Looking for the best options for tent camping near Stanley? Find the best information on tent camping near Stanley, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Stanley, Idaho's most popular destinations.
Redfish Inlet Trailhead
This trailhead has hitching rails and dispersed campsites. No toilet or drinking water is available. Lower Basin Trail #4349, begins at this point. It connects with several other trails in the Basin Creek area
A nice small campground in the trees along Bench Creek near Highway 21. Fishing in the stream and nearby Bull Trout Lake. Trail adjacent to the campground, heading southeast to Stanley Lake. Each of the 5 sites have picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grills. Amenities within the campground include a vault toilet. No drinking water is provided on site, and this small campground accommodates smaller trailers and motorhomes up to 30 feet long.
This trailhead provides access for the Marsh Creek Trail #4237, the Bear Valley-Marsh Creek Trail #4010, and the Middle Fork Trail #001.
Legend
Camped in site #15 on Sept 27, 2024. Paid $10 with senior pass. Nothing remarkable about the campground itself, but the trails leading out of the campground are really good. There is access to the Salmon River at the end of the campground road for bank/fly fishing; caught a nice rainbow trout. Sites along the river appear larger than those backing up to the hill. The river side sites are open sky, good for solar recharging and Starlink. The sites across the road have partial shade. There were a few pull-thrus; otherwise, back-ins. Campground is popular for OHV enthusiasts and hikers. Most sites are close to the dusty campground road. Vault toilet was not quite clean, although it was at the end of the summer season. There is a hand water pump. Site 15 is a small, almost level site with a pea gravel surface; it appeared to have a tent pad at the rear. This site has a table and metal fire ring. There is road noise from highway 75 across the river. It was very busy here during our stay, probably because forest service campgrounds west of Stanley were closed due to wildfires. There were a lot of drive-bys on the campground road. Nearby travel trailers with large noisy families kind of ruined the ambiance of this small campground; did not respect quiet hours. Campground probably okay for an overnight stay, fly fishing on the Salmon River or for accessing the trailheads. Overall, I did not enjoy camping here. I did, however, enjoyed hiking and fishing here. I am not likely to camp here again.
Legend
Free designated dispersed campsite along Sawtooth Nation Forest Road 137. Camped here at the end of September 2024. Very large designated dispersed site set downhill from the forest road; no issues with dust from this road. The area is level. May be able to park 3 rigs. Tent camping is possible back from the parking area toward the metal firering. This area can accommodate 3 or 4 tents, or one big hot tent. Corral Creek is just down a short path from the campsite. The sound of the creek can be heard at the site. Very quiet area. Mountains on either side of the site. The parking area is dirt and gravel. The "tent" area is grass and dirt. Don't see opportunities for hammock camping. No cell service. No shade; solar recharging and Starlink possible. 3 day limit. Hiking trailheads and vault toilet at the end of the forest road.
Ranger
Simple campground along Salmon River--beautiful setting, with maybe 5 spaces, not all of which are marked well but do have picnic tables to indicate. Also a vault toilet at loop campground. Buggy, even with river flowing and slight wind. Free, which is nice. Can hear US93 traffic, but not bad considering neighbor ran generator which drowned out some noise.
Scout
Just off the asphalt on a gravel road. Very dusty and noisy on the weekends. Can be busy because a lot people park in there to float the river.
Guide
I enjoyed my 2 night stay here. I pitched a tent however it was quite windy due to it being an open area so just stake your tent down well. I had a spot right beside the salmon river and was able to access this campsite via my Honda Accord vehicle.
Traveler
My husband and I came to this spot with our 28ft trailer, luckily we were able to squeeze in. Lots of spots to choose from too. The campsites were clean and very peaceful place to camp for a few nights.
GuideThis was a great stay. I found a place to pitch a tent right beside the river. There seemed to be plenty of spots some vacant at times. It was close to Highway 75 but did get some traffic noise but the river drowned most of it out. Would stay here again!
Guide
Stayed here for two nights. The first night I have the whole area to myself. The second night there was two other campers. Doesn't seem to be super popular or high in demand. So finding a spot shouldn't be a problem. There was about six or more parking/camping areas. No Wi-Fi or Verizon signal. There is a toilet available. Access to the river as well.
