With direct access to Stanley Lake, this Forest Service campground provides fishing and swimming opportunities beneath mountain ridgelines. The facility offers six first-come, first-serve sites at 6,537 feet elevation, accommodating RVs up to 52 feet with standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.
Site 6 features a trail leading directly to the lakeside, while other spots vary in size and lake proximity. Summer months bring higher occupancy levels, making early arrival advisable for securing a spot. Bears frequent the area, so proper food storage remains essential. Campers can explore nearby trailheads including the Elk Meadow Trail, which passes through previously burned forest areas showing new growth recovery.
Description
Overview
Stanley Lake Campground is located on the shoreline above beautiful Stanley Lake at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Recreation
Stanley Lake offers excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook and bull trout. A boat ramp is located just outside the campground. The Idaho Centennial Trail passes nearby and can be accessed from the Stanley Lake Trailhead across the lake.
Facilities
The campground offers 17 reservable sites, as well as additional first come, first served sites. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and spurs within the site are gravel. A scenic overlook is located next to sites 3 and 4, with outstanding views of McGowan Peak and Stanley Lake. Painters and photographers frequent the overlook to capture the views.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on a hillside above the lake in a thick grove of lodgepole pines, at an elevation of 6,500 feet. Most campsites have partial shade and views of the lake and/or the rugged 9860-foot McGowan Peak. Temperatures are cool, with an average summer high of 78 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.
Nearby Attractions
Stanley Lake lies within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which offers a myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities. An estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains. Numerous sparkling lakes and streams, including the Salmon River, dot the area, making for great rainbow and native Westslope cutthroat trout fishing. Redfish Lake is nearby, offering additional water recreation opportunities. Popular area events include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair and Fireman's Ball in September.
Reservation Info
All sites are first-come, first-serve.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake View Campground is located in Idaho near Stanley
Directions
Travel 4.5 miles west of Stanley, Idaho on State Highway 21. Turn on paved Stanley Lake Road and drive 3 miles to the campground.
Address
SAWTOOTH
ID
Coordinates
44.2486111 N
115.0525 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/7/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 40 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 42 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 45 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 4 hrs from Pocatello, ID
