Name: North Shore Campground
North Shore Campground is located on the north shore of Alturas Lake with an elevation just over 7000 feet. The lake and Sawtooth Mountains are beautiful. This campground has a few sites that are right on the lake which can certainly be nice, especially if you are wanting to fish.
Campsites: North Shore Campground has 15 RV camping sites. Each has a picnic table and fire ring with a grill attached. There is firewood available from the host at times. There is no electricity or dumpsite so come prepared.
Water: Drinking water is available in North Shore Campground.
Garbage Services: Garbage service is now available.
Restroom: The vault/outhouse style restroom is clean and well maintained.
Handicap Accessible: The restrooms are handicap accessible.
Pets: Pets are allowed on a leash.
Recreation: People come here to swim, boat, picnic, camp, fish, practice their photography, hike, ride their ATVs or just enjoy the beach. Check out the picture I took of the "Pond with Sawtooth Mountains" on this page. There are many such views within a short distance and great backpacking throughout the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Fishing: Fishing is available in Alturas Lake, Alturas Lake Creek both above and below the lake as well as Perkins Lake just downstream. The Salmon River is available only a few miles away. I fished this lake from a raft and found the most action along the north shore just south of Alturas Lake Inlet Campground. The lake seems a little darker there, maybe more fish feed there.
Boating: Motorized boating is allowed on Alturas Lake. The boat ramp and dock is at Smokey Bear Campground. There is a wonderfull beach at Alturas Lake Inlet Campground.
Wildlife: We saw no sign that there were bear troubles. This area has deer, elk, cougar (hard to find), mountain goat, mountain sheep, birds of all sorts and many other smaller animals. There are wolves in this area so watch your dogs.
Phone service: There is no pay phone at the campground and I had no service on my ATT cell phone.
Nearby Services: Services are available within 10 miles at Sawtooth City.
Location/Driving instructions: From Stanley, Idaho, follow Highway 75 turn onto Forest Road 205 (Alturas Lake Rd.) Approx 3 miles to Alturas Lake Inlet Campground.
Coordinates: 43.918383,-114.866915
Elevation: 7060 Feet
Reviewed Date: July 2010
Fees And Reservations: This campground is not reservable. It is first come first serve. They fill up fast so come early! Fees for 2010 are $15.00 per night for a RV camping site, with $5.00 for an extra vehicle.
This information is accurate as of the date of the review.
