Mountain View Campground

Hello, fellow Idahoans! When it comes to finding that perfect spot to truly unwind amidst our state's unparalleled natural beauty, the secret is often in the details. Today, we're excited to introduce you to a gem nestled in the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area: Mountain View Campground. Despite its location that might look "right off the road" on a map, local campers consistently rave about its hidden tranquility. As one happy visitor shared, "you go down a bit and the river noise drowns out the road. We ran out of water and our campground hosts were SO helpful and let us use their jugs, etc. There are a few FCFS spots that aren’t on the river but still have a good chunk of land. You have so much space. Highly recommend. Clean restrooms!!" This sentiment perfectly captures the delightful surprises and welcoming atmosphere that await you at Mountain View Campground.

Idaho is synonymous with breathtaking landscapes, from the majestic peaks of the Sawtooths to the pristine waters of its many lakes and rivers. Mountain View Campground offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this splendor, particularly given its proximity to Little Redfish Lake and the iconic Redfish Lake. It's a place where the sunrises and sunsets paint the sky with incredible colors over crystal-clear, blue waters, and where outdoor activities abound. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, boat, or simply soak in the magnificent views, this campground provides the ideal basecamp. The added bonus of having "Jim" as "the best camp host ever" speaks volumes about the friendly and supportive environment you'll find here. Let's delve deeper into what makes Mountain View Campground a truly wonderful choice for your next Idaho adventure.

Mountain View Campground is beautifully situated on Redfish Lake Road, near the iconic town of Stanley, ID 83278, USA. This places it directly within the stunning Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA), a region that showcases some of Idaho's most dramatic and frequently photographed landscapes, including the majestic Sawtooth Mountains themselves. Specifically, the campground is located on the east side of Little Redfish Lake, less than a mile off Highway 75, approximately three to four miles south of Stanley.

Accessibility to Mountain View Campground is generally straightforward. From Stanley, you'll take Highway 75 south for a short drive before turning west onto Redfish Lake Road. The campground entrance will be clearly marked. While it appears close to the main road on a map, customer reviews confirm that the descent into the campground and the ambient river noise effectively mitigate any highway sounds, allowing for a peaceful experience. The campground is well-suited for tents, trailers, and RVs, with sites capable of accommodating various lengths, though some suggest up to 22 feet for paved parking, larger rigs may find specific sites challenging but still navigable based on reviews. Its proximity to both Stanley (for amenities and services) and the Redfish Lake area (for extensive recreation) makes it a highly convenient and desirable location for Idaho locals.

Mountain View Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning visitors physically arrive at the campground to claim and pay for a site. This allows for spontaneous adventures, though it's wise to arrive early during peak season. The campground is known for its well-maintained, clean facilities, enhancing the overall camping experience. Services offered typically include:

• Flush Toilets: A significant highlight, as praised by campers, are the clean restrooms with flushing toilets and sinks, a notable convenience in a national forest campground. Some sources even mention air hand dryers.
• Potable Water: The campground has a pressurized water system providing good, potable water, essential for all camping needs.
• Campsites with Amenities: Each of the approximately 5 to 7 campsites is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for cooking and gathering around a campfire (always check for fire restrictions).
• Garbage Services: Bear-proof containers are provided for garbage disposal, reflecting the importance of wildlife safety in the area.
• On-site Host: Mountain View Campground often has a campground host who can provide assistance and ensure the smooth operation of the campground. Reviewers specifically mention "Jim" as a helpful host.
• No Hookups: This is a standard non-electric campground, meaning no electrical, water, or sewer hookups are available at individual sites. Campers with RVs should be self-contained.
• RV Dump Station Nearby: While not at the campground itself, an RV dumping station is conveniently located just up Redfish Lake Road at the Central Services area, offering a convenient solution for RVers.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

These services, particularly the clean flush toilets and potable water, contribute significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable stay in a rustic setting.