Scout
The campground is clean $20 a night with some highway noise. There is a bear in the area at this time.
TravelerWe stayed at this campground initially because it was right at the trailhead for the hike to Goat Lake. We got there around 5 and there were still plenty of sites available. It was pretty buggy, but it’s right next to a creek, so that’s what you expect. It was quiet and the sound of the creek made it easy to sleep after a long day.
Ranger
Spend 6 nights here while exploring Stanley, the sawtooths, and Boise National Forest. Big sites, beautiful lake, and very private. Really enjoyed our stay here.
RangerIt’s a quiet place. It is dusty. The camp host was awesome. He was quick to tell us what sites were still available on a holiday weekend. He even alerted the campers that a bear was spotted a few miles down. There is no power and no cell service.
Traveler
Got to Stanley area around 6pm on a Friday. Drove to Stanley Lake and Iron Creek but everything was full. Decided to drive down Rd 653 then to Rd 633 to see if there was anything open and found a good spot about 2 miles in from hwy 21. I passed quite a few people but spots are pretty far apart and the only people I could see from my campsite were all the way across the valley. Only animals I saw were some antelope, ground squirrels, and cows. Pretty wildflowers all around too. It was a good place to stop for the night!
Traveler
We drove in on a late Thursday night, June 27th, to find the entire campground packed, and even struggled to find a dispersed camping site nearby. It's a great spot, but for it being a Thursday night, expected to find a bit more available.
Guide
Quick 1 night stay. Nice river access. Pretty quiet.
ScoutIf you get one of the site overlooking the sawtooths count yourself lucky
Traveler
There are many sites up until the dead-end about 1.5 miles from the pay campground. I camped up on the stream. Great boondocking was here for a week. The road is in great shape. A couple of big rocks here and there. Plenty of places to do a 3-point turnaround with any rig.
No cell coverage. Got ok starlink between trees.
Scout
Great spot to relax
GuideThis area just up the road from the campground offers lots of dispersed camping. There are many established sites, some with fire rings, any car can make it.
Visited August 17-18, 2023 (adding reviews for past camp sites before I knew of the dyrt)
Traveler
We were very excited to check out this campground. Located 4 miles off Hwy 75, we only made it 1.5 up the road before snow prevented us from going further. We can’t wait to come back when it’s warmer and leave a full review.
TravelerPulled over mid day to spend the afternoon and night. We took the second to last spot on the river side. Arrived at noon on a Tuesday, departed at 8am next day and were the only campers. Very easy river access from site, but water is moving quickly. We walked to the other side of the bridge and let our dogs jump in where the water was calmer. Overall really clean and well maintained space. The only thing that will prevent us from coming back is the cottonwood tree droppings. They’re everywhere and very sticky, so if you have long haired dogs, it’s a nightmare to get them out.
Guide
This site was pretty easy to find. There were a couple of campers camped closer to the road from the turn-off but we managed to find a spot that was secluded and perfect for us right next to the creek. Tons of space, especially since we were by ourselves. Had a real fire pit! This was a cold stay and our tent was covered in frost in the morning, but a good spot to be. Close enough to town, close enough to hiking.
Scout
My favorite campground is this one. It's situated behind the trees on a creek. perfect for tent camping. Campers and smaller RVs could also find room and play super mario bros wonder . There's a lot of isolation in the campground because of its abundance of trees.
ScoutWith a beautiful place like this, I don't understand why so few people come. It's really great to come here with friends to chat and play pico park together
Guide
Quiet, private campsites. Close to Sun Valley. Place to turn around if unable to fine a campsite. No cell coverage. Only 3 day limit.
GuideNice location, close to town. Close to road but not much traffic. Access can be difficult with steep access from main road and tricky spots along the access road. There are three access spots. Would pick the first or second. The road is difficult between the second and third access roads. Would recommend walking down to see if safe for you and your vehicle. There is more dispersed camping farther up the road but you begin to lose cell coverage.
Guide
Nice view of the lake. Quiet time of year to visit.
Camping near Stanley, Idaho, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to relax by a river or hike through beautiful trails, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Stanley, Idaho, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy your time in nature!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Stanley, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Stanley, ID is Redfish Inlet Trailhead with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Stanley, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 89 tent camping locations near Stanley, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
