Alturas Inlet Campground

Welcome to the spectacular heart of Idaho's wilderness! If you're looking to escape the hustle and reconnect with nature, Alturas Inlet Campground in the stunning Sawtooth National Recreation Area (NRA) offers an unforgettable camping experience. Nestled on the scenic shores of Alturas Lake, right at the foot of the magnificent Sawtooth Mountain Range, this destination provides a classic Idaho outdoor getaway. It’s a perfect base camp for adventurers, a tranquil spot for families, and a photographer’s dream, promising picturesque scenery at every turn, from the beautiful inlet streams to the towering mountain peaks.

Alturas Inlet Campground is renowned for its large, family-friendly campsites that are spread out for a sense of privacy. The area is tucked into a lovely, shady forest composed of mixed-growth conifers, ensuring a cool and comfortable experience even during the peak summer months. Reviewers often note the abundance of shady spots and flat, grassy areas perfect for setting up a tent or parking a trailer. The proximity to Alturas Lake—one of the largest and most southerly lakes in the Sawtooth NRA—provides direct access to a variety of water activities, making it a prime location for any outdoor enthusiast.

Whether you are an Idaho local seeking a weekend refuge or planning an extended stay to explore the surrounding trails, Alturas Inlet Campground serves as an accessible and amenity-rich option within the pristine Sawtooth landscape. It offers a true rustic camping focus—a place to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the clear, crisp mountain air—while still providing essential comforts to make your multi-day trip comfortable.

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### Location and Accessibility

Alturas Inlet Campground is situated within the expansive Sawtooth National Recreation Area (NRA), a federally protected area known for its rugged beauty and extensive recreational opportunities. The campground is specifically located on the southwest end of Alturas Lake.

The official mailing address for the campground is: Sawtooth NRA, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA. However, for navigational purposes and to understand the local geography, it’s important to note its proximity to the charming mountain town of Stanley, Idaho.

Directions for Local Drivers:

• From the Stanley area, travel approximately 21 miles south on ID-75.
• Turn west onto Forest Road 205 (also known as Alturas Lake Road).
• Continue for about 3 to 4 miles on the Forest Road until you reach the campground area.

The roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel, suitable for most vehicles, trailers, and RVs. The facility welcomes a range of camping units, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs up to 40 feet in length. The elevation in this region is high, which contributes to the cool temperatures, with average summer highs around $78^{circ}$F and lows dipping to $40^{circ}$F, making it a wonderful escape from the summer heat found elsewhere. It is important to remember that access may be limited by snow in the early season, as is typical for high-elevation Idaho campsites.

An important note for planning is that cell service is not available in the immediate campground area, allowing for a truly disconnected and immersive experience in nature.

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### Services Offered

The campground provides numerous essential services and amenities designed to enhance your stay in the Idaho wilderness, ensuring both convenience and comfort.

• Campsites: The campground features 28 total campsites, including standard single-family sites and 8 double-sites, accommodating larger groups or two camping units.
• Site Furnishings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for dining and a fire ring with a grate for safe cooking and evening campfires.
• Water and Restrooms: Potable/drinking water is provided at various points throughout the campground. Public restroom facilities are available, which are typically well-maintained vault toilets (note: this is a rustic experience, so no flushing toilets or sinks are usually present).
• Firewood: Firewood is conveniently available for purchase from the campsite host for a fee, making it easy to enjoy a campfire without bringing your own.
• Waste Management: Trash collection services are provided, encouraging campers to keep the area pristine.
• Host Presence: A camp host is often on-site to assist with check-in, answer questions, and provide local knowledge.
• Parking: On-site parking is provided at each campsite. An extra vehicle fee may apply for additional vehicles beyond the standard site limit.

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### Features / Highlights

The unique features of Alturas Inlet Campground are primarily tied to its stunning location within the Sawtooth NRA and the myriad of recreational opportunities it affords.

• Water Access: Campers enjoy a very short, easy walk to a sandy beach and direct access to Alturas Lake. The adjacent day-use area also features a designated swim beach.
• Boating and Water Sports: Alturas Lake is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The Smokey Bear Boat Ramp is less than a quarter-mile away, allowing for easy access for motorized boating and waterskiing (though personal watercraft are not permitted on this lake).
• Hiking Trails: The area is a gateway to the vast Sawtooth Wilderness. The scenic Alpine Meadows Trail, a 10-mile round trip route with views of canyons, meadows, and alpine lakes, begins nearby. There are also numerous opportunities for hiking and kid-friendly hikes right from the campground.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing is available in Alturas Lake for species like bull trout and Kokanee salmon. The nearby Alturas Creek, which runs through the campground, is also known to be teeming with trout, and the area offers various fly-fishing opportunities.
• Wildlife Viewing: It is common to spot local wildlife, with one reviewer noting that deer walked right through their campsite daily. The area is also popular for bird watching.
• Winter Recreation: Even after the main camping season closes, the surrounding area remains a destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Pet-Friendly: A special dog beach is located in the day-use area, perfect if your dog loves to swim! Pets must be kept on a leash within the campground.

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### Contact Information

For general inquiries, reservations, or more information about the Alturas Inlet Campground, use the following details. Please note that while the address is listed for Ketchum, the campground is located closer to Stanley, Idaho, in the northern part of the Sawtooth NRA.

Address: Sawtooth NRA, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA

Phone: (208) 774-3000 (Sawtooth National Recreation Area Headquarters)

Alternative/Reservation Phone: (877) 444-6777 (Recreation.gov)

While the local phone is provided, it is recommended to use the Recreation.gov website or phone number for current availability, reservations, and fee information, as reservations must often be made at least four days in advance.

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### What is Worth Choosing Alturas Inlet Campground

For residents and visitors of Idaho, Alturas Inlet Campground stands out as a premier camping location due to its unparalleled setting and balanced amenities. It is worth choosing this campground for the sheer magnificence of the Sawtooth Mountains backdrop and the direct, easy access to Alturas Lake.

Unlike some more remote, first-come, first-served options, Alturas Inlet is the largest Alturas Lake campground that accepts reservations, offering peace of mind when planning your trip. The variety of sites—including single and double options accommodating large RVs and small tents—makes it flexible for different group sizes and camping styles. The campsites are spacious and shaded, a key feature valued by long-time campers, providing a comfortable place to relax after a day of exploration.

Moreover, the area is a recreational hub. You can spend one day canoeing and fishing on the crystal-clear lake and the next day trekking into the Sawtooth Wilderness via nearby trailheads like Tin Cup or Alturas Lake Creek. The designated swimming area and special dog beach ensure that all members of the family, including canine companions, have a safe and enjoyable way to cool off.

In short, if you are looking for a classic, high-quality Idaho camping experience that combines stunning natural beauty, essential amenities (like potable water and fire rings), and direct access to the best outdoor activities the Sawtooth NRA has to offer, Alturas Inlet Campground is an exceptional choice. The occasional temporary outage of a specific amenity, such as running water due to maintenance, is a small price to pay for the unparalleled beauty and genuine wilderness immersion this location provides. Just remember to pack warm clothes—especially if you're visiting in the shoulder seasons—and prepare to disconnect from the digital world and fully engage with the spectacular landscape around you.

Alturas Inlet Campground

Sawtooth NRA, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA