Stanley Lake Campground

Signs and Info

Facilities

Campsites

Recreation

Name: Stanley Lake Campground

This is a revision of our original review and is based on observations from our visit in August 2021 and was accurate as of that date.

Stanley Lake Campground is now the only campground on Stanley Lake. Inlet Campground flooded and is permanently closed while Lakeview merged with Stanley Lake.  So Stanley Lake Campground now has 39 campsites. There is a boat ramp and picnic area where Inlet Campground used to be. This area is forested with a mature forest and is surrounded by the most awesome views in Idaho(in my opinion).

Campsites: The campground has 39 tent / RV campsites, each with a picnic table, tent square and fire ring with attached grate. A few border the lake with most on the hills above them. Don't take that wrong they are all fairly close to the lake and campers have access to the lake by a trail along the lake. The roads and driveways are gravel while the sites are dirt.

Host on Site: The hosts here use a different approach to collecting fees. Normally you find a site pickup an envelope and pay your fees. Here you pick your site and they find you to collect the fee. You don't have to worry about getting the envelope and wondering if your fee got to them or not. I liked it.

Water: Yes, there are wells with a hand pump available for potable water. 

Garbage Services: Garbage service is available in bearwise dumpsters.

Electricity Available: No

Restroom: There are multiple newer and one older vault style outhouse. All were clean and well maintained.

Handicap Accessible: Yes, the toilets are handicap accessible.

Firewood: Firewood is available from the camp host for $10.00 per bundle as of August 2021.

Pets: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Picnic Area: Stanley Lake Overlook is the Picnic / Day Use area. There is a view point with information signs, access to the lake, benches with a view to die for, and several picnic tables scattered about in the woods. If you like to paint scenery, consider this view. Check out my pictures.

Recreation: There are many reasons to camp at Stanley Lake Campground. Some come to enjoy the scenery from their RV. Others come to hike the trails into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Still others come to photograph the raw beauty on these towering, granite peaks. Many people hike up the creek to see Lady Face Falls and beyond.

Fishing: Stanley Lake has been stocked with trout several times this year. If you want more of a challenge, the back country is just a trail away. Check your regulations.

Boating: There is a boat ramp and dock at Inlet Campground.

Swimming: Swimming in Stanley lake can be quite cool earlier in the summer. By august it's very nice to play in the cool water. The shoreline in many spots are fairly sandy.

Hiking: There are numerous trails available for day hiking or backpacking. A popular hike is up Stanley Lake Creek to Lady Face Falls and on to Bridal Veil Falls from the tailhead just up the road from the campground.

Wildlife: There are bear in this area and one was visiting the night we stayed here many years ago. If you keep your food safely stowed and all garbage picked up and thrown in the "bearwise" containers, it is likely you won't have one of these night time visits. There are also deer, elk, and a multitude of birds to enjoy.

Additional Camping Opportunities: There are multiple primitive campsites scattered along either side of Stanley Lake Road.

Nearby Services: Services such as gas, food, pop, ice, and much more can be found in Stanley about 7 miles away.

RV Dumping Site: There is a dumping station at the Stanley Ranger Station ponds.

Location/Driving instructions: From Stanley, Idaho, follow Hwy 21 west 4.6 miles. Turn left onto Stanley Lake Rd. Travel 3 miles on Stanley Lake Rd to the Stanley Lake / Lakeview Campground entrance. Or from Boise, Idaho, follow Hwy 21 northeast for 118 miles, turning right on to Stanley Lake Rd. It is 3 miles to the campground entrance.

Coordinates: 44.2485180,-115.0534240

Elevation: 6543 Feet

Reviewed Date: August 2021

Fees And Reservations: To check the current fee schedule or to reserve your campsite go to recreation.gov . There are 39 sites in Stanley Lake Campground some many be reserved while others are available only on a first come first served basis. As of August 2021 Single sites were $20  and double sites $40 per day or night however you like to think of it.

This information is accurate as of the date of the review.