Alturas Lake Inlet
4.4155 reviewsSAWTOOTH NRA, STANLEY, ID 83340, USA
Alturas Lake Inlet
$24.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
Facility rates vary by season. Peak season nightly rates range from $24 to $48 for standard non-electric sites. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles or reservation modifications.
About this campground
Discover your perfect mountain escape at Alturas Lake Inlet Campground, where pristine waters meet towering peaks in Idaho's breathtaking Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This lakeside haven offers family-friendly campsites tucked among evergreens, each with stunning views of either the crystal-clear lake or the babbling Alturas Creek. Wake up to mountain reflections on the water, spend your days at the inviting swim beach, and explore endless recreational adventures right from your tent flap.
Alturas Lake Inlet Campground caters to tent and RV camping, with options for primitive camping as well. Large group sites are not specifically mentioned.
Historical SignificanceImmerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where mountain culture comes alive through vibrant community celebrations. Time your visit for the beloved Arts and Crafts Fair in July, when local artisans showcase their mountain-inspired creations, or experience the time-honored Salmon Festival in September, celebrating the remarkable journey of Idaho's iconic fish and the region's deep connection to its waterways.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings ideal camping conditions to Alturas Lake, with pleasantly warm days reaching 78°F perfect for swimming and hiking, while crisp mountain nights dip to a refreshing 40°F—ideal for campfire gatherings and stargazing. Pack your bug spray for July when mosquitoes make their seasonal appearance, and keep an eye on afternoon skies for dramatic mountain thunderstorms that roll through with nature's own light show.
ElevationPerched at the dramatic base of the legendary Sawtooth Mountain Range, this high-country campground offers that perfect mountain atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean, and every breath reminds you that you've escaped to something special in Idaho's rugged heartland.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a postcard-perfect wilderness where Alturas Creek winds through your campground, its gentle melody providing nature's soundtrack to your stay. Towering mixed-conifer forests create a natural cathedral overhead, while summer transforms the forest floor into a painter's palette of vibrant wildflowers. From every angle, the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Range pierce the sky, their reflection shimmering in the serene lake waters that stretch before you—a scene that captures the very essence of Idaho's untamed beauty.
Geological RegionNestled along the sparkling shores of Alturas Lake, this remarkable campground sits in the geological wonderland of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Here, ancient granite peaks rise dramatically from dense conifer forests, creating a landscape sculpted by millennia of glacial forces. Summer wildflower meadows paint splashes of color between the evergreens, while the lake itself fills a glacier-carved basin that perfectly frames the surrounding mountain majesty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeUser experiences suggest campsites are spacious, with some offering large areas for hammocks or RV parking.
Sites PrivacyMany reviews highlight well-spaced sites with good privacy, though others reported crowded conditions during peak season.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the creek for better views and cooler temperatures. Avoid site #27 for easier parking access.
Best CampsitesSite #15 is highlighted for its shade and proximity to water. Site #27 is noted for layout issues but praised for privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 11 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 2 PM local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 10 consecutive nights is allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard single-family sites allow one camping unit per reservation.
Groups
Information about group sites is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are spread out with mature trees providing privacy. Some sites have lake access and others are closer to the creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts June 6 and closes September 11 (reservable period).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov, by phone, or in person on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available first-come, first-served during shoulder seasons: September 12–21 and May 22–June 4.
Cancellation PolicyFor individual campsites, cancellations made on the day before arrival incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Modifications can cost $10 except for adding/removing nights.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Alturas Lake Inlet Campground is set within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, offering diverse outdoor activities. Visitors can engage in swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions such as Perkins Lake and Pettit Lake provide additional recreation options.
Hiking
The nearby Alpine Meadows Trail offers a 10-mile round trip hike with canyon, meadow, and alpine lake views. Hiking is popular throughout the surrounding Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which features approximately 750 miles of trails.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at Alturas Lake for bull trout and Kokanee salmon, as well as in nearby rivers and lakes for rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat trout, and hybrid cutbows. User reviews highlight excellent fishing conditions.Swimming
The campground includes a swim beach at its day-use site, but pets are not allowed in this area. Users described swimming conditions as enjoyable but noted that the water can be very cold.Biking
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers excellent biking trails, including nearby Fisher Creek trail. User reviews also mention biking as a highlight.Boating
Alturas Lake supports boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing. Jet skiing is explicitly prohibited.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a noted activity, with deer frequently observed walking through campsites. Birdwatching is also popular along local trails.Beach activities
The campground features a designated swim beach as well as a separate dog beach for pet-friendly activities. User reviews highlight sandy areas and clear water.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the provided sources.Water Sports
Alturas Lake offers water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Jet skiing is prohibited.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings; however, some visitors raised concerns about their use during fire season.
- Quiet hours are enforced but inconsistencies in adherence were noted.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are prevalent during mid-summer. Wildlife like deer frequently visit campsites. Some users mentioned speeding cars and off-leash dogs as safety concerns.
Active alertsNo active alerts were mentioned.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Emergency services are available in Stanley, ID, approximately 23 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 6 to September 11
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are provided at both the campground and the beach area. Recycling amenities are not available according to user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Alturas Lake and Alturas Creek, with swimming and kayaking opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints include rude campground hosts, crowded conditions, mosquitoes, and concerns about fire safety.
HostHosts Linda and Larry received mixed reviews, with some citing them as friendly and efficient while others found them overly strict.
Campground Map
SAWTOOTH NRA, STANLEY, ID 83340, USA
Driving directionsFrom Highway 75, turn onto Forest Road 205/Alturas Lake Road. Travel approximately 3 miles to the campground.
The roads and parking spurs are gravel. There are no rough roads to get to the campground, and accessibility is straightforward.Nearby places
Perkins Lake (less than 2 miles away), Pettit Lake (approximately 5 miles), Yellowbelly Lake (less than 10 miles), Stanley (approximately 23 miles).
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies can be found in Stanley, ID, which is roughly 23 miles from the campground. The Smokey Bear Boat Ramp is less than 1/4 mile away for boating supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.4
55 reviews
Alturas Lake Inlet is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's stunning natural setting, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. While some reviewers appreciated its spacious sites and privacy, others noted issues such as rude hosts, overcrowding, and maintenance problems.
Review Summaries
Based on 55 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes 'Beautiful lake with clear water,' 'Clean bathrooms and well-maintained facilities,' 'Friendly and helpful camp hosts,' and diverse recreational options such as hiking,...
Based on 55 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints often focus on rude or overly strict hosts, overcrowding during peak season, maintenance issues such as potholes and dog waste, disruptive noise, and mosquitoes.
Based on 55 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing bug spray for mosquitoes, dressing warmly for cold nights, and using campfire starters to overcome fire pit issues. Several reviews also recommend site #15 for...
Based on 55 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews frequently mention mosquitoes and crowded conditions, while early-season visitors report fewer bugs and quieter surroundings. Fall reviews highlight peaceful conditions and friendly...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'Deer walked right through our campsite every day.' 2. 'The best site would be #15 where I stayed. Good shade. Colder nights even in August.' 3. 'Camp host Tammy was fabulous! She was attentive...
Based on 55 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #15 is praised for privacy and shade. Site #27 is noted as difficult to access due to design flaws. Reviews of site #28 highlight proximity to the lake and spaciousness.
Based on 55 reviewsAccessibility Features
Specific reviews addressing accessibility features are not available.
Based on 55 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Several reviews discuss pet-related policies, including the dog beach and issues such as waste left by pets and dogs swimming in prohibited areas.
Based on 55 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025