State: Idaho
Open: Seasonal
Number of Sites: 19
Elevation: 6535
County: Custer
Reservations: Yes - Check Recreation.gov for information
About: Stanley Lake Campground is located adjacent to gorgeous Stanley Lake in a thick grove of lodgepole pines at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The lake is nestled beneath rugged 9,860 McGowan Peak in a beautiful alpine valley below the Sawtooth Mountain Range in central Idaho, conveniently close to Stanley only 8 miles away. Temperatures are cool with an average summer high of 78 F, and a low of 40F.
This campground provides vault toilets, potable water, and garbage service, but no electricity. 19 sites are available, all of which are reservable. Roads and spurs within the site are gravel, and sites are partially shaded. Most sites have lake views. Campground is open prior to and after reservation dates on a first come, first served basis as weather permits. Firewood is available for purchase onsite. There is no payphone at the campground. A scenic overlook is located next to sites 3 and 4, with outstanding views of McGowan Peak and Stanley Lake. Painters and photographers frequent the overlook to capture the views. A boat ramp is located nearby.
This site is within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which offers a myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities; an estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains. The Idaho Centennial Trail passes nearby, with the Stanley Lake Trailhead across the lake. Stanley Lake offers excellent boating, waterskiing, canoeing/kayaking, and fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and bull trout. Numerous additional sparkling lakes and streams including the Salmon River dot the area, making for great rainbow and native Westslope cutthroat trout fishing. Redfish Lake is nearby with more boating, waterskiing, canoeing/kayaking, and fishing opportunities. Elk Meadow is close by, offering great bird and wildlife watching. Popular area events include an Arts & Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair, and Firemen’s Ball in September.
Fees: See Forest Service website
Water: Drinking Water
Restrooms: Vault Toilet
Closest Town: Stanley, ID
Directions: Travel 4.5 miles west of Stanley, ID on State Highway 21. Turn on Stanley Lake Road and drive 3 miles on paved road to campground.
