Where to Camp Near Redfish Lake
Tucked beneath the jagged peaks of Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, Redfish Lake is one of the most iconic camping destinations in the state. The combination of alpine lakes, pine forests, hiking trails, and mountain views makes it a magnet for everyone from hardcore backpackers to families road-tripping through central Idaho.
The challenge? Finding the right place to camp.
Some campgrounds sit directly on the lake with incredible sunrise views. Others offer quieter settings nearby, better RV access, easier reservations, or more privacy. During peak summer weekends, the entire area fills quickly, so knowing the differences between campgrounds can make or break your trip.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best places to camp near Redfish Lake, including lakefront campgrounds, RV-friendly options, quieter alternatives, and dispersed camping nearby.
Camping Around Redfish Lake: What To Know First
Before choosing a campground, it helps to understand how the area is laid out.
Most camping near Redfish Lake is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Campgrounds are spread around Redfish Lake itself, Little Redfish Lake, Stanley Lake, and the surrounding forest roads. Some sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, while others remain first-come, first-served.
Summer is by far the busiest season. July and August weekends often book out months ahead, especially lakefront campgrounds.
If you want:
The classic Redfish experience → stay directly on the lake
More peace and quiet → camp near Stanley Lake or Salmon River
Easier RV access → choose developed campgrounds near Stanley
Solitude → look into dispersed camping outside the recreation complex
Best Campgrounds Directly On Redfish Lake
Point Campground
4.7•Campground
This is arguably the most sought-after campground in the area, and for good reason.
Point Campground sits directly on the western shore of Redfish Lake with stunning views across the water toward the Sawtooth Range. Several campsites have direct lake views, and the entire campground feels tucked into dense pine forest.
What makes it special:
Walk-in tent sites near the shoreline
Incredible sunrise and sunset views
Easy lake access
Close proximity to hiking trails and the marina
The campground is relatively small, which gives it a quieter, more secluded feel compared to larger campgrounds nearby. It’s especially ideal for tent campers.
Motorhomes and large trailers are restricted in parts of the campground.
Best for:
Tent campers
Couples
Scenic lakefront camping
Photographers
Redfish Outlet Campground
4.6•Campground
If you want to be close to everything, Outlet Campground is one of the best options.
Located near the outlet of Redfish Lake, this campground puts you close to:
Boat rentals
Hiking trailheads
The lodge area
Swimming access
Fishing
It’s one of the more convenient campgrounds for families and first-time visitors because you’re near many of the area’s main amenities.
Sites are surrounded by lodgepole pine forest, and many feel relatively private despite the campground’s popularity.
Best for:
Families
Easy access to activities
Kayaking and boating
First-time visitors
Sockeye Campground
4.8•Campground
Sockeye Campground offers a slightly more secluded feel while still being directly on Redfish Lake.
The campsites are spread among trees along the shoreline, creating a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere than some of the busier campgrounds.
It’s especially popular among:
Kayakers
Paddleboarders
Campers looking for less foot traffic
People who want direct lake access without being in the center of the action
Many sites feel surprisingly private considering how popular the Redfish area has become.
Best for:
Relaxed camping
Small groups
Lake access
Quieter stays
Glacier View Campground
4.4•Campground
Glacier View is one of the larger developed campgrounds near Redfish Lake and works especially well for RVs and larger camping setups.
It sits near the lake beneath dramatic mountain scenery and offers easier access for bigger vehicles than some of the smaller campgrounds.
Amenities are more developed here, making it a practical option for campers who want comfort without giving up scenery.
Best for:
RVs
Families
Groups
Campers wanting developed amenities
Smaller & Quieter Campgrounds Near Redfish Lake
Mountain View Campground
5.0•Campgrounds
Located on Little Redfish Lake, this tiny campground feels far more peaceful than the main Redfish corridor.
Little Redfish Lake prohibits motorboats, which dramatically changes the atmosphere. The water stays calmer, noise levels drop, and the setting feels more serene overall.
This is one of the best places in the area for:
Canoeing
Paddleboarding
Wildlife viewing
Quiet mornings
The campground is very small, so arriving early is important if you’re hoping for a site.
Best for:
Quiet camping
Photography
Canoes and paddleboards
Couples
Chinook Bay Campground
4.9•Campground
Chinook Bay is a first-come, first-served campground that often flies under the radar compared to the more famous campgrounds nearby.
