Best Campgrounds near Stanley, ID
The Sawtooth National Forest surrounding Stanley, Idaho encompasses a range of camping environments from established campgrounds to primitive dispersed sites. Stanley Lake Campground and Redfish Lake area provide developed options with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while dispersed camping along Nip and Tuck Road offers more secluded alternatives. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some sites like Glacier View Campground also offering cabin options. The region's camping areas typically operate from late May through early September, with many sites situated along the Salmon River or near alpine lakes with views of the Sawtooth Range.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the camping areas, with some dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Many established campgrounds like Sunny Gulch and Outlet Campground operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some offer limited reservable sites. The camping season generally runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with higher elevation sites opening later due to snowmelt. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with better coverage near the town of Stanley. Water availability differs between developed and primitive sites, with most established campgrounds providing drinking water pumps. "If you're looking to stay away from the crowds of Redfish Lake, grab a spot at Inlet campground! While this isn't always the easiest—no reservations, first come, first serve—it always ends up being my favorite place to camp in the Stanley area."
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly those with views of the Sawtooth Range. Several campgrounds provide direct access to fishing, swimming, and paddling opportunities on Stanley Lake, Redfish Lake, and the Salmon River. Campers frequently mention the spectacular mountain views and wildlife viewing opportunities as highlights of their stays. For those seeking more solitude, dispersed camping areas like those along Nip and Tuck Road provide greater privacy but fewer amenities. A camper noted, "We found a decent site with a great view of the Sawtooth Range and the valley. The site sloped a bit from side to side, but we were able to get mostly level." Proximity to hiking trails, particularly those accessing alpine lakes, represents another common advantage mentioned in campground reviews, with Iron Creek Campground serving as a popular trailhead for accessing Alpine, Sawtooth, and Stanley Lakes.
