Lola Creek Campground
4.179 reviewsLola Creek Campground, Challis National Forest, Idaho
Lola Creek Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The standard fee for a single campsite is $10 per night. A 50% discount applies for holders of Senior and Access Passes, bringing the price to $5 per night for eligible pass holders.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Lola Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Idaho's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem features 21 thoughtfully spaced campsites nestled beneath a canopy of towering Lodgepole pines, where the gentle murmur of nearby Marsh Creek provides nature's soundtrack. Each site comes complete with a picnic table and fire ring equipped with a cooking grill, perfect for evening meals under the stars. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with the natural setting, including well-maintained vault toilets, regular trash removal, and hand pumps delivering fresh mountain water. Here, you'll discover the perfect balance between accessibility and that coveted wilderness experience that feels worlds away from civilization.
Lola Creek Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. It provides a simple and rustic camping experience ideal for individuals, families, and small groups.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather at Lola Creek keeps visitors on their toes with its dramatic seasonal shifts. While the campground welcomes adventurers from late spring through early fall, Mother Nature often bookends the season with surprise snowfalls that dust the pines in white. Summer months from June through September bring gloriously mild days perfect for exploration, though savvy campers know to pack warm layers for those crisp mountain nights when temperatures can plummet unexpectedly. The region's typically dry climate means rain rarely interrupts your plans, but those venturing here in late spring or early fall should come prepared for the possibility of waking to a magical winter wonderland.
ElevationPerched at 6,400 feet above sea level, Lola Creek Campground places you firmly in the mountain realm where the air is crisp and clear. This significant elevation creates an invigorating atmosphere that seasoned mountain enthusiasts cherish, though first-time high-country visitors should take it easy during their initial days to allow their bodies to adjust to the thinner air.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of Lodgepole pines creates a natural sanctuary at Lola Creek, their straight trunks reaching skyward like nature's columns, filtering sunlight into a gentle, dappled glow. The campground's namesake companion, Marsh Creek, winds through the landscape with waters so clear you can count the smooth river stones beneath its surface. This crystalline mountain stream stays refreshingly cold even in summer's peak, offering both a soothing ambiance and a natural refrigerator for those brave enough to chill their beverages in its icy flow.
Geological RegionLola Creek Campground serves as your gateway to one of America's last great wilderness frontiers. Positioned within the vast Salmon-Challis National Forest and neighboring the legendary Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, this region showcases nature's raw power through its rugged mountain peaks and pristine creek systems. The landscape tells an ancient story written in stone and forest, where dense Lodgepole pine forests blanket the mountainsides and cold, clear creeks carve their paths through terrain that has remained largely unchanged for millennia. This is big country, where the wilderness still reigns supreme and adventure awaits around every bend.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets at the campground are wheelchair-friendly, and the layout allows for easy access to essential amenities.
Sites SizeEach site accommodates one tent or a trailer/RV up to 35 feet long.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is located in a dense stand of Lodgepole pine, offering a wilderness feel and some privacy between sites. However, sites do not overlook Marsh Creek.
Total Campsites21 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLook for sites on the right side of the campground for proximity to Marsh Creek.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites were highlighted as best in the provided materials. However, one reviewer mentioned preferring campsites on the right side of the campground because they back up to Marsh Creek.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
N/A
Check-out
N/A
Stay Limit
14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number not provided in source.
Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features a linear layout along Marsh Creek with 21 sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from June 15 through September 15.
Reservation PlatformsN/A, as the campground does not accept reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Reviews confirm no reservation system is in place.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted, as this is a first-come, first-served campground.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lola Creek Campground offers a range of recreational opportunities, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities. Campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnicking in close proximity to the campground. The trails provide a gateway to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
Hiking
The Marsh Creek Trail begins near the campground and extends for 12 miles, offering access to a network of trails in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. This trail is suitable for both hiking and horseback riding.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the adjacent Marsh Creek, with rainbow trout being the main catch. Note that fishing is catch-and-release only.Winter Activities
The campground itself does not specify winter recreation opportunities, but the nearby wilderness may offer snowshoeing and similar activities during off-season periods.Water Sports
Non-motorized water activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned, and Marsh Creek may not be suitable for these activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are likely allowed in the provided fire rings, but fire restrictions may apply during dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned, but quiet and peaceful conditions are noted in reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country. Safe food storage techniques are strongly advised. Other potential hazards include narrow roads and cold nighttime temperatures.
Active alertsNone noted in source materials.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are likely in Stanley, 17 miles away. Specific facilities were not listed in the sources.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 15 to September 15
Trash and recyclingThe campground provides trash removal services. There are dumpsters available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Marsh Creek. The trail along the creek leads to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
Common complaintsSome reviewers mentioned that the sites are small and not well-suited for large trailers or RVs. Others noted a lack of cell service and the narrow access road.
HostNo campground host is present.
Campground Map
Lola Creek Campground, Challis National Forest, Idaho
Driving directionsFrom Stanley: 17 miles NW of Stanley on Highway 21. Turn north on Forest Road #203, go 1/10th mile, bear left onto Forest Road #083 and drive for 1 mile. From Boise: Approximately 113 miles NE on Highway 21 towards Stanley. Turn left off the highway onto Forest Road #003, proceed straight for approximately 1 mile past sign. Campground is on the right.
The access roads are primarily dirt roads (Forest Road #083 and #203). Reviews indicate that the campground road is narrow, which may make it challenging for larger RVs or trailers. Seasonality may also impact accessibility due to snow or other weather conditions.Nearby places
Stanley (17 miles, approximately 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The Stanley Ranger District Office, located 4.5 miles south of Stanley on State Route 75, offers water refill stations for RVs (by donation). The town of Stanley is the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.2
9 reviews
Lola Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's quiet, clean, and peaceful atmosphere, with convenient access to trails and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Campers appreciate the rustic setting and basic amenities, though many note the lack of cell service and hookups.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the clean vault toilets, availability of hand-pumped drinking water, and the campground's proximity to hiking trails. Reviewers also appreciated the...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues noted include the lack of cell phone reception, the narrow campground road, and small site sizes unsuitable for larger trailers or RVs. One reviewer mentioned that the campground is...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing cash or checks for the $10 nightly fee, as there is no electronic payment system. They also advise practicing bear-safe food storage techniques due to the area's wildlife.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews emphasize the campground's seasonal appeal, particularly from June through September when it is open. Summer months are described as ideal for hiking and enjoying the wilderness.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful location with clean vault toilets and well water that tastes great.' - Doug
2. 'It was perfect for our glamping trip. The river is super pretty.' - Anna Calder
3. 'Awesome campground...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some users favor sites on the 'right' side of the campground as they back up to Marsh Creek. No individual site numbers are specified.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No direct user feedback is available on accessibility features beyond the mention of wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressing pet policies or pet-friendly features are available.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025