Lola Creek Campground

For us Idahoans, there’s nothing quite like escaping to the mountains, breathing in the crisp, clean air, and immersing ourselves in the natural beauty that surrounds us. Lola Creek Campground, nestled close to the charming town of Stanley, truly embodies this spirit. It's more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a serene retreat that offers a perfect balance of accessible amenities and direct access to some of Idaho’s most breathtaking wilderness. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a hiking expedition, or a peaceful fishing trip, Lola Creek Campground stands out as a clean, friendly, and incredibly scenic option for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Lola Creek Campground is conveniently located at Lola Creek Rd, Stanley, ID 83278, USA. This places it within the majestic Salmon-Challis National Forest, a region renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant recreational opportunities. To reach the campground from Stanley, you’ll travel approximately 17 miles northwest on Idaho State Highway 21. From there, you'll turn onto Forest Road #083 (also referred to as Lola Creek Campground Road) and continue for about one mile. The campground will be on your right.

The accessibility of Lola Creek Campground is one of its strong suits. The drive from Stanley is straightforward, mostly on paved roads, with only the last mile being on a well-maintained gravel forest road. This makes it easily reachable for a variety of vehicles, including cars, RVs, and trailers up to 35-45 feet long, although it's noted that the campground road can be narrow in some spots, and sites might not be ideal for the very largest rigs. This relative ease of access, combined with its proximity to the services of Stanley (which offers gas, food, and other supplies), makes it a practical choice for a wide range of campers, from those new to camping to seasoned adventurers looking for a convenient basecamp before venturing into deeper wilderness.

Lola Creek Campground provides a solid array of services, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay despite its rustic forest setting.

• Campsites: The campground boasts 21 spacious and well-maintained campsites. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, complete with a cooking grill. The sites are set amidst a forested environment, offering plenty of natural shade and a feeling of privacy.

• Potable Water: A hand pump provides potable drinking water, a vital amenity that means campers don't have to carry in all their water supply.

• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available throughout the campground, as highlighted by multiple positive reviews. This ensures basic sanitation facilities are on hand.

• Trash Removal Services: The presence of trash removal services (dumpsters) is a welcome convenience, helping campers keep the area clean and minimize their impact, though proper food storage to deter wildlife is always recommended.

• No Hookups: It's important to note that Lola Creek Campground is a primitive forest campground; therefore, no electrical, water, or sewer hookups are available at the individual campsites. Campers should be prepared for a "dry camping" experience.

• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are taken. Fees are reportedly reasonable, around $10 per night (with potential 50% reductions for Senior and Access Pass holders). Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends or during peak season, is advisable to secure a spot.

• 14-Day Stay Limit: A standard 14-day stay limit ensures that more visitors have the opportunity to experience this beautiful campground.

• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome in the campground but must be kept on a leash at all times, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all campers and wildlife.

Lola Creek Campground truly shines with its features and highlights, making it a favorite among Idaho's outdoor community:

• Beautiful Forested Setting: Visitors consistently rave about the "beautiful place to camp" and the "plenty of trees for shade." The natural forest environment provides a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

• Proximity to Marsh Creek and Wilderness Access: The campground sits adjacent to Marsh Creek, a beautiful river, providing opportunities for fishing (catch and release for rainbow trout). More significantly, the Marsh Creek Trailhead is a very short distance away, serving as a direct gateway into the vast Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and leading towards the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. This is a huge draw for serious hikers, backpackers, and those seeking remote wilderness experiences.

• Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the "spacious sites," allowing for comfortable setups and a sense of personal space, even when the campground is busy.

• Cleanliness: Both the "bathrooms are clean" and the "campground was clean," are recurring positive remarks, reflecting excellent maintenance by the Forest Service. This contributes significantly to a pleasant camping experience.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With its clean facilities, accessible trails, and natural setting, Lola Creek is highlighted as a "great place to bring your family," offering a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages to experience the outdoors.

• Hiking Opportunities: Beyond Marsh Creek, the trailhead to Lola Lakes is also nearby, offering more hiking possibilities. The abundance of close-by trails makes it an ideal spot for day hikes or launching longer backpacking trips into the wilderness.

• Convenience to Stanley: While offering a wilderness feel, the campground is just a short drive from Stanley, providing easy access to supplies, gas, and even local dining options if desired. This balance of wild and convenient is a key highlight for many.

For inquiries or more detailed information about Lola Creek Campground, you can reach out using the following contact information. This number typically connects to the Salmon-Challis National Forest office, which manages the campground.

Address: Lola Creek Rd, Stanley, ID 83278, USA

Phone: (208) 879-4100

Mobile Phone: +1 208-879-4100

It is always a good idea to call ahead, especially before your trip, to get the most current information on conditions, potential fire restrictions, or any alerts that might affect your visit.

For us Idahoans, Lola Creek Campground perfectly encapsulates what we love about our state's outdoor offerings: pristine beauty, accessible wilderness, and a peaceful escape. Its location near Stanley, coupled with its excellent amenities like clean vault toilets and potable water, makes it an incredibly practical and appealing choice for families, casual campers, and serious adventurers alike. The direct access to the Marsh Creek Trailhead, leading deep into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, is an immense draw for those seeking to explore Idaho's vast backcountry by foot or horse. Furthermore, the commitment to cleanliness and the spaciousness of the sites ensure a comfortable and respectful camping experience. Lola Creek Campground isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch your tent; it's a launching pad for unforgettable memories in the heart of Idaho's stunning central mountains. It’s a genuine slice of Idaho's natural paradise, inviting locals to relax, recreate, and reconnect with the wild beauty that defines our home.

Lola Creek Campground

Lola Creek Rd, Stanley, ID 83278, USA