Is North Shore Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

North Shore Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at North Shore Campground?

North Shore Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does North Shore Campground have?

North Shore Campground has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at North Shore Campground?

Pets are not allowed at North Shore Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

North Shore Campground

3.74

17 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

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Quick Facts

7,054 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,054 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

North Shore Campground

No fees available

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Campground Map

North Shore Campground

43.9188, -114.8658

Weather at North Shore Campground

Best Time to Camp at North Shore Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and puts the lake and shoreline activities at their peak — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F (18–27°C) with cool nights in the mid-30s to 50s°F (2–10°C). Swimming, paddling, fishing, lakeside picnics and evening stargazing are all easiest in summer, and trail access is typically snow-free. Expect moderate crowds (busiest on July weekends), so book ahead and bring layered clothing for cool evenings and possible afternoon mountain thunderstorms. Peak months: July, August, June, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is 'the reliable window'; lake warms for swimming and trails are snow-free.

Planning Tips

About North Shore Campground

North Shore Campground sits at high elevation in Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho, offering small-scale tent camping near a popular swimming hole. The campground is known for its friendly camp host and clean, well-maintained sites. Summer brings warm days ideal for swimming, paddling, and fishing, with cool nights under clear alpine skies.

The campground is noted for having only 11 designated sites and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and puts the lake and shoreline activities at their peak — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F (18–27°C) with cool nights in the mid-30s to 50s°F (2–10°C). Swimming, paddling, fishing, lakeside picnics and evening stargazing are all easiest in summer, and trail access is typically snow-free. Expect moderate crowds (busiest on July weekends), so book ahead and bring layered clothing for cool evenings and possible afternoon mountain thunderstorms. Peak months: July, August, June, September

Elevation7054 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a natural basin where level terrain meets the lake's edge. An 'epic swimming hole' draws campers to the water throughout summer. The setting is open and scenic, with enough tree cover for shade while preserving views across the lake. Elevation at just over 7,000 feet means crisp mountain air and dramatic light shifts between morning mist and evening reflections.

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.7

17 reviews

Mixed Reviews

North Shore Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users express high satisfaction with North Shore Campground, highlighting the scenic location and cleanliness, as well as positive interactions with the camp host. It is noted as being less visited but remains crowded throughout the season.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's proximity to an 'epic swimming hole' and the friendliness of the camp host, Tammy, are repeatedly praised. Other positive aspects include the beauty of the surroundings and...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers lament the difficulty of finding available spots due to the limited number of designated sites (11) and high demand during the camping season. Accessibility to water from campsites is...

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews indicate site locations closer to the lake are preferred due to the views and proximity to activities. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early or coordinate with friends staying at the campground for a better chance at securing a site. Consider downloading the Recreation.gov mobile app ahead of time for payment options.

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season is crowded, as noted by multiple reviewers. There are no explicit mentions of seasonal variations affecting the camping experience.

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'A nice campground next to an epic swimming hole!' - Peter Holcombe - 'Tammy (the camp host) was wonderful!' - William Ulibarri - 'Very clean lovely place to stay.' - Wrenchman Tooly - 'Good luck...

Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews mention accessibility features.

Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies or experiences are not mentioned explicitly in the reviews.

Based on 17 reviews

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Go if

You want intimate, high-elevation tent camping with easy lake access and a welcoming atmosphere.

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You need RV hookups or prefer larger campgrounds with more amenities.

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Campgrounds

North Shore Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about North Shore Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>The North Shore campground is composed of 10 single-sites and 4 double-sites on beautiful Alturas lake and is situated in a mixed conifer setting. All sites are first-come, first-serve. Spend sunny summer days fishing for trout, waterskiing, sailing, motorized boating, swimming, and picnicking by the lake. Cabin Creek trail head to the north or Alturas Lake Creek trail head to the west provide hiking trails into the beautiful Sawtooth Wilderness. </p>

About the campground

The elevation is 7,000 ft. This campground is one of 37 in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA). It is an attractive large single loop on the north shore of Alturas Lake. Several camp sites are adjacent to the lake and are tucked into a dense stand of Engelmann spruce. While there is no formal beach, the gentle slopping shore provides nice boat tie-up areas. The camp sites not along the lake's shore are in Lodgepole pine and sunny. Wide spacing of camp sites provides good privacy. Gas and groceries are available at Smiley Creek Lodge, south of campground. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

Open June 1 through September 15

Facilities

Alturas Lake is 835 acres. A swimming beach is available at the Forest Service Inlet campground and a boat ramp at Smokey Bear campground. Jet skies are not permitted. Over 1,000 lakes are in the SNRA, a few of which are large enough to accommodate most

Water activities

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt. Three RV waste stations with potable water are available for a fee. One is south of Stanley, ID on State Rt. 75 at the SNRA - Stanley Ranger Station. Another is at Smiley Creek Restaurant/Gas Station on Hwy 75. The third is 6.1 miles north of Ketchum, ID off State Rt. 75 at the SNRA Visitors Center.

Directions

In Stanley, ID, at the intersection of State Rts. 75 and 21, take Rt. 75 south 21 miles to Alturas Lake sign (Forest Rt. 205). Turn right at sign onto Rt. 205 and go 3.6 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.

National Forest: Sawtooth National Forest
Ranger District: Sawtooth National Recreation Area - Stanley Ranger Station
Elevation: 7000
Rate: $18 per day - single $36 per day - double
Maximum Stay: 10
Open Season: June – September