Set up your basecamp west of downtown Stanley, surrounded by lodgepole pines and the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Range.
Stanley RV & Camp sits along Idaho Highway 21, roughly five miles west of downtown Stanley and just half a mile east of the turnoff for Stanley Lake Road. This forested property serves as a quiet, highly organized basecamp for travelers looking to explore the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The campground features 29 full hook-up RV sites, which are level, gravel-based, and equipped with water, sewer, and electrical connections (offering 20-amp, 30-amp, and 50-amp service). Rather than crowded asphalt, the layout is spaced among mature lodgepole pines, giving each vehicle a sense of mountain privacy while keeping the jagged granite teeth of McGown Peak and the Sawtooth Range visible through the canopy. The scent of dry pine needles and mountain dust fills the air, while the crisp morning temperatures at 6,500 feet elevation remind you of the high-country setting.
The property has evolved beyond a traditional RV park to include unique lodging options, managed in partnership with Basecamp Lodge. Guests without rigs can book one of the modern, minimalist A-frame cabins, which feature cozy wooden beds, private fire pits, and Adirondack chairs for evening stargazing. There is also the Basecamp Lodge itself, which houses four private rooms with locked exterior entrances and a shared kitchen and dining area. All guests at the camp have access to the central bathhouse, which features six private, unisex bathrooms with hot showers and laundry facilities. The campground is also notably forward-thinking in its amenities, offering a dedicated Level 2 EV charging station near the front office and allowing guests to charge electric vehicles directly at their 50-amp sites. The camp offers complimentary Wi-Fi, though the remote mountain location means it is best suited for checking trail maps rather than streaming. In the mornings, guests can grab a cup of complimentary coffee at the office before heading out.
While the camp is not directly on the water, Valley Creek flows roughly 1,000 feet to the south across Highway 21. Guests can easily access the creek via a public-access easement on Forest Service land, making it a convenient spot for morning dog walks or fly fishing for cutthroat trout. The entrance to Stanley Lake is a short walk or drive away, offering access to some of the most famous alpine lake views and trailheads in central Idaho. To preserve the quiet atmosphere, the property operates under strict guidelines: it is a tent-free campground, additional vehicles require a small fee, and slide-outs must fit entirely within your designated site. Reservations for the summer season open in early spring and book out almost instantly, making early planning essential.
Skip the town crowds and walk across Highway 21 to the Forest Service land directly opposite the camp. Follow the flagged trail down to Valley Creek for quiet morning fly fishing and a clear view of the Sawtooths. If you are traveling with an electric vehicle, book a 50-amp site in advance, as this is one of the few EV-friendly campgrounds in the region.
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