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Map showing campground location near Stanley, Idaho
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Chinook Bay Campground

2 ReviewsAdd Review

Accessible via paved road, Chinook Bay Campground operates 14 sites on its own small lake within Sawtooth National Forest from June through Labor Day. The Forest Service facility prohibits pets and provides drinking water, flush toilets, and a dump station. Sites 4-6 sit along the creek flowing from the lake, while sites 7-9 offer direct lake access for non-motorized watercraft. Site 13 experiences road noise but connects to the lake via a short walking path.

The campground fills quickly due to its compact size and lakefront location. A wooden bridge spans the creek near a trailhead access point. Campers seeking shower facilities can drive to the public pay showers at the horse corrals within the recreation area. For different accommodations, Mountain View Campground sits just southwest.

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Location

Public Campground

Chinook Bay Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.164037 N
114.904499 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 21 users
    Last on 4/4/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/4/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 21 users
    Last on 4/4/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/4/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews

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4.0

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2 Reviews

sThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2025

Close to gorgeous lake

Site 13 is a little close to the road so we do get some road noise, but there is a nice short path that takes you right out to the lake with a spectacular view of the sawtooth mountains. Camp host was very nice and the camps are very cleanand spacious.

Site13
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Chinook Bay Campground by steve D., September 21, 2025
  • Review photo of Chinook Bay Campground by steve D., September 21, 2025
  • Review photo of Chinook Bay Campground by steve D., September 21, 2025
  • (5) View All
Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

Redfish Lake option

This campground is one of the first ones you come to as you enter Redfish Lake. It is also one of the smallest campgrounds in the park, and it is on its own lake, so it fills fast. I snagged site 13, which was just ok as it wasn’t really on the lake or the creek, but it also wasn’t in the middle of the loop and it wasn’t next to the bathroom (with flush toilets and cold water). It looked like the best sites were #4-6 as they were on the creek coming out of the lake and #7-9 as they were on the lake with lake access. A short walk away was a neat wooden bridge over the creek that lead to a trailhead. If you want a shower, drive up into the park and go to the public service area at the horse corrals for public pay showers. I will warn you that those are the only showers for all of the campgrounds in the park, but they were never busy when I was there. You can bring your own non-motorized boat (kayaks and paddle boards were popular) or you can rent one from the lodge to take for a spin on this pretty little lake. This is a good jumping off point for some great hikes as well.

Site13
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Chinook Bay Campground by Annie C., July 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Chinook Bay Campground by Annie C., July 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Chinook Bay Campground by Annie C., July 31, 2019
  • (11) View All
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Chinook Bay Campground located near Stanley, Idaho?

Chinook Bay Campground is situated within the Redfish Lake recreation area near Stanley, Idaho. It's one of the first campgrounds you encounter when entering the Redfish Lake area. The campground sits on its own lake, offering a more secluded experience compared to other camping options in the vicinity. Its location provides spectacular views of the Sawtooth Mountains, accessible via a short path from the campground that leads directly to the lake.

What amenities are available at Chinook Bay Campground?

Chinook Bay Campground offers clean and spacious campsites with a camp host on site to assist visitors. While it's a smaller campground within the Redfish Lake area, it provides basic camping amenities in a well-maintained environment. Site 13 has been noted to be close to the road but includes access to a path leading to the lake. The campground's location on its own lake provides water access separate from the main Redfish Lake area.

When is the best time to visit Chinook Bay Campground near Stanley?

The best time to visit Chinook Bay Campground is during summer and early fall when Stanley's weather is most favorable. Because this is one of the smaller campgrounds in the Redfish Lake area and sits on its own lake, it fills up quickly during peak season. For the best chance at securing a spot, consider visiting mid-week or in early summer. The spectacular Sawtooth Mountain views and lake access make July through September particularly appealing, though weather can vary in this mountain region.

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