Dispersed Camping in the Sawtooth Mountains Near Stanley, Idaho

After a few adventurous days overlanding through the rugged terrain of Hells Canyon, we weren’t quite ready to head straight home. Instead, we decided to take the long way back, rerouting ourselves through one of our favorite places in the West—Stanley, Idaho, and the majestic Sawtooth Mountains.

These craggy peaks have held a special place in our hearts ever since we did our first backpacking trip here years ago. Back then, we were still living in Illinois. We had flown into Idaho, stayed a night at Redfish Lake Lodge, and then headed into the wilderness for an unforgettable trip. That first experience cemented the Sawtooths as one of our favorite ranges. Returning this time in our camper, we were eager to revisit the landscape.

A Changed Landscape

As we neared the Stanley area, we were taken aback by the sheer scale of wildfire damage. We knew the area had seen major burns the previous year, but seeing miles of blackened trees and scorched hillsides in person was still jarring. Despite the devastation, the area retained its striking beauty. The rugged peaks still pierced the sky, and the air still felt crisp and wild.

Revisiting Redfish Lake

Our first stop was Redfish Lake. The lodge wasn’t open yet—it was early May, still very much the shoulder season—but we weren’t there for the lodge anyway. We were there to see the lake and the view that first wowed us. The lake was still partially frozen, and snow lingered on the trails and in the shaded woods nearby. It added a sense of quiet solitude to the visit, and the views were just as impressive as we remembered.

Searching for a Campsite

With snow on the ground and some forest service roads still closed, we knew dispersed camping could be a bit tricky. Some of the roads I had pre-scouted were inaccessible due to snowpack or closures from burn damage. After a little exploring, we found a forest service road that was passable despite the snow. We rolled in, slowly navigating through melting patches, and found several great dispersed campsites.

We picked one nestled in the trees with a partial view of the surrounding peaks. Best of all—the area was completely empty. One of the advantages of early May overlanding is beating the summer crowds. It was peaceful, quiet, and deeply refreshing.

A Quick Stop at Pettit Lake

We only had one day to spend in the area, but we made the most of it. Before heading home the next morning, we took a detour to Pettit Lake. If you’re in the Stanley area, Pettit is a must-see. It’s smaller and slightly less popular than Redfish, but just as beautiful. The lake’s clear blue waters and sharp mountain reflections made for a picture-perfect ending to our trip.

Final Thoughts

Dispersed camping in the Sawtooths in early spring comes with its challenges—snow, road closures, and this time fire damage—but it also comes with solitude, beauty, and a deeper connection to the land. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains always have something wild and wonderful to offer.

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