Stanley, Idaho sits at an elevation of 6,260 feet surrounded by the Sawtooth Range. Dispersed camping options near Stanley offer excellent access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities with varying seasonal availability. The Salmon River provides water access at many camping areas with fishing spots accessible directly from certain campsites.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: At Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed, campers find convenient access to outdoor activities. "Directly across the street there is a nice gravel mountain bike trail that leads past the ranger station," notes Amy K., highlighting the proximity to recreational paths.
Hot springs access: Camping near Bonneville provides natural hot spring opportunities within walking distance. "We had an epic sunrise hot spring experience," reports Brittney K., describing the convenient quarter-mile walk to thermal waters from the campsite.
Fishing opportunities: The Salmon River provides multiple fishing access points throughout the Stanley area. Ryan L. from Sunny Gulch Campground recommends selecting sites strategically: "Come to Sunny Gulch if you want to fish along the river. I picked a site that is a short walk to the river."
Paddling on alpine lakes: Stanley Lake offers clear, calm waters ideal for non-motorized boats. According to Nicholas G., the area features "great lake views and easy, well maintained road access," making it accessible for vehicles carrying watercraft.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Casino Creek Campground receives praise for its site dimensions. Noah L. notes, "Size wise campsites are solid with plenty of room for whatever size tent you have. Fire pit and picnic table at each site."
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the separation at many Stanley area campgrounds. Laura M. describes the dispersed camping on Nip and Tuck Road: "Spots are pretty far apart and the only people I could see from my campsite were all the way across the valley," highlighting the seclusion available.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing opportunities. Kevin C. from Nip and Tuck Rd describes "clear views all around with unparalleled astronomy night viewing" as a major benefit of dispersed camping in the area.
River sounds: Many sites feature natural white noise from nearby waterways. At Bonneville campground, Kait mentions, "We loved the sound of the water as we went to bed," which enhances the sleeping experience while camping.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some dispersed camping areas requires careful navigation. Ray & Terri F. advise: "The roads in to this area, NF-563/Stanley Creek Rd and NF-633/Nip and Tuck Road are in pretty decent shape for all vehicles coming in from the West off of Hwy 21."
Temperature variations: Even summer months bring cold overnight temperatures in this high-elevation region. Mark notes that during mid-September, "Weather was beautiful (70s) during day and low 30s to high 20s at night," demonstrating the significant temperature swings.
Reservation needs: Many established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Kim K. from Point Campground advises, "Quiet, easy camping right on Redfish Lake," but warns visitors to "be sure to reserve or arrive very early to get a walk in spot anywhere around the lake."
Water availability: Not all camping areas provide drinking water. Ryan L. mentions that at Sunny Gulch Campground, "Running water is available via hand pump," indicating the need to prepare for manual water collection at some sites.
Tips for camping with families
Tent-only areas: Lake View Campground offers family-friendly sites with lake access. Megan H. notes the "incredible views of Stanley lake" and mentions that the "lake itself is usually quiet and nice for paddle boarding and fishing," making it suitable for family activities.
Accessible wildlife viewing: Several camping areas feature opportunities to observe wildlife safely. Rachel A. describes Redfish Inlet as a "family friendly peaceful spot" with "fearlessly friendly deer who visit your evening campfire."
Dog-friendly beaches: For families camping with pets, specific areas welcome canine companions. Austin C. mentions that Redfish Lake "had a great 'dog beach' for us to stop at," providing designated water access for pets.
Safety considerations: When hiking with families in the Sawtooth area, proper precautions are necessary. Megan H. advises to "take your bear spray" when exploring the "beautiful trails in the area" around Stanley Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller rigs better than large ones. Dave D. advises about a forest service site near Sunny Gulch: "We fit 3 campers down here no problem but the biggest camper was 21' long and we don't recommend much bigger."
Driveway features: Stanley RV + Camp provides amenities for RVers needing services. Theresa G. notes that the "large driveway to park the larger rigs" makes setup easier for those with bigger vehicles.
Utility options: Rick L. from Sunny Gulch describes it as having "no hook ups, but that's great" and mentions that "most sites could handle 30 foot travel trailer" while still providing "good spacing between sites."
Propane availability: Mark reports that "propane refill in Stanley" is available for RVers needing to replenish supplies, noting that many run generators during cooler weather.
