are a consistent theme in reviews. Holiday weekends push the campground to capacity, and reservations typically need to be made roughly six months ahead to secure a spot. Nearby campgrounds including Redfish Outlet Campground and Mount Heyburn Campground provide alternatives within a short distance if this campground is full. Hikers should note a 4-mile trail that runs to the far side of the lake, and Brett P. advises campers to "be bear aware while hiking here." Those planning a broader trip can find campgrounds around Stanley to compare options in the area. Bring a swimsuit and a plan.
Description
Overview
Outlet Campground is located next to beautiful Redfish Lake beneath the Sawtooth Mountain Range at an elevation of 6,500 feet.
Recreation
Outlet Campground is in the heart of the beautiful Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. Redfish Lake offers excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon. Little Redfish Lake is just down the road, offering additional fishing and canoeing. In the immediate area are trailheads for the Alpine Way, Fishhook Creek, Redfish Lake Creek and Bench Lakes Trails. The Idaho Centennial Trail also passes nearby.
Facilities
The campground offers several family sites, many of which have views of the lake and rugged Mount Heyburn. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs throughout the site are paved. Sandy Beach Boat Ramp is less than a mile away and a dump station is just over a mile away. The Redfish Lake Visitor Center is within 1/4-mile, offering interpretive activities, evening programs and wildlife, geology and historical exhibits.
Natural Features
Summer wildflowers are plentiful, lodgepole pines provide partial shade and Fishhook Creek is nearby. 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. Redfish Lake Lodge is nearby with a restaurant, general store, boat and kayak rentals, mooring services, lake tours and a lake shuttle. 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 & DirectionsOutlet Campground at Redfish Lake is located in Idaho near Stanley
Directions
Take State Highway 75, from Stanley, Idaho, 4 miles south. Go west on Forest Road 214 for a short distance, and turn right at Outlet Campground entry sign.
Address
SAWTOOTH NRA
Stanley, ID
Coordinates
44.1408333 N
114.9111111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/23/26- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/23/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/23/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/23/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 39 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 1 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 18 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 33 min from Pocatello, ID
