Stanley Lake Campground

Star4.66
198 reviews
SAWTOOTH, ID, USA
Scenic ViewsFishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation Resource Management of America site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Stanley Lake Campground
$24.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservation fees vary by campsite type, ranging from $24.00 for standard nonelectric sites to $48.00 during peak season. Additional fees include a...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$48.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 198 reviews

62 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanhiking

Some mention

mosquitoes

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

SAWTOOTH, ID, USA

Stanley Lake Campground

SAWTOOTH, ID, USA

Driving directionsTravel 4.5 miles west of Stanley, Idaho on State Highway 21. Turn on paved Stanley Lake Road and drive 3 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via a paved road, Stanley Lake Road, which is 3 miles from State Highway 21. Roads within the campground are gravel.
Nearby places
Stanley (4.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The small town of Stanley (4.5 miles away) offers groceries, fuel, camping supplies, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Stanley Lake Campground

Experience the magic of true mountain summers at Stanley Lake, where daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 78°F, perfect for hiking and water activities, before cooling to a crisp 40°F under star-filled skies. Pack your favorite fleece for those refreshingly cool evenings around the campfire, when stories flow as freely as the mountain air. During shoulder seasons, come prepared for nature's moods – from golden autumn days to spring's awakening showers, each bringing its own spectacular beauty to this high-country paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm days (~78°F) ideal for activities; reviewers love July but note mosquitoes and leeches.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fewer crowds and peaceful atmosphere; cooler but excellent for views and solitude.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder-season access (some FCFS dates); variable conditions and limited services early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed in winter; no winter services listed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 to September 18, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025, to September 18, 2025, for reservable sites. First-come-first-serve sites available in shoulder seasons (May 14-21, 2026, and September 19-30, 2025). Closed out of season.
  • Current Alerts: No specific alerts noted.

About Stanley Lake Campground

Nestled among towering lodgepole pines at the foot of majestic McGowan Peak, Stanley Lake Campground offers an authentic mountain camping experience at its finest. This scenic retreat combines the convenience of reservable sites with the spontaneity of first-come, first-served options, all equipped with essential amenities including sturdy picnic tables, warming fire rings, clean vault toilets, and fresh potable water. Whether you're seeking a planned family getaway or a last-minute mountain escape, this pristine campground provides the perfect basecamp for your Sawtooth adventures.
Stanley Lake Campground offers versatile camping options, catering to tent campers, RV users, and those seeking first-come, first-served sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 11 AM.
Check-out
Check-out by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 10 nights per visit.

Amenities available

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

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe Idaho Centennial Trail passes nearby and is accessible from the Stanley Lake Trailhead. Additionally, new trails around the north side of the lake link the campground with day-use areas and trailheads. Hikers can explore numerous other trails in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, offering diverse options in difficulty and terrain.
FishingFishing is a major activity at Stanley Lake, with opportunities to catch rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and bull trout. The lake is described as gorgeous and serene, making it a favorite among anglers.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed in Stanley Lake, but some campers have reported issues with leeches and swimmer's itch. Safety precautions such as rinsing off and avoiding stagnant areas are advised.
BikingBiking is popular in and around the campground, with trails crisscrossing the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The lake area also features bike-friendly paths.
BoatingStanley Lake supports a variety of boating activities, including water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. A boat ramp is located just outside the campground for easy access.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highly recommended, with opportunities to observe the local fauna, including osprey hunting over the lake.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include mosquitoes (noted in reviews), swimmer's itch, and fallen logs in campsites. Some sites may have uneven terrain as mentioned in user reviews.
Active AlertsNo specific alerts noted.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Stanley Lake Campground

Reviews

4.7
198 reviews
Top-Rated
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...
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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

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

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

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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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