If you’re looking for camping with a view, you could do a whole lot worse than the camping options around Redfish Lake in Idaho.
Not only can you unzip your tent to views of the picturesque Sawtooth Mountains as your backdrop, but Redfish Lake and all it has to offer will be just steps away and within view as well.
This guide will detail everything you need to know about the different campgrounds located around Redfish Lake, along with the following:
- Number of sites
- Which offer bathroom facilities and water
- Which offer fire rings and picnic tables
- Which are most suitable for tents
- Which are most suitable for RV/trailers
- Pros and cons of each campground site
Campgrounds At Redfish Lake
There are a total of eight campgrounds that are technically located in and around Redfish Lake.
But there are also two campgrounds located a short drive from Redfish Lake that many campers opt for as well.
We’ll cover each in detail below, so that you can decide which makes the most sense for you.
Book-In-Advance Campgrounds
Three of the campgrounds at Redfish Lake can be booked in advance of your trip.
Glacier View Campground
- Sites: 65
- Bathroom Facilities: Yes
- Water: Yes, Potable
- Tables: Yes
- Fire Rings: Yes
- RV/Trailers: Yes
- Tents: Yes
- Nightly Rates: $24-$48 (single/double site)
- Maximum Stay: 10 nights
Glacier View Campground is the largest of the campgrounds near Redfish Lake, offering 65 sites among three separate loops.
It’s a favorite for large groups or those with big vehicles/trailers, offering a blend of privacy and scenic views.
The first loop is along Redfish Lake Creek, providing secluded spots.
The second area offers views of the Sawtooth Range from a hilltop overlooking the lake, and the third is tucked away among the pines but offers the best access to the road and paths.
Point Campground
- Sites: 17
- Bathroom Facilities: Flush toilets
- Water: Yes
- Tables: Yes
- Fire Rings: Yes
- RV/Trailers: No
- Tents: Yes
- Nightly Rates: $24-$48 (single/double site)
- Maximum Stay: 10 nights
Point Campground sits all alone at the end of Redfish Lodge Road.
It’s a tent-only site, featuring 17 spots, 8 of which require a walk-in and have off-site parking.
This spot is not only within a short walk and visible from Redfish Lake Lodge but also close enough to enjoy the music that takes place on the lawn a few nights a week.
This is probably the most popular campground, so reservations fill up earlier than the others.
Outlet Campground
- Sites: 19
- Bathroom Facilities: Vault toilets
- Water: Yes
- Tables: Yes
- Fire Rings: Yes
- RV/Trailers: Yes
- Tents: Yes
- Nightly Rates: $24/$48 (single/double site)
- Maximum Stay: 10 nights
Likely the other most popular option at Redfish Lake is the Outlet Campground, which edges the north east side of the lake.
It features 19 different sites located just along the shoreline, giving you access to a sandy beach and the lake just steps away.
There’s a short trail that winds through this campground which you can follow for awesome views of the Sawtooth Mountains and lake.
This one fills up fast as well, so you should think about reserving it pretty early.
First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds
Mount Heyburn Campground
- Sites: 19
- Bathroom Facilities: Vault toilets
- Water: Yes
- Tables: Yes
- Fire Rings: Yes
- RV/Trailers: Yes
- Tents: Yes
- Nightly Rates: $22/$33 (one/two cars)
- Maximum Stay: 10 nights
Mount Heyburn Campground is a bit more secluded and further up the east side of the lake from the lodge area, sitting between Outlet Campground and Sockeye Campground.
It offers 19 sites, which are some of the biggest you’ll find among the Redfish camping options.
Mount Heyburn sits slightly back from the lake on a hillside area, so the views from the site aren’t quite as good as some others.
But this site also sees less traffic, and its proximity to the boat ramp and trailer parking areas make it perfect for those bringing a boat.
Sockeye Campground
- Sites: 23
- Bathroom Facilities: Vault toilets
- Water: Yes
- Tables: Yes
- Fire Rings: Yes
- RV/Trailers: Yes
- Tents: Yes
- Nightly Rates: $24/$48 (single/double site)
- Maximum Stay: 10 nights
Just after Mount Heyburn Campground and furthest from the lodge area on the east side of the lake is Sockeye Campground, the newest of the bunch.
It offers 23 sites that sit right along the shoreline and are spaced out, surrounded by tall Lodgepole pine trees.
