Sunny Gulch Campground

Hello, fellow Idaho adventurers! If you're seeking a camping experience that truly captures the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of our beloved state, look no further than Sunny Gulch Campground. Nestled along the picturesque Salmon River, just a short drive from the iconic town of Stanley, this campground offers a serene escape with stunning views of the majestic Sawtooth Mountains. It’s a popular choice for locals who appreciate its pristine condition, friendly atmosphere, and excellent access to a wealth of outdoor activities.

In this article, we’ll take you on a detailed journey through Sunny Gulch Campground. We'll explore its prime location, delve into the convenient services and desirable features it offers, and provide all the necessary contact information. Whether you’re a seasoned camper, a family looking for a clean and friendly spot, or someone seeking a peaceful alternative to more crowded areas, Sunny Gulch Campground is poised to become one of your favorite Idaho destinations. Prepare to be charmed by its natural splendor and welcoming ambiance!

Sunny Gulch Campground is ideally situated on ID-75, approximately 3.0 miles south of Stanley, ID 83278, USA. Its location is truly a highlight, placing it "along the shores of Salmon River" and offering "awesome views of the Sawtooth Mountains." This provides a picturesque backdrop for every camping experience.

Accessibility to Sunny Gulch is quite straightforward. Located directly off Highway 75, the "camp roads and parking spurs are paved," making for "an easy in and easy out" for various vehicle types. The campground is suitable for "tents, trailers and RVs (up to 35 feet)," making it versatile for different camping setups. Reviewers note that it is an "easy walking distance to the Salmon River," with "trails take you down to it" from the campsites, providing immediate access to the water. A reviewer noted hearing the river "about 100 yards" below their spot, emphasizing its close proximity. Furthermore, Sunny Gulch is often seen as a "great alternative to the campgrounds around Redfish," especially "if you don't have a reservation" for those often-booked spots. While cell service in the immediate area can be "poor," the short drive to Stanley or the Redfish Lake Central Services area can provide connectivity if needed.

• Campsites:

  Sunny Gulch Campground boasts "45 single-family campsites," with a mix of "both reservable and first-come, first-serve campsites available." This flexibility allows for both planned trips and spontaneous adventures. Each site is well-appointed with a "table, fire ring, and grate," providing essential amenities for cooking and enjoying a campfire. Sites are generally spacious and offer "nice space, great site privacy."

• Restroom Facilities:

  The campground provides "vault toilets" (restrooms). Reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness, with one camper stating it's "clean, and well maintained," and another noting the campground hostess "came around every few hours to clean and ensure everything was running smoothly." This attention to detail significantly enhances the camping experience.

• Potable Water:

  Access to "water" (potable water via hand pumps) is available throughout the campground, a very convenient feature that reduces the need for campers to haul in all their water supply.

• Camp Host:

  A significant service at Sunny Gulch is the presence of a dedicated "Campground Hostess," Cara, described as "very pleasant," and "Grandpa Frog is camp host. Good guy!" Camp hosts are invaluable resources, ensuring smooth operations, providing local information, and helping to keep the campground in top shape.

• Day-Use Picnic Area:

  There's also a "day-use picnic area next to the campground" with a "lovely picnic shelter" and "short trails." This area offers "great views of both the Salmon River and the Sawtooth Mountains," making it an ideal spot for visitors who just want to enjoy the scenery for a few hours.

• No Electric Hookups:

  It's important to note that Sunny Gulch is a "primitive camping area," meaning there are "no electric hookups" or showers available at the campsites. Campers should be prepared for this type of experience.

• Stunning Scenic Views:

  The campground offers "awesome views of the Sawtooth Mountains" and sits "along the shores of Salmon River." Certain sites, like "site 45," are noted for having "both the river sound and the views." This breathtaking scenery is a primary draw for campers.

• Exceptional Cleanliness and Maintenance:

  Consistently praised by reviewers, Sunny Gulch is described as "Beautiful, clean, and well maintained." The active presence of a camp host who "came around every few hours to clean and ensure everything was running smoothly" contributes significantly to the positive experience and comfort of campers.

• Riverside Access and Activities:

  Being directly adjacent to the Salmon River means easy access for various activities. Campers can "hear the river below us about 100 yards" and take "trails down to it." The Salmon River offers "world-class fishing here for rainbow, cutthroat and the occasional hybrid cut bows and bull trout." Walking by the river and sitting on the rocks is a popular pastime.

• Alternative to Redfish Lake Crowds:

  Sunny Gulch provides a "quiet alternative to the craziness and crowds that are around Redfish Lake in the summertime." Even when full, it often has "a much more peaceful and open feel to it (and less kids)," making it ideal for those seeking tranquility.

• Proximity to Extensive Trail Systems:

  Hikers have access to the "Alpine Way Trail" which begins less than a mile from the campground, and the "Idaho Centennial Trail" also passes nearby, offering opportunities to "explore the majestic forests and hidden alpine lakes." Other recreation in the area includes "mountain biking, hunting, ATVing, horseback riding, picnicking, wildlife viewing and winter sports."

• Friendly and Attentive Camp Hosts:

  The positive experiences with the camp hosts, described as "very pleasant" and "Good guy!", highlight the welcoming and supportive environment at the campground.

Address: ID-75, Stanley, ID 83278, USA

Phone: (928) 537-8888 (This number is associated with Recreation.gov for reservation inquiries, and also often connects to the Sawtooth National Forest for local information).

Mobile Phone: +1 928-537-8888

For the most current information regarding Sunny Gulch Campground, including specific site availability (especially for first-come, first-served sites), road conditions, fire restrictions, or any other operational details, Idaho locals are strongly encouraged to contact the Sawtooth National Forest directly. While the provided phone numbers can be a starting point for general inquiries or reservations, calling the local Ranger District office is often the best way to get real-time updates for your trip planning.

For us Idaho locals, Sunny Gulch Campground represents an ideal balance of accessible comfort and pristine wilderness immersion. Its "beautiful, clean, and well maintained" environment, combined with the presence of friendly and attentive camp hosts, ensures a consistently pleasant and worry-free camping experience. This level of care is a significant draw, making it a reliable choice for families and individuals alike.

Its prime location along the Salmon River, offering immediate access to world-class fishing and the soothing sounds of the water, is a major highlight. The stunning "awesome views of the Sawtooth Mountains" from your campsite are a daily reminder of Idaho's unparalleled natural beauty. Importantly, Sunny Gulch serves as a fantastic, often quieter "alternative to the campgrounds around Redfish," providing a more serene option without sacrificing proximity to popular attractions. With paved roads accommodating various RV sizes and a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites, it offers flexibility for both planned trips and spontaneous getaways. Whether you're hiking nearby trails, enjoying a riverside picnic, or simply relaxing by a campfire under a starry Idaho sky, Sunny Gulch Campground embodies the very best of our state's outdoor offerings. It's a highly recommended spot that truly allows you to "Bring Home a Story" from the heart of Idaho.

Sunny Gulch Campground

ID-75, Stanley, ID 83278, USA