Established Camping
Alturas Lake Picnic Area (ID)
About
USDA Forest Service
Sawtooth National Forest
Overview
Alturas Area Picnic B is located along the sandy shoreline of scenic Alturas Lake, at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountain Range.
Recreation
The site is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. Alturas Lake offers excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for bull trout and Kokanee salmon. Alturas Creek runs through the adjacent campground. The 10-mile round trip Alpine Meadows Trail begins nearby, with spectacular canyon, meadow and alpine lake views. The trail is also a popular area for bird watching.
Facilities
The picnic site is a day-use area only. It offers one accessible group site that can accommodate up to 50 people. Vault toilets, drinking water and garbage service are provided. Smokey Bear Boat Ramp is less than 1/4-mile away.
Natural Features
Summer wildflowers are plentiful, and a mixed-growth conifer forest provides partial shade. Temperatures are cool with an average summer high of 78 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.
Nearby Attractions
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers a myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities, and an estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains. Perkins Lake is less than 2 miles away, with excellent fishing and canoeing. Pettit and Yellowbelly Lakes are nearby with more fishing, canoeing and hiking. The Salmon River offers fishing for rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat trout and occasional hybrid cutbows and bull trout. Popular area events include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair and Fireman's Ball in September.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
Better than Redfish Lake
I would say that Alturas lake gives redfish a run for its money. The lake is approximately 30 minutes from Stanley. My wife and I stayed for 2 days and was not crowded. There are still boats on the lake but significantly less than Redfish. Its perfect for the paddle boarder, kayaker, or fisherman. At the end of the lake there is a blocked off swimming area for kids. Water is very clear and cool.
Lakeside views
Such a beautiful area to stop and have a picnic. If you have time to spend on the lake and camp even better!
So beautiful!
An absolutely beautiful campground with easy access to the pristine Alturus Lake. Easy to find but off the beaten path. A great jumping off place for hikes throughout the Sawtooths. Definitely take the short drive from here to the town of Stanley to eat at Papa Brunees, the best pizza ever!
Location
Alturas Lake Picnic Area (ID) is located in Idaho
Directions
From Stanley, Idaho, take State Highway 75 south for about 22 miles. Turn right on Alturas Creek Road/Forest Road 205 and continue west for about 2.6 miles to the campground.
Address
SAWTOOTH NRA
Stanley, ID
Coordinates
43.9257167 N
114.8507806 W