Overview

Redfish Lake is named for the brilliant colored Sockeye Salmon that used to return from the Pacific Ocean in such massive amounts that the water of the lake simmered red during spawning season. This unique recreation destination is located in the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

The Redfish Lake area hosts many developed recreation opportunities including the Redfish Lake Lodge, which has restaurant, cabin and boat rentals, and Forest Service campgrounds, boat launch, day-use areas and a visitor center.

Location & Information

Redfish Lake is approximately five miles south of Stanley; a paved access road from State Highway 75 delivers motorists to the visitor area at the north shore of the lake.

Sawtooth National Recreation Area Phone: (208) 727-5013

Camping

Glacier View, Point, and Outlet, as well as Heyburn and Sockeye campgrounds are right near the lake and run by the forest service.

Glacier View Campground 
Campground is in a lodge pole pine forest. Waterskiing, sailing, swimming, wading, canoeing, motor boating and of course, fishing are all great ways to enjoy the waters.

• 65 campsites on the north shore of Redfish Lake. At least 8 sites can accommodate up to 16 campers each.
• Visitor Center, exhibits, interpretive program, potable water, handicap accessible toilets, RV sites, dump station
• Reservations: 1-877-444-6777

Point Campground
Located in a lodge pole pine understory. Sites 1-8 are for walk in tent camping only. Carts are available for gear transportation. Campground features a sandy beach and a day use area for picnicking and fishing.

• 17 campsites on Redfish Lake. 8 sites are tent-only
• Visitor Center, exhibits, interpretive programs, toilets, RV sites, dump station, boat ramp
• Reservations: 1-877-444-6777

Redfish Outlet Campground
Adjacent picnic/day use area. Located in a lodge pole pine forest.

• 19 campsites on the eastern shore of Redfish Lake.
• Visitor Center, exhibits, interpretive programs, potable water, toilets, RV sites, dump station, boat ramp
• Reservations: 1-877-444-6777

Mount Heyburn Campground
A section of the Idaho Centennial Trail passes near here. Equestrian stables, boat rentals, and a dump station can be found at Redfish Lake Lodge. Located in a lodge pole pine forest.

• 20 campsites near Redfish Lake.
• Visitor Center, exhibits, interpretive programs, handicapped accessible toilets, RV sites, dump station, boat ramp
• No reservations.

Sockeye Campground 
Boat ramp at nearby Sandy Beach Boat Launch. Swimming, sailing, waterskiing, wading, canoeing, motor boating and of course, fishing are all great ways to enjoy the waters. A section of the Idaho Centennial Trail passes near here.

• 23 secluded campsites on the shore of Redfish Lake
• Visitor Center, exhibits, interpretive programs, potable water, toilets, RV sites, dump station, boat ramp
• No reservations

Fishing

Redfish Lake offers opportunities for fly fishing and spin casting. You can fish for Rainbow trout and Dolley Varden trout as well as Landlocked salmon and Kokanee.

Hiking

The jagged Sawtooth Range is excellent for wilderness hiking to alpine rock climbing. The trail to hike around the Redfish Lake is actually 17 1/2 miles.

Fun Facts

Redfish Lake is named for the brilliant Sockeye Salmon that once returned from the Pacific Ocean in such massive quantities that the lake shimmered red during spawning season. Sadly, these fish are now on the endangered species list.