Established Camping
Sunny Gulch Campground
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from September 22, 2024 through April 30, 2025.
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from September 22, 2024 through April 30, 2025.
Sunny Gulch Campground, near Stanley, Idaho, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of reservations. With the Salmon River running right alongside, it’s perfect for cooling off or casting a line, and you’ll find plenty of trails leading down to the water.
The campground features spacious sites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, making it an ideal place for evening gatherings. Visitors have noted the cleanliness of the facilities, including well-maintained pit toilets and drinking water spigots scattered throughout the area. One camper mentioned, “The campground was really well maintained and actually looked very new,” which speaks to the care taken in keeping this place inviting.
If you’re up for some adventure, the nearby Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers excellent hiking opportunities. Plus, you can easily access Redfish Lake for a day of fun, including a dog-friendly beach that’s a hit with pet owners. Just a heads up: the campground can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so it’s wise to arrive early if you want to snag a good spot.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Sawtooth National Forest
Overview
Sunny Gulch Campground sits along the shores of Salmon River in the forests of central Idaho.
Recreation
Excellent fishing is right out your back door on the Salmon River, with rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat trout and occasional hybrid cutbows and bull trout available. Sunny Gulch lies in the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. A myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities are available, and an estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains.
Facilities
Excellent fishing is right out your back door on the Salmon River, with rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat trout and occasional hybrid cutbows and bull trout available. Sunny Gulch lies in the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. A myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities are available, and an estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains.
Natural Features
The campground offers spectacular views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Summer wildflowers are plentiful and lodgepole pines provide partial shade. Temperatures are cool with an average summer high of 78 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.
Nearby Attractions
The Alpine Way Trail begins less than a mile from the campground, and the Idaho Centennial Trail passes nearby. Redfish and Stanley Lakes are nearby with great boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Numerous additional sparkling lakes and streams dot the area. Popular area events include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair and Fireman's Ball in September.
Reservation Info
Lower loop closes September 16. Upper loop closes September 21. Camp hosts unavailable after September 16.
Location
Sunny Gulch Campground is located in Idaho
Directions
From Stanley, Idaho, take Highway 75 south approximately 3 miles. Campground is on the north side of the road, between the highway and the Salmon River.
Address
SAWTOOTH NATIONAL RECREATION
Stanley, ID 83278
Coordinates
44.1761111 N
114.9091667 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonPoor
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Contact
General Info
Reservations