Stanley, Idaho has stunning mountain views, pristine lakes, and what seems to be an infinite list of outdoor activities. If that is the adventure you seek, then you and your RV are bound to have the camping experience of a lifetime. This town is small, but it is located in the center of the Sawtooth Mountains, making it an ideal camping destination in this country. Stanley is known for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and nature enthusiasts. The camping experience can be improved with a proper RV campground.
The Best RV campgrounds near Stanley, Idaho:
1. Stanley Lake Campground
Location: Nestled along the shores of Stanley Lake, just 7 miles northwest of Stanley, this campground offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Total RV Sites: 25
RV Size Limit: 35 feet
Amenities:
– Picnic tables and fire rings at each site
– Access to vault toilets
– Drinking water available
– Boat ramp and fishing access nearby
Full Hookups: No
Reservation Price: $20–$25 per night (depending on the site)
Highlights:
One of the standout features of Stanley Lake Campground is its breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Stanley Lake. The campground is also a fantastic base for outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Don’t miss the chance to hike the nearby Stanley Lake Trail, which offers stunning vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make this campground a favorite among nature lovers.
2. Sunny Gulch Campground
Location: Located about 10 miles south of Stanley, Sunny Gulch Campground is a family-friendly spot surrounded by open meadows and towering pines.
Total RV Sites: 36
RV Size Limit: 40 feet
Amenities:
– Picnic tables and fire rings
– Vault toilets
– Drinking water available
– Horse corrals (great for equestrian campers!)
Full Hookups: No
Reservation Price: $20–$25 per night
Highlights:
Sunny Gulch Campground is a fantastic choice for families and those traveling with horses. The open, sunny spaces make it feel less cramped than some forested campgrounds, and the nearby trails are perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. While there are no full hookups, the campground’s peaceful setting and proximity to the Salmon River make it a favorite among RVers who want to disconnect and enjoy the great outdoors.
3. Iron Creek Campground
Location: 6 miles west of Stanley, deep in the Sawtooth National Forest.
Total RV Sites: 15
RV Size Limit: 30 feet (tight turns and narrow roads—no trailers over 25 ft advised)
Amenities:
– Picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food storage
– Vault toilets (no showers)
– Drinking water available seasonally
– Access to Iron Creek for fishing
Full Hookups: No
Reservation Price: $20–$25/night (first-come, first-served May–September)
Highlights:
Iron Creek is where you go to disappear. Tucked under a canopy of pines, this campground feels worlds away from civilization. The star here is the access to the Sawtooth Wilderness—hikers can jump onto trails like the Iron Creek to Alpine Lake route, a 12-mile round-trip stunner with waterfalls and wildflowers. The creek itself is icy cold but perfect for fly-fishing (bring your waders!).
4. Casino Creek Campground
Location: 15 miles northeast of Stanley along the Salmon River Scenic Byway.
Total RV Sites: 10
RV Size Limit: 25 feet (small RVs and trailers only—big rigs, steer clear!)
Amenities:
– Picnic tables and fire pits
– Vault toilets (again, no showers)
– River access for fishing and wading
– Stunning views of the Salmon River Mountains
Full Hookups: No
Reservation Price: $15–$20/night (first-come, first-served June–October)
Highlights:
Casino Creek is the road less traveled—literally. This no-frills campground sits along the Salmon River, where the water is so clear you can count the pebbles on the bottom. Anglers flock here for trophy-sized trout, while kayakers love the mild rapids nearby. The real showstopper? The night sky. With zero light pollution, the Milky Way looks like it’s been Photoshopped above your RV.
Related: 12 Top RV parks in Upper Peninsula, Michigan
5. Outlet Campground at Redfish Lake
Location: Perched at the northwestern tip of Redfish Lake, 6 miles south of Stanley.
Total RV Sites: 15 (small and mighty—book fast!)
RV Size Limit: 30 feet (trailers over 25 feet? Not advised—tight turns ahead).
Amenities:
– Picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes (this is grizzly country, folks).
– Vault toilets (no showers—pack wet wipes and embrace the “campfresh” vibe).
– Seasonal drinking water (late May–September).
– Boat ramp access is just a stroll away.
Full Hookups: No
Reservation Price: $22–$28/night (first-come, first-served May–September).
Highlights:
Outlet Campground is where you go to live the postcard. Wake up to the Sawtooth Mountains reflecting in Redfish Lake, then spend your days kayaking, hiking the Fishhook Creek Trail, or fishing for cutthroat trout. The campground’s namesake “outlet” is where the lake feeds into the Salmon River—prime territory for serene sunset walks.
6. Stanley RV + Camp
Location: It is right in downtown Stanley (yes, “downtown” here means one general store and a burger joint).
Total RV Sites: 35 (mix of pull-through and back-in).
RV Size Limit: 45 feet (big rigs, rejoice!).
Amenities:
– Full hookups (electric, water, sewer—no judgment here).
– Clean restrooms with hot showers (hallelujah!).
– Free Wi-Fi (spotty, but hey, you’re in the mountains).
– Pet-friendly with a small dog park.
Full Hookups: Yes, and they’re glorious.
Reservation Price: $65–$85/night (book early—summer fills fast).
