Stanley sits at an elevation of 6,260 feet, nestled within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area with approximately 756,000 acres of wilderness surrounding it. The camping season typically runs from late May through mid-October, with July and August offering the warmest temperatures. Late-season visitors often encounter near-freezing nighttime temperatures even in September.
What to do
Hot springs access: Multiple natural hot springs dot the area around Stanley, with Sunbeam Hot Springs being popular with campers. "Great base camp for family week of hiking, rafting, and visiting the Sunbeam hot springs," notes one visitor to Elk Mountain RV Resort.
Paddleboarding on alpine lakes: Little Redfish Lake provides stunning mirror reflections of the Sawtooth Range. "This small (9 sites I believe) is right on Little Redfish Lake that has the very best view of the Sawtooth Range around. Even Redfish Lake doesn't sport views like this one. No motorized boats allowed on this Lake. No fishing. It is AWESOME for SUP and Kayaking though," reports a camper at Mountain View Campground.
Trail access from camp: Many campgrounds connect directly to hiking trails. "There are a couple of trailheads right in camp which is cool, and there are dedicated spaces for equestrian camping," notes a visitor to Casino Creek Campground.
What campers like
Dark sky stargazing: The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve covers 1,416 square miles around Stanley. At Glacier View Campground, one camper observed: "Redfish lake is within the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the first Gold Tier site in the United States. The result is world class spectacular night sky astronomy unimpeded by light pollution."
Fishing access: The Salmon River offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. "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!" reports a visitor to the Salmon River area.
Wildlife sightings: The area supports diverse wildlife. "Fauna is abundant in the surrounding area. Deer, elk, bear, marten, moose, and pronghorn antelope all made appearances during my last trip to the area," notes a camper at Glacier View Campground.
What you should know
Limited groceries: Stock up on supplies before arrival. "I would recommend getting groceries before you arrive bc local store is pitiful," advises a camper at Elk Mountain RV Resort.
Variable cell coverage: Most campgrounds have limited to no connectivity. At Sockeye Campground, one camper mentioned: "Very limited, ok just say no AT&T cell, but you can get wifi at the lodge."
Road noise: Campgrounds near Highway 75 experience traffic sounds. "The highway is close but the river drowns out some of the noise and then it gets quiet late," reports a visitor to Casino Creek Campground.
Busy peak season: Lakefront campsites fill extremely quickly. "This is a first come first serve 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 and we didn't have trouble snagging a spot," shares a Sockeye Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Coin-operated facilities: Pay showers and laundry are available at certain areas. "There are also a public laundromat and showers there. quarters. $2 for a shower," notes a camper at Mountain View Campground.
Ranger programs: Educational activities run through summer. "The visitor center is great. Ranger lead talks every day," shares a visitor to Mountain View Campground.
Lake temperature: Water remains cold even in summer. "The water in the lake is the cleanest you'll ever see. LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY PEOPLE! Unfortunately, this campground is booked out almost the entire summer," a camper at Stanley Lake Campground reports.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many RV sites near Stanley require adjustment. "Only comment is that the sites are rocky; hopefully in the next few years they can be paved," notes a visitor to Elk Mountain RV Resort.
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds lack full services. At the Salmon River area, one RVer reported: "We prefer dry camping, so liked the spots not having hook-ups and drains. Paved roads made for fun riding of bikes."
Seasonal RV options: For year-round RV sites near Stanley, Idaho, look south toward Ketchum. "Great views, very clean facilities," reports a camper at Meadows RV Park in Ketchum, one of the few RV parks open all year.
Solar considerations: Site selection affects power generation. "Solar charging was great in these lightly forested sites," notes a Stanley Lake Campground visitor regarding their lakefront site.
