How much does camping cost at Stanley Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Stanley Lake Campground are $24 - $48/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Stanley Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Stanley Lake 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 Stanley Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Stanley Lake Campground has 7 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 Stanley Lake Campground?

Stanley Lake Campground is open May 22 to September 30. 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 Stanley Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Stanley Lake Campground have?

Stanley Lake Campground has 37 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Stanley Lake Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Stanley Lake Campground?

Stanley Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Stanley Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Stanley Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Stanley Lake Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Stanley Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Stanley Lake 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.

4.62

198 reviews

SAWTOOTH, ID, USA

Top 6% in IDSummer

AReport Card

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Idaho#1 RV Camping Idaho#3 Best Campgrounds Idaho#3 +2 more

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Stanley Lake Campground

$24.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-135428: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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This campground gets 2 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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Provider

928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com

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Campground Map

SAWTOOTH, ID, USA

Stanley Lake Campground

SAWTOOTH, ID, USA

Nearby places

Stanley (4.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

Weather at Stanley Lake Campground

Current alerts(8)

Campground Sites have been 'Realigned' with new numbers - Please add "6" to the previous site numbers to get the same site with the NEW number (for instance, old #4 is now #10, or old #26 is now #32)
Click here for more info about the Sawtooth National Forest
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.

Best Time to Camp at Stanley Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, most comfortable mountain weather—daytime highs commonly in the low-to-upper 70s°F (mid 20s°C) with crisp nights around 35–45°F (1–7°C). This is peak season for hiking the Sawtooth ridges, boating and swimming on Stanley Lake (water is cold but refreshing), and consistent fishing opportunities; trailheads and boat launches are fully accessible. Expect the highest crowds in July and early August, so reserve a site ahead of time and arrive by Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in ID

Summer is best season: warm days, many activities and strong positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opening and closing dates are weather permitting, please call 928-537-8888 for more information.

About Stanley Lake Campground

Stanley Lake Campground sits at mid-elevation in Sawtooth National Forest near Stanley, Idaho, operated by Recreation Resource Management of America. The campground offers direct access to Stanley Lake for boating, swimming, and fishing, with trailheads leading into the Sawtooth ridges. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables throughout.

Stanley Lake Campground offers versatile camping options, catering to tent campers, RV users, and those seeking first-come, first-served sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, most comfortable mountain weather—daytime highs commonly in the low-to-upper 70s°F (mid 20s°C) with crisp nights around 35–45°F (1–7°C). This is peak season for hiking the Sawtooth ridges, boating and swimming on Stanley Lake (water is cold but refreshing), and consistent fishing opportunities; trailheads and boat launches are fully accessible. Expect the highest crowds in July and early August, so reserve a site ahead of time and arrive by Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMcGowan Peak rises to 9,860 feet above Stanley Lake, which reflects the surrounding granite ridges. Lodgepole pines provide shade across much of the campground, though the expansion section (sites 25-35) is more exposed with younger trees. The hillside placement gives many sites views over the water. Campers report seeing deer and eagles. The lake is cold even in summer, and parts of the shoreline grow stagnant enough to harbor leeches.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available within the Stanley Lake Campground; the site is exclusively for traditional camping experiences.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly offered at Stanley Lake Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 10 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Recreation Use Fee allows one camping unit per standard single-family site and two vehicles per double site.

Groups

Group sites are available and are spacious enough to accommodate multiple individuals. Specific capacity limits are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or through their contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground provides gravel roads and spurs, but specific details about ADA-compliant facilities or other accessibility features are not provided.

Site SizeSites vary in size but are designed to accommodate RVs and tents. Certain sections of the campground, such as sites 25-35, are geared for larger RVs while still including flat pads for tents.

PrivacyPrivacy levels at Stanley Lake Campground vary by site. Some areas, particularly the 'expansion' section, are more exposed and lack mature trees, while others offer partial shade and scenic views.

Total Campsites37 campsites

Recommended SitesLook for sites closer to the lake for better views and access (e.g., sites 9, 10, 11-14). Avoid expansion area sites if seeking shade.

Best CampsitesSites 11-14 offer beach access and lake views. Site 18 has particularly good views of the water. Sites 25-35 can fit larger RVs and include flat tent pads, but they're in the expansion area with less shade and more exposure.

Need help booking Stanley Lake 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

Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and spurs within the site are gravel.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Stanley Lake Campground

Stanley Lake Campground provides a range of recreational opportunities, including water activities, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Its location near Stanley Lake and the Sawtooth Mountains makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking4.0/5

Idaho Centennial Trail and Stanley Lake trailhead provide access into Sawtooth ridges and new north-lake trails.

Fishing4.0/5

Described as a major activity; lake holds rainbow, cutthroat, brook and bull trout with direct lake access.

Boating4.0/5

Lake supports water skiing, canoeing and kayaking with direct launch and spacious lake access.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Kayaking explicitly supported on Stanley Lake and called out among boating activities.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming allowed and praised, but reports of leeches and seasonal nuisances lower the experience.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Stanley Lake Campground. Instead, vault toilets are provided and are frequently praised by users for their cleanliness.

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.

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 & RecyclingTrash service is provided at the campground, but no recycling facilities are mentioned. Campers are encouraged to maintain cleanliness and dispose of waste responsibly.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

198 reviews

Top-Rated

Stanley Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Stanley Lake Campground receives high praise for its stunning natural beauty, cleanliness, and excellent recreational opportunities. Some visitors report issues with privacy and the behavior of certain camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 198 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers highlight the beautiful lake views, clean and well-maintained vault toilets, and the wide range of recreational activities available. The campground is described as peaceful, with excellent...

Based on 198 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the behavior of some camp hosts, lack of privacy in certain sections, and the presence of mosquitoes and leeches in the lake during summer.

Based on 198 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 11-14 are noted for their great beach access, while sites 25-35 are described as more exposed and better suited for RVs. Site 18 offers stunning lake views.

Based on 198 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug spray, arriving early for first-come, first-served sites, and preparing for cool evenings. They also advise avoiding stagnant water in the lake due to leeches.

Based on 198 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with warm days and cool nights. However, mosquitoes and leeches are more prevalent during this time. Fall offers fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere.

Based on 198 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cleanest vault bathrooms I've ever seen." - Sarah Fitzpatrick; "Absolutely breathtaking, especially at dawn when the water is smooth." - Nicole Eldred; "Favorite campground ever." - Jeff H.

Based on 198 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features for disabled individuals.

Based on 198 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address experiences with pets at the campground.

Based on 198 reviews

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Stanley Lake Campground

$24.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-135428: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 2 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com

Go if

You want lake access with swimming, boating, and fishing plus hiking into the Sawtooth backcountry.

Skip if

You need private, screened sites or want to avoid mosquitoes and strict no-show enforcement.

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Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth Nf)

SAWTOOTH, STANLEY, ID 83278, USA

Elk Creek Campground sits in Sawtooth National Forest near Stanley, Idaho, at mid-elevation in a recovering burn area with limited shade. Operated by Recreation Resource Management of America, this very small campground offers group camping alongside Elk Creek, where families wade and fish during summer months. Reviewers praise clean vault toilets and creek access but note sparse tree cover and occasional construction noise.

Stanley Lake Campground

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About Stanley Lake Campground

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Amenities available

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Overview

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Stanley Lake Campground

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Stanley Lake Campground

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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