And it offers close access to a number of small, sandy beaches and hiking trails that head out around the lake or into the Sawtooth Wilderness.
It’s the most popular site at Redfish Lake, so it fills up quicker than any of the other first-come first-serve locations.
Mountain View Campground
- Sites: 7
- Bathroom Facilities: Flush toilets
- Water: Yes
- Tables: Yes
- Fire Rings: Yes
- RV/Trailers: Yes
- Tents: Yes
- Nightly Rates: $22/$33 (one/two cars)
- Maximum Stay: 10 nights
This site sits on the shores of Little Redfish Lake, rather than Redfish Lake itself, but is still in close proximity.
Mountain View Campground is true to its name offering spectacular views of the Sawtooths, including Thompson Peak – the tallest in the range.
Ideal for canoeing, fishing, or effortlessly capturing stunning Sawtooth photographs, this hidden gem has just 7 sites available and is the smallest campground around.
If you’re able to reserve one, you’ll only share it with a few other campers making it the most quiet and peaceful option.
Chinook Bay Campground
- Sites: 13
- Bathroom Facilities: Flush toilets
- Water: Yes
- Tables: Yes
- Fire Rings: Yes
- RV/Trailers: Yes
- Tents: Yes
- Nightly Rates: $24/$48 (single/double site)
- Maximum Stay: 10 nights
Chinook Bay Campground also sits on Little Redfish Lake rather than actual Redfish Lake, just before the Mountain View Campground.
It offers slightly more sites at 13, and also offers the same excellent views of the Sawtooth mountains and clear water of Little Redfish.
It’s still plenty close to Redfish to walk, bike or drive up to the bigger lake when you want, but it also sees less traffic from other campers throughout the peak months.
It’s one of the quieter spots around Redfish, like its Mountain View neighbor.
Redfish Inlet Campground
- Sites: 6
- Bathroom Facilities: Vault toilets
- Water: None
- Tables: Yes
- Fire Rings: Yes
- RV/Trailers: No
- Tents: Yes
- Nightly Rates: $16/$32 (single/double site)
- Maximum Stay: 10 nights
The Inlet Campground is for those who really want their privacy, offering only 4 sites that are first-come first-serve.
It’s located at the very southern end of Redfish Lake near the Redfish Inlet trailhead, and is only accessible by 5-mile hike or being dropped off by a shuttle boat.
Some even choose to kayak (or canoe) across the lake to this location.
This is the least-used campground and you can usually find a spot, even during peak months.
Aside from the seclusion, the main allure of this backcountry campground is that it offers easy access to a number of awesome hiking trails that take you as deep into the Sawtooth Wilderness as you want to go.
Two Additional Campgrounds Near Redfish Lake
If you miss out on one of the first-come first-serve campgrounds, or simply want to be a bit further from the action on Redfish Lake, there are two additional options just up the road.
Sunny Gulch Campground
- Sites: 45
- Bathroom Facilities: Vault toilets
- Water: Yes
- Tables: Yes
- Fire Rings: Yes
- RV/Trailers: Yes
- Tents: Yes
- Nightly Rates: $22/$44 (single/double site)
- Maximum Stay: 10 nights
This campground is just north of Redfish Lake across Highway 75 and offers reservations in advance for some sites.
But it also sees less traffic than the other campgrounds, so you’ve got a chance of walking in and grabbing a spot if you want (though this one fills up during peak months as well).
It’s a somewhat primitive campground that offers 45 total sites, 10 of which are able to be reserved and the other 35 of which are first-come first-serve.
The scenery is still solid here, but unlike what you’ll find at most of the Redfish campgrounds.
Redfish Overflow Campground
Just a bit closer south towards Redfish Lake on Highway 75 is another campground referred to as the “Redfish Overflow Campground”.
It’s mostly used by folks as a last resort, or those looking to save a buck as it’s completely free.
This location is fully primitive, offering no actual facilities or spots, but there are plenty of sites to set up and make camp.
It can get crowded during peak months since it’s free, and can be a little less organized with campers making their own parking and sites as they see fit.
Final Thought
If you’re looking for camping around Redfish Lake in Idaho, there are plenty of spots to choose from.
But you’ll want to reserve a spot well in advance if you’re planning to stay during the peak months, or hope to get lucky in one of the first-come, first-serve spots.
But for those who camp at any of the Redfish Lake campgrounds and experience all that the area has to offer, it’s a camping trip you’ll likely not soon forget.