Officials with the Sawtooth National Recreation Area announced that construction of a new campground loop at the Stanley Lake Campground in Stanley, Idaho, will be complete on or around Monday (Aug. 6). Construction activities will then move to the Stanley Lake Inlet Campground to begin construction on a new boat ramp and parking area, according to the Idaho Press. As a result of the boat ramp construction, certain campsites at the Stanley Lake Inlet Campground will be permanently closed. Campground visitors at affected sites within the Inlet Campground, within their 10-day stay limit, will be given first priority to move to the new campground to complete their stay.
Explore Stanley Lake Campground in 360°
This campground has a full virtual tour with interactive campsite markers. Walk through every loop, inspect individual sites, and see the views before you book.
Launch Virtual Tour →📅 Check Campsite Availability
What campers say
Stanley Lake Campground sits in a stunning mountain setting with direct lake access and views of Mt. McGown and the Sawtooths. Sites are large, well-maintained, and many include flat tent pads; vault toilets/restrooms are repeatedly praised for cleanliness. This is a mostly primitive campground—no electrical/water hookups or showers and cell reception is spotty—so plan accordingly. Hosts are often helpful and informative, though a few guests report strict or intrusive enforcement. Expect busy summers (sites can fill months ahead), some exposed sunny expansion sites, on-site firewood for purchase, and short trail access to hikes and hot springs.
Our summary of 79 traveler reviews.
✅ Amenities & Features
.GOV.RECREATIONATVBack-inBathroomsBikingBoat LaunchBoat RampBoatingCanoeingDestinationDirtDogsLakeFamily FriendlyFirepitsFirst Come First ServedFishingForestForest ServiceGroupHikingKayakingMarinaMotorcycleMountain BikingMountainsNational ForestOff-RoadingParkPetsPrimitivePublic ParkPublic ParkingRegional ParkRemoteRuralScenicSeasonalShadeSwimmingTentsTouristTrailsTreesUS Forest ServiceWalking TrailWaterWildlife
📖 About This Campground
Stanley Lake Campground near Stanley Idaho is a US Forest Service campground located in a scenic area of the state. There are multiple camping loops situated around this lake. Reservations can be made in advance.
The campground is situated on a hillside above the lake in a thick grove of lodgepole pines, at an elevation of 6,500 feet. Most campsites have partial shade and views of the lake and/or the rugged 9860-foot McGowan Peak. Temperatures are cool, with an average summer high of 78 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.
Recreation:
Stanley Lake offers excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook and bull trout. A boat ramp is located just outside the campground.
The Idaho Centennial Trail passes nearby and can be accessed from the Stanley Lake Trailhead across the lake.
Facilities:
The campground offers 17 reservable sites, as well as additional first come, first served sites. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and spurs within the site are gravel.
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.