Sockeye Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Sitting between two beaches on the shore of Redfish Lake, Sockeye Campground runs on a first-come, first-served basis and fills fast. Sites here have concrete pads for picnic tables and fire rings, with large sandy tent pads set a few steps down from the main pad. Most sites have tree cover for shade, and the layout gives each spot a degree of separation from neighbors. Campers report the campground stays notably clean, with attentive camp hosts keeping things in order throughout the summer season.

Water access is the central draw. The campground does not have direct shoreline access, but the boat launch and a short trail connect campers to Redfish Lake within a few minutes on foot. Nancy C. describes the range of options as covering "any kind of water sports you crave," and kayak, SUP, and boat rentals are available at the nearby lodge. That same lodge also has a restaurant, camp store, ice cream stand, and live music on the lawn, making it a practical resource for gear, food, and resupply. Pay showers and laundry are available on the main road, along with a dump station.

Hikers have direct access to the Redfish Lake trailhead. The Bench Lakes trail, roughly eight miles round trip, starts from that trailhead and is frequently mentioned by visitors. A boat shuttle from the lodge also provides access to trails on the far side of the lake. The Sawtooth Range rises visibly from camp, with open sightlines toward the peaks from the water's edge. Clear nights at this elevation make for good stargazing, away from significant light pollution.

Timing matters here. Joel M. notes this is "the only no reservation campground accessible by car on Redfish Lake," which makes it both convenient and competitive. Sites go quickly, often by 10 a.m. on summer weekends. Arriving midweek or early in the morning improves the odds. The season runs June through Labor Day, though conditions at elevation can vary significantly even within that window. AT&T coverage is limited at the campground itself, but Wi-Fi is available at the lodge. Note that pets are not permitted. Campers wanting a quieter alternative can look at Mount Heyburn Campground, located just up the road from Sockeye, or explore places to camp near Stanley for river-based options with less boat traffic.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsSockeye Campground is located in Idaho near Stanley

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

44.1311 N
114.9166 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews13 Camper Reviews - Sockeye Campground

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5 Stars

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5.0

out of 5

13 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the spacious, well-maintained sites with mountain views and clean facilities. The first-come basis works well for most, though some noted daytime boat noise and early generator hours.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed May. 23, 2022

In the trees

We stayed here in May 2022. It was snowing. Lake was frozen. BUT the site itself was great. Level concrete pad. Walk a few steps down to a tent pad and picnic table. There were all sizes of rigs here. From tent campers to bigger RV's. Had it been warmer and we could see the views and use the lake, it would have been amazing. With the snow we couldn't even hike the trails.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by andrea C., May 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by andrea C., May 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by andrea C., May 23, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2021

It’s incredible

Great camp host-Jim. Super clean! You will not regret the views are to die for!!!! Go to Stanley for dinner at sunset!

Site20
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Susan A., August 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Susan A., August 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Susan A., August 8, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2021

Favorite on Redfish Lake

On one of the most beloved and popular lakes in the Sawtooth Mtn. Redfish Lake. Gorgeous views. Any kind of water sports you crave. Backpacking destination trails. Short or long hiking. Biking. The lodge, just short distance away offers live music on the lawn. A restaurant with really good food, full bar, ice cream stand, camp store, sandy beach, boat/kayak/SUP rentals. Boat shuttle. All this and close to Stanley to boot. It reminds me of the lake retreat in Dirty Dancing. There are pay showers $3, laundry and dump station on the main road. Very limited, ok just say no AT&T cell, but you can get wifi at the lodge. If you are lucky to snag a spot, stay more than 1 night. You will thank me later.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Nancy C., July 26, 2021
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Reviewed Oct. 5, 2020

Better than Yellowstone In My Oppinion

I stayed here to go horseback riding (very reasonable prices) up to get a good view of the sawtooth mountains. The campground views from the water were spectacular. sure there’s no colorful acid pits, or buffalo, but there is great hiking, and wonderful wildlife around. I saw some black tail deer, big horned sheep, elk and even a mountain lion. I saw no predators in Yellowstone so it made the trip better .

The comet NEOWISE made an appearance and was mind blowing! If star gazing is something you enjoy, this area is amazing. If you plan to see something special, make sure you PLAN AHEAD!

I spent a lot of time barefoot as the area around the fire pit was concrete instead of the usual gravel I’m used to.

About thirty minutes away there’s a wonderful historic town called Clayton. I recommend taking a day to explore the ghost towns and try to visit one of the hot spring areas.

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  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Megan K., October 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Megan K., October 5, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2019

Beautiful

Five stars on this campground. Only downside we experienced were disrespectful neighboring campers. In the last 5 days we have 3 that run them 7am to 10pm. No quiet time for us at all. Generators are allowed to run here at 6am...