It offers:
A more rustic feel
Fewer crowds
Good access to Redfish Lake
Strong forested privacy
If you don’t mind fewer amenities, it can be one of the better options during busy summer periods.
Best for:
Flexible travelers
Smaller rigs
Forest camping
Sunny Gulch Campground
4.6•Campground
Sunny Gulch sits slightly away from the main shoreline but offers easy access to both Redfish Lake and nearby hiking trails.
It’s a good middle-ground campground:
More space than some lakefront campgrounds
Less congestion
Easy access to Stanley and Redfish
The nearby Alpine Way Trail and Centennial Trail make this a strong choice for hikers.
Best for:
Hikers
Families
Multi-day stays
Camping Near Stanley Lake (A Great Alternative)
Stanley Lake Campground
4.4•Campground
If Redfish Lake feels too crowded, Stanley Lake may actually be the better camping experience.
Stanley Lake sits northwest of Redfish and offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery anywhere in Idaho. The lake feels slightly wilder and quieter, especially early in the morning and evenings.
You still get:
Excellent kayaking
Hiking access
Mountain views
Fishing
Paddleboarding
But generally with:
Fewer crowds
More breathing room
Less boat traffic
Many longtime Idaho campers actually prefer Stanley Lake over Redfish for this reason.
Best for:
Scenic camping
Families wanting more space
Repeat Sawtooth visitors
Paddling
RV Camping Near Redfish Lake
If you’re traveling with a larger RV or trailer, many of the Redfish-area campgrounds can feel tight or restrictive.
These nearby options are often easier:
Stanley RV and Camp
4.5•RV Parks•Closed
Located near Stanley, this is one of the better-developed RV-focused options in the area.
It offers:
Full hook-up RV sites
More comfortable amenities
Easier maneuverability
Access to town
It’s a great basecamp if you want to explore Redfish Lake during the day while returning to a more comfortable setup at night.
Best for:
Larger RVs
Longer stays
Comfort-focused travelers
Torrey's Burnt Creek Inn
3.9•RV Parks
Located along the Salmon River, this spot combines cabins and RV camping in a quieter setting outside the busiest Redfish corridor.
It’s a good option for travelers who want:
River access
More privacy
Easier parking
Less campground congestion
Best for:
RV travelers
Couples
Quieter stays outside Stanley
Is Dispersed Camping Allowed Near Redfish Lake?
Sort of — but there are restrictions.
Within the immediate Redfish and Alturas Lake recreation areas, dispersed camping is heavily limited or prohibited in many locations to protect the environment and reduce overcrowding.
However, dispersed camping can still be found farther out on certain forest roads and outside the busiest recreation corridors.
If you choose dispersed camping:
Camp on previously impacted sites
Stay away from lakeshores and trails
Follow fire restrictions carefully
Pack out all trash
The farther you move away from Redfish Road and Stanley, the easier it becomes to find quieter primitive campsites.
Best Time To Camp Near Redfish Lake
Summer (July–August)
This is peak season:
Warm lake temperatures
Full marina operations
Best weather
Largest crowds
Reservations are strongly recommended.
September
Arguably the best month:
Fewer crowds
Cooler nights
Fall colors beginning
More peaceful atmosphere
June
Beautiful but variable:
Wildflowers
High water
Cooler temperatures
Some lingering snow at higher elevations
Tips For Camping Near Redfish Lake
Reserve early
Popular campgrounds can book months ahead during summer weekends.
Expect cold nights
Even mid-summer nights can drop into the 30s and 40s.
Bring bear-safe storage
Black bears are active throughout the Sawtooths.
Arrive midweek if possible
Weekdays are dramatically quieter.
Don’t rely on cell service
Coverage can be limited around the lake and surrounding mountains.
Final Thoughts
Camping near Redfish Lake ranges from classic lakefront campgrounds packed with activity to peaceful alpine hideaways surrounded by wilderness.
If you want the iconic experience, camp directly on Redfish Lake at places like Point Campground or Redfish Outlet Campground.
If you prefer quieter scenery, consider Mountain View Campground or Stanley Lake Campground.
And if you’re bringing a larger RV or simply want easier amenities, nearby options like Stanley RV and Camp make excellent basecamps for exploring the Sawtooths.
No matter where you stay, the combination of alpine lakes, mountain trails, and rugged Idaho scenery makes this one of the best camping regions in the American West.