How much does camping cost at Sunny Gulch Campground?

Camping fees at Sunny Gulch Campground are $24 - $125/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sunny Gulch Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sunny Gulch 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sunny Gulch Campground before I book?

Yes! Sunny Gulch Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sunny Gulch Campground?

Sunny Gulch Campground is open May 22 to September 20. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sunny Gulch Campground?

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

How many campsites does Sunny Gulch Campground have?

Sunny Gulch Campground has 36 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sunny Gulch Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Sunny Gulch Campground?

Sunny Gulch Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sunny Gulch Campground?

Popular activities at Sunny Gulch Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sunny Gulch Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Sunny Gulch Campground?

Fire policies at Sunny Gulch Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.38

169 reviews

Sawtooth National Recreation, Stanley, ID 83278, USA

Top 19% in IDSummer

AReport Card

Tent Camping

Featured in:Primitive Camping Idaho

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

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Sunny Gulch Campground

$24.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC: $125.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-150805: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction...

Group Site Fee$125.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Sawtooth National Recreation, Stanley, ID 83278, USA

Sunny Gulch Campground

Sawtooth National Recreation, Stanley, ID 83278, USA

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)

Weather at Sunny Gulch Campground

Current alerts(6)

Extra Vehicles: Your camp fee includes the first vehicle only in a single site and the first 2 vehicles in a double site. All other vehicles will be charged 50% of the posted camp fee at the time of check-in and cannot be paid for in advance.
FIRST COME FIRST SERVE sites must be booked in person. DO NOT call to determine availability, as they are only available on-site.
Idaho Off-road Vehicle Safety Message
Late Arrivals: campers are not considered a "no-show" until 24 hours after arrival date check in time. Our policy is that your site will not be released before that.

Best Time to Camp at Sunny Gulch Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Sunny Gulch because warm, stable weather (daytime highs generally in the mid-70s to high-70s°F and nights in the 35–45°F range) opens up the full spectrum of activities: hiking the Sawtooth ridges, boating and fishing on the Salmon River, and enjoying wildflower meadows. All campground facilities and reservation services are available from late May through mid-September, so access and amenities are reliable. Expect the busiest conditions in July and August—book a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Summer cited as best season: warm, stable weather and full access to trails and services.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 20. 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

Sunny Gulch Campground sits in Sawtooth National Forest near Stanley, Idaho, with the Salmon River nearby and Sawtooth Mountains as a backdrop. Operated by Recreation Resource Management of America, this mid-elevation forest campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group camping options with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers hike the surrounding ridges and fish the river during the summer season.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Sunny Gulch because warm, stable weather (daytime highs generally in the mid-70s to high-70s°F and nights in the 35–45°F range) opens up the full spectrum of activities: hiking the Sawtooth ridges, boating and fishing on the Salmon River, and enjoying wildflower meadows. All campground facilities and reservation services are available from late May through mid-September, so access and amenities are reliable. Expect the busiest conditions in July and August—book a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6437 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in a lodgepole pine forest with the Salmon River running nearby and the Sawtooth Mountains rising to the west. Sites are well-spaced among the pines, though shade coverage varies. Some sites get full sun during parts of the day. Wildflower meadows bloom in summer. The river requires a short hike down from most sites but offers fishing access and scenic views. One reviewer called it "one of the nicest Forest Service campgrounds I've stayed in," praising the combination of river proximity and mountain scenery.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no mentions of hotel-style lodging at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesEvents in the area include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair, and Fireman's Ball in September.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 10 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One camping unit per single site
capacity limits for double and group sites apply.

Groups

Group sites include access to a large picnic shelter equipped with a grill, utility tables, and eight picnic tables. The shelter is described as ideal for events like family reunions or weddings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground features paved roads and parking spurs, which could assist campers with mobility challenges. Specific ADA-compliant facilities are not mentioned.

Site SizeReviews describe spacious sites that accommodate tents and RVs comfortably: "Spacious sites. Quiet relative to the campgrounds around Redfish Lake.

PrivacySites are noted for being well-spaced and providing some privacy: "Lots of room between campsites." However, some campsites lack shade at certain times: "Only downside is our site didn’t have good shade half of the day.

Total Campsites36 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the river for tranquility or shaded areas for comfort during warm days.

Best CampsitesSites near the river like #36 get mentioned for views, though they require a short walk down to the water. Look for sites with good afternoon shade if you're visiting in peak summer.

Need help booking Sunny Gulch Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Sunny Gulch Campground offers several amenities aimed at providing comfort and convenience for campers. The campground includes vault toilets, potable water, paved roads, and parking spurs. Certain campsites are close to a large picnic shelter equipped with a grill, utility tables, a dutch oven cooking surface, and eight picnic tables. Reviews highlight the cleanliness and upkeep of the campground's restrooms. "The vault toilets were kept clean, well ventilated, and well stocked." The campground is also noted for its proximity to the Salmon River and panoramic views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Some users appreciated the attention provided by camp hosts for maintaining cleanliness and providing firewood, while others mentioned incidents of host rudeness.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Sunny Gulch Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Water Sports3.0/5

Kayaking/canoeing possible on nearby lakes and water access on the Salmon River, but not a primary campground feature.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground uses vault toilets, which are described positively in user reviews as clean and well-stocked.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingWhile the campground is described as clean and well-maintained, no specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative materials or user reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

169 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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!"...

Based on 169 reviews