  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Kathy G., September 9, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2019

Amazing location

This campground is the only no reservation campground accessible by car on Redfish Lake. It’s great if you are looking to score a campsite without a reservation. It’s a great location on the lake, beautiful view of the sawtooth range and a short walk to the beach. The campsites have flat tent sites, concrete pads for the picnic tables and fire rings and most have trees for some shade. The only down side is the boat and jet ski noise during the day. If you are looking to get away from everything you may want to look at some of the nearby river campgrounds. The bathrooms and campsites were very very clean and the camp hosts were very friendly. If you are looking for a good hike take the ferry from the lodge to the far side of the lake!

Reviewed Jul. 7, 2019

Sockeye #24

The campsite has a great location between two beaches along Redfish Lake. All of the campsites were in great condition with a picnic table and fire ring. We thought the price of $20/night was a little much as they charge the same amount for tents/campers. We were one of two campers using a tent the two nights we were there. The campground is well maintained and is just a short drive from the lodge and minutes away from hiking trails. The campground is first come first serve and was full both days by 10am when we were there at the beginning of July. Our recommendation is the hike to Bench Lakes (8 mi round trip) which starts at the Redfish TH.

  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Cassandra B., July 7, 2019
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Cassandra B., July 7, 2019
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Cassandra B., July 7, 2019
  • (25) View All
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2019

Stunning

Huge private spots with perfect tent spots with views of Sawtooth mountains and Redfish Lake

  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Betsy A., June 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Betsy A., June 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Betsy A., June 24, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2019

One of the best run camp grounds!

This camp ground is first come first serve so get there early in the day and early in the week! When you do it won’t disappoint with stunning lakeside views and picturesque sights of The sawtooth mountains! Easy access to a sandy beach and boat ramp it’s the perfect place for an RV getaway!

  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Gary S., June 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Gary S., June 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Gary S., June 15, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2018

Great views!

This is a first come first served campground. We had a reservation at another campground and when it was up, we scrambled down to sockeye around 9/9:30 in the morning (late enough that some folks who were leaving had packed up and left) and we didn’t have trouble snagging a spot.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Kate S., August 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Kate S., August 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by Kate S., August 16, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2018

Lakeside

Arriving late Thursday mornIng we had a lot of locatIons to choose from and got a lakeside sIte.. The sites all have large sandy tent pads and a concrete pad with fire pit, stove pedestal and table. There are several double sites. The campground is fairly quiet and didn’t feel as busy as other campgrounds nearby. The campground doesn’t have direct access to the lake but can be accessed at the boat launch or by a nearby trail.

  • Review photo of Sockeye Campground by amber J., June 10, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Sockeye Campground?

Sockeye Campground offers well-maintained sites with large sandy tent pads, concrete pads, fire pits, stove pedestals, and picnic tables. The campground provides clean facilities and access to potable water. Several double sites are available for larger groups. Located between two beaches on Redfish Lake, the campground offers convenient lake access. While relatively quiet compared to other Redfish Lake campgrounds, generators are permitted (allowed to run from 6am). Each campsite is designed for comfort with flat tent areas and proper fire containment.

Where is Sockeye Campground located in Idaho?

Sockeye Campground is situated on the shores of Redfish Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. The campground offers stunning lakeside views with the picturesque Sawtooth mountain range as a backdrop. It's a short distance from Stanley, Idaho, which makes for a perfect dinner destination at sunset. The location provides easy access to the lake's sandy beaches and is the only no-reservation campground accessible by car on Redfish Lake.

What activities can I enjoy while camping at Sockeye Campground?

Sockeye Campground offers abundant recreation opportunities centered around Redfish Lake and the Sawtooth Mountains. Enjoy water sports including swimming at the adjacent beaches, boating (with boat ramp access), and fishing. Land activities include hiking on both short and long trails, backpacking to destination spots, mountain biking, and horseback riding with reasonable pricing. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with black tail deer sightings possible. For evening entertainment, visit the nearby lodge which offers live music on the lawn and a restaurant with quality food. The spectacular mountain and lake views provide endless photography opportunities.

How do I make reservations for Sockeye Campground at Redfish Lake?

Sockeye Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations accepted. To secure a site, arrive early in the day (ideally before 9:00-9:30 AM when departing campers have left) and early in the week when turnover is highest. During peak season, competition for sites can be intense, so having a backup plan is recommended. This campground is particularly valuable for those unable to secure reservations at other Redfish Lake campgrounds. The camping fee is $20 per night for both tents and RVs.

Is RV camping available at Sockeye Campground on Redfish Lake?

Yes, RV camping is available at Sockeye Campground. The campground accommodates various sizes of RVs with level concrete pads at each site. Both tent campers and larger RVs regularly use this campground. While specific hookup information isn't detailed, the $20 nightly fee applies equally to tents and RVs. The campground's layout provides good access for recreational vehicles, though arriving early is recommended to secure the most suitable sites for your RV size. For current restrictions on RV length, contact the campground directly.