Highlights:
Stanley RV + Camp is the unicorn of Sawtooth camping: all the wilderness vibes, none of the rough edges. After days spent rafting the Salmon River or soaking in nearby hot springs, you’ll appreciate the luxury of flushing toilets and a 24/7 camp store for forgotten marshmallows. The real kicker? It’s walking distance to Stanley’s iconic eateries—like the Sawtooth Hotel’s huckleberry pancakes.
7. Sockeye Campground
Location: Near Redfish Lake, about 6 miles south of Stanley, Idaho
Total RV Sites: 23 sites
RV Size Limit: Up to 35 feet
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire pits, vault toilets, drinking water, and direct lake access
Full Hookups: No (dry camping only)
Reservation Price: $20–$40 per night
Highlights:
If you dream of camping next to a stunning alpine lake, Sockeye Campground is the place to be. Sitting on the eastern shore of Redfish Lake, this campground offers some of the best waterfront camping in the Stanley area. Wake up to breathtaking sunrise views over the lake, enjoy a morning paddle, or hit one of the nearby hiking trails leading deep into the Sawtooth Wilderness.
Even though there are no full hookups, the setting more than makes up for it. The sites are spacious, and many offer panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Plus, Redfish Lake Lodge is just a short drive away, where you can rent boats, grab a bite to eat, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere.
8. Chinook Bay Campground
Location: Along Stanley Lake, about 7 miles west of Stanley, Idaho
Total RV Sites: 13 sites
RV Size Limit: Up to 30 feet
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, drinking water, and lake access
Full Hookups: No (dry camping only)
Reservation Price: $15–$35 per night
Highlights:
For those who prefer a quieter, more secluded camping experience, Chinook Bay Campground is a hidden treasure. Nestled along the shores of Stanley Lake, this small campground offers breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Mountains reflecting on the water. It’s the perfect spot for fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching, and stargazing without the crowds of larger campgrounds.
The sites are well-spaced, giving you plenty of privacy while still being close to the lake. While there are no full hookups, the simple, rustic setting makes it a great choice for those who want to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
9. Mormon Bend Campground
Location: Mormon Bend Campground is nestled along the banks of the Salmon River, just a short drive from the charming town of Stanley.
Total RV Sites: 12 (small and intimate—book early!).
RV Size Limit: 35 feet (but trailers over 30 feet might struggle with tight turns).
Amenities:
– Picnic tables and fire rings (because s’mores are non-negotiable).
– Vault toilets (no showers—pack biodegradable soap for river baths).
– Drinking water available seasonally (May–September).
– Direct access to the Salmon River for fishing and wading.
Full Hookups: No—this is back-to-basics camping.
Reservation Price: $15–$20/night (first-come, first-served May–October).
Highlights:
Mormon Bend is where you go to unplug and unwind. The campground sits along a gentle bend in the Salmon River, where the water sparkles like liquid glass. Anglers love it for its trout-filled waters, while kayakers and rafters appreciate the easy put-in spot. The real magic? The starry nights. With no light pollution, the Milky Way puts on a show that’ll make you forget Netflix exists.
10. Riverside Campground
Location: Just 2 miles south of Stanley, right on the banks of the Salmon River.
Total RV Sites: 10 (small but mighty).
RV Size Limit: 30 feet (for larger RVs, look elsewhere—this one’s cozy).
Amenities:
– Picnic tables and fire pits (campfire stories, anyone?).
– Vault toilets (again, no showers—wet wipes are your friend).
– Drinking water available seasonally (May–September).
– Direct river access for fishing, wading, or just soaking your feet.
Full Hookups: Not a chance—this is rustic camping.
Reservation Price: $15–$20/night (first-come, first-served May–October).
Highlights:
Riverside Campground is all about location. You’re just minutes from Stanley’s quirky charm (think: huckleberry milkshakes and cowboy vibes) but still immersed in nature. The Salmon River is your backyard, offering endless opportunities for fishing, paddleboarding, or just sitting on the bank with a good book. Plus, the Sawtooth Mountains loom in the distance, reminding you why you came here in the first place.
11. Salmon River Campground
Location: 5 miles south of Stanley, Idaho, along Highway 75
Total RV Sites: 30 sites
RV Size Limit: Up to 40 feet
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, drinking water, and fishing access
Full Hookups: No (dry camping only)
Reservation Price: $20–$30 per night
Highlights:
While this is a dry camping spot with no full hookups, it makes up for it with its unbeatable location and peaceful atmosphere. The sites are spacious, and many offer riverfront views, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains. If you’re into fly fishing or just want to dip your toes in the cool, clear water, you won’t find a better spot.
12. Glacier View Campground
Location: Just outside Stanley, near Redfish Lake
Total RV Sites: 65 sites
RV Size Limit: Up to 35 feet
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, drinking water, boat launch, and hiking trails
Full Hookups: No (dry camping only)
Reservation Price: $20–$40 per night
Highlights:
For those who crave mountain views that will leave you speechless, Glacier View Campground is a must-visit. Situated near the stunning Redfish Lake, this campground offers breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Mountains, making it one of the most scenic RV camping spots in Idaho.
It’s a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails leading directly from the campground to alpine lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints.