Situated on the shore of Pettit Lake in the Sawtooth National Forest, this Forest Service campground draws hikers, paddlers, and groups looking to use it as a base for multi-day trips into the surrounding range. The drive in follows roads that reviewers describe as manageable, and the campground sits directly adjacent to the Tin Cup trailhead, giving foot access to Alice and Farley Lakes without breaking camp. No cell coverage here. Sites are well-spaced and include fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets that multiple visitors have noted are kept clean.
Water access comes from a pump-style spigot located in the adjacent Tin Cup trailhead parking lot rather than within the campground itself, so it's worth knowing where to fill up on arrival. Campers who have stayed in sites closest to the lake report more insects, and suggest requesting a site set back from the water if bugs are a concern. The campground fills fast, even on weekdays. One visitor arrived on a Thursday in late June and found every site taken, with nearby Petit Lake Dispersed Camping also stretched thin.
When a host is present, the experience tends to be notably well-maintained. Heather F. describes "clean vault toilets and clean sites," and multiple reviewers from different years echo that the grounds reflect attentive upkeep. Note that pets are not permitted. The campground runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, and arriving mid-week earlier in the season gives the best chance of securing a spot.
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 & DirectionsPettit Lake Campground is located in Idaho near Stanley
Public CampgroundCoordinates
43.984452 N
114.86927 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/17/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/17/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 14 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 49 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 13 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 29 min from Pocatello, ID
