The Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley, Idaho rise dramatically to elevations above 10,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically range from 40°F at night to 75°F during the day, even in July. Yurt camping options near Stanley provide insulated shelter from the temperature swings while maintaining the rustic camping experience.
What to do
Fishing spots: Several campgrounds offer direct river access for trout fishing. At Salmon River Campground, one visitor noted, "I am not the best fisherman but the water up there is so clear with a ton of fish! I was able to catch several trout and eat them!"
Hot springs access: Camp near natural hot springs for post-hike soaking. A camper at Salmon River Campground shared, "Located on the banks of the salmon river beautiful spot just outside of town. Several sites located right on the river. Water available in the campground, firewood from the camp hosts, and clean bathrooms."
Stargazing: The Sawtooth region has minimal light pollution for exceptional night sky viewing. "Cozy and pretty spacious spots. Right near the lake," reports a visitor to Alturas Inlet Campground.
Paddle sports: Clear mountain lakes provide calm waters for kayaking and canoeing. A camper at Bull Trout Lake Campground mentioned, "The lake is shallow and perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking. We saw one person fishing!"
What campers like
River access: Many campers value sites with direct water access. One camper at Bull Trout Lake Campground shared, "We had a lakefront spot, tons of trees around, and enough space to have privacy from other campsites. All of the campsites we've seen were very spacious."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms despite remote locations. A visitor to Bench Creek Campground noted, "Nice small quiet campground. Wasn't too busy when visited. Got starlink but no Verizon service. Clean sites and nicely paved."
Wildlife viewing: The area offers frequent wildlife sightings. A camper at Bull Trout Lake Campground wrote, "We saw a lot of chip monks and pretty birds. Thankfully we did not see any bears although it is bear country!"
Spacious sites: Campgrounds typically provide ample space between sites. "Most sites seemed to have a good distance between each other and enough privacy courtesy of trees and various plant life," reported a visitor to Alturas Inlet Campground.
What you should know
Temperature swings: Pack layers for significant day-to-night temperature changes. A visitor at Alturas Inlet Campground advised, "Bring layers - it can is cool in the evenings and at night (40s F) even in July but warm in the day, especially if you are out by the lake."
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have no cellular coverage. "We did not have cell service (Verizon) and it was a bit of a drive before we got it again," noted an Alturas Inlet Campground visitor.
Bear country precautions: Proper food storage is essential. A camper at Salmon River Campground shared, "There are no bear boxes so store food appropriately as bears are common in this area."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require traveling on rough roads. A visitor to Bull Trout Lake Campground cautioned, "The roads are not paved so make sure your tires are in good conditions so you don't get a flat. You would be on your own cuz there is no cell signal until you are back on the road."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow lakes: Look for gradual-entry water bodies ideal for younger swimmers. At Bull Trout Lake Campground, a visitor commented, "The lake is shallow and perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking."
Yurt accommodations: Heated yurt options near Stanley provide more comfort for families with small children. Smiley Creek Lodge offers these sturdy structures as alternatives to tent camping.
Wildlife education opportunities: The area provides excellent wildlife viewing for kids. One camper at Custer #1 Campground suggested, "For a cool experience, check out the ghost town of Custer or go further along the Adventure Road to see the ruins of some of the stagecoach stops."
Supply planning: The nearest stores may be 45+ minutes away. A Bull Trout Lake Campground visitor advised, "The closest grocery store and gas station is about 45 minutes from the campground so make sure you have everything you need, unless you plan on driving around!"
Tips from RVers
Site length variations: Many campgrounds have limited spaces for larger rigs. At Riverside Campground, a visitor noted, "Decent number of sites and tend to fill up last as there are only 4-5 sites actually on the water. The rest are on the other side of the highway."
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds have minimal or no hookups. According to a Salmon River Campground visitor, "The sites themselves are dirt and gravel with mostly level parking areas and each site varies in length. We would fit in many of them in our 26' Class C but larger rigs may have a problem."
Reservation strategies: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A visitor to Flat Rock Campground shared, "Close to hwy20. Convenient but you can hear the traffic."
Leveling considerations: Many mountain campgrounds feature uneven terrain. A Smiley Creek Lodge visitor mentioned, "We paid $100 a night which is a premium but given the location it felt worth it. That being said site 1 is not very usable due to not having a table or sewer hookup."
