Sunny Gulch Campground

Star4.42
169 reviews
Sawtooth National Recreation, Stanley, ID 83278, USA

Quick Facts

6,437 ft

Price

$24 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation Resource Management of America site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Sunny Gulch Campground
$24.00 - $125.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $24 for standard non-electric sites to $125 for group shelter non-electric sites during peak season.
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$125.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com
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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 169 reviews

83 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspaciouslake

"User reviews for Sunny Gulch are generally positive, highlighting its cleanliness, spacious sites, and scenic location. Some negative experiences involve issues with camp hosts and site reservation misunderstandings. "One of the nicest Forest Service campgrounds I've stayed in.""

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Campground Map

Sawtooth National Recreation, Stanley, ID 83278, USA

Sunny Gulch Campground

Sawtooth National Recreation, Stanley, ID 83278, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Roads and parking spurs are paved. Accessibility is straightforward via Highway 75.
Nearby places
Stanley, ID (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes)
Boise, ID (133 miles, approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes)
Ketchum, ID (60 miles, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Stanley, ID, which offers groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and small shops.

Best Time to Camp at Sunny Gulch Campground

Summer transforms Sunny Gulch into an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with pleasantly warm days averaging 78°F that invite exploration and adventure. As evening approaches, temperatures dip to a refreshing 40°F, perfect for gathering around the campfire under star-filled skies. The peak season brings seemingly endless sunny days with minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for all your outdoor pursuits.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Summer is peak season (~78°F), ideal for hiking, fishing and water activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Shoulder season offers fewer crowds and pleasant weather; reservations end Sept 18.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring and early summer offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds; opens May 23.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal campground open late May to mid-September; not available in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 to September 18.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 to September 18 for reservations; limited first-come, first-served availability during shoulder season.

About Sunny Gulch Campground

Nestled along the pristine Salmon River in the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Sunny Gulch Campground offers the perfect blend of wilderness adventure and family-friendly comfort. With well-maintained paved roads leading you through this mountain paradise, modern vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and inviting picnic areas, you'll find all the essentials for a memorable outdoor experience. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply soaking in the mountain majesty, Sunny Gulch serves as your ideal basecamp for discovering the treasures of central Idaho.
Sunny Gulch Campground caters to primitive camping, tent camping, RV camping, and group gatherings. The campground is noted for its spacious campsites, suitability for family events, and scenic views.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is typically at Noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 10 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Sunny Gulch Campground is located in a prime recreational area, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and nearby water sports. Fishing opportunities are abundant along the Salmon River, with species like rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat trout, and bull trout available. Hiking and biking enthusiasts have access to over 750 miles of trails in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Nearby lakes such as Redfish Lake provide additional options for boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
HikingSunny Gulch is close to major hiking trails such as the Alpine Way Trail and the Idaho Centennial Trail. A user review states: "Easy access to area hiking," and trails are described as offering scenic views of the Sawtooth Mountains.
FishingFishing on the Salmon River offers chances to catch rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, and hybrid cutbows. One user noted: "Excellent fishing is right out your back door on the Salmon River."
BikingThe campground is situated near biking trails, with over 750 miles of trails available in the surrounding Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
BoatingNearby lakes such as Redfish and Stanley Lakes offer opportunities for boating, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsEvents in the area include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair, and Fireman's Ball in September.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears, and safety guidelines recommend minimizing pest risks by burning local firewood.

Weather at Sunny Gulch Campground

Reviews

4.4
169 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Sunny Gulch Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Sunny Gulch are generally positive, highlighting its cleanliness, spacious sites, and scenic location. Some negative experiences involve issues with camp hosts and site reservation misunderstandings. "One of the nicest Forest Service campgrounds I've stayed in."
Review Summaries
Based on 169 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, spacious sites, proximity to the Salmon River, and a scenic backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains. "Restrooms were very, very clean. SG is close to the town of Stanley and Redfish Lake."
Based on 169 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative interactions with camp hosts were noted: "The hosts, Mike and MJ Smith were two of the rudest and least accommodating campsite hosts I have ever encountered." Reservation and site allocation...
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Based on 169 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visit during the shoulder season for fewer crowds. Sites near the river offer picturesque views, though they require a short hike down to the water. "Come in shoulder season. There were only four...
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Based on 169 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during peak summer months, but reviews suggest quieter experiences during the shoulder season. Late spring and early summer offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Based on 169 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Cleanest, quietest campground I have ever stayed at. The views from the tent, of the starry sky were amazing." "Beautiful campground. Great location. Spacious sites. We will most certainly be back!"...
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Based on 169 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #36 is noted for its shade and proximity to the river. "We were at the site #36 which is close to the river and it has a lot of shades." Other reviews mention campsites being level and equipped...
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Based on 169 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not explicitly mentioned, but paved roads and parking spurs may assist campers with mobility challenges.
Based on 169 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not highlighted in the provided information.
Based on 169 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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