Mountain View Campground boasts an array of features and highlights that consistently earn it high praise from local campers. These attributes make it a truly memorable destination within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area:

• Riverside/Lakeside Proximity: The campground is beautifully situated on the banks of Little Redfish Lake, with some sites offering direct "right on the river" access. This provides a constant calming sound of the water, drowning out road noise and enhancing tranquility.
• Spacious Campsites: Campers frequently commend the generous amount of space at each site, allowing for privacy and comfort even when the campground is full. "You have so much space," one reviewer noted.
• Stunning Sawtooth Mountain Views: As its name suggests, the campground offers breathtaking views of the majestic Sawtooth Mountain Range. The "sunrise and sunset is amazing" over the crystal-clear, blue waters of Little Redfish Lake, creating a truly spectacular backdrop.
• Clean and Well-Kept Facilities: Reviewers consistently highlight the "clean restrooms" and "new fire pits" and "vault toilets" (some with flush toilets), indicating a well-maintained environment that adds significantly to comfort.
• Excellent Water Activities: Little Redfish Lake and the nearby larger Redfish Lake offer fantastic opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and boating. Boat rentals are available at the Redfish Lake Lodge marina.
• Superb Fishing: Both Little Redfish Lake and Redfish Lake are stocked with trout and experience Kokanee salmon runs. The Salmon River and Redfish Lake Creek are also excellent fishing waters in the vicinity.
• Access to Extensive Trails: The Sawtooth Mountains provide a myriad of hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking opportunities. Popular trails like the Fishhook Creek Trail and the Idaho Centennial Trail are often accessible from the Redfish Lake area.
• Helpful Camp Hosts: The presence of friendly and accommodating camp hosts, like "Jim," significantly enhances the camping experience, providing assistance and local insights.
• Proximity to Redfish Lake Services: Campers have easy access to the Central Services area near Redfish Lake, which includes a store for supplies, propane, gas, a pay phone (as cell service can be spotty), showers, and laundry facilities.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, and bear, offering opportunities for observation (with caution regarding food storage).

These features combine to create an unparalleled outdoor adventure, making Mountain View Campground a highly sought-after destination.

For direct inquiries or further information regarding Mountain View Campground, located at Redfish Lake Rd, Stanley, ID 83278, USA, the primary contact information is typically associated with the managing authority, the Sawtooth National Forest.

• Main Contact Phone: (208) 774-3000 (Stanley Ranger Station, Sawtooth National Forest)
• Alternative Phone (Recreation.gov/Concessionaire): (928) 537-8888 (This number is often associated with Recreation Resource Management of America, which may manage many Sawtooth National Forest campgrounds.)

It is highly recommended to call one of these numbers before your visit, especially since Mountain View Campground is first-come, first-served. You can inquire about:

• Current site availability, especially during peak season.
• Specific opening and closing dates for the season.
• Current road conditions on Redfish Lake Road and any other access points.
• Any active fire restrictions or special advisories for the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
• General information about fees and payment methods (e.g., Scan and Pay via Recreation.gov app).

While some cell service may be available in the broader Stanley area, it can be poor or non-existent at the campground itself, so having all necessary information beforehand is crucial for a smooth trip.

Mountain View Campground is truly an ideal destination for Idaho locals, embodying the very best of what our state's outdoor recreation has to offer. Its location on Redfish Lake Road, just a short drive from Stanley, makes it highly accessible for many residents across Idaho, particularly those in the Treasure Valley and Magic Valley, allowing for convenient weekend getaways or longer, restorative vacations without extensive travel.

What makes it particularly suitable for us Idahoans is its perfect blend of rustic tranquility and essential amenities. Despite being a first-come, first-served campground, the praise for its "clean restrooms" and "so much space" at each site provides a comfortable and enjoyable experience without sacrificing the feeling of being immersed in nature. The customer review that noted "the river noise drowns out the road" perfectly captures the essence of finding a serene escape even in a relatively accessible location.

The undeniable draw of the Sawtooth Mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Little Redfish Lake are a powerful magnet for locals who cherish hiking, fishing, boating, and simply soaking in breathtaking views. Having helpful camp hosts like "Jim" on site further enhances the welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the friendly spirit often found in Idaho's outdoor communities. Mountain View Campground provides an authentic, high-quality camping experience that celebrates Idaho's natural grandeur, making it a perfect spot for our local community to disconnect from the everyday, reconnect with loved ones, and forge lasting memories in our own magnificent backyard.

Mountain View Campground

Redfish Lake Rd, Stanley, ID 83278, USA