11 Best Things to do at Redfish Lake in Central Idaho

Growing up, my wife’s family went camping at Redfish Lake in the Sawtooth National Wilderness in central Idaho. For the past few years, she had been talking about taking our family up there for a few days. When our plans fell through to spend a few days camping in Escalante, Utah, in late July, we decided to venture north and camp at Redfish Lake. A lot had changed since she was up there. Not saying she’s old, but it had been a few years (decades) since she was last there.

We had a fabulous time, but we also learned a few things that I’m hoping you’ll take to heart so you can maximize your experience at Redfish Lake. So in addition to putting this list together of things to do, I share a few tips so you can enjoy your time in the mountains of Idaho.

Getting to Redfish Lake near Stanley, Idaho

The biggest town near Redfish Lake is Stanley, Idaho (about 8 miles north from the lake). It’s in the Sawtooth Mountains, and as we made our way north past Shoshone, the rising sun silhouetted the mountain peaks, giving me a vivid understanding of how they got their name. The mountain peaks looked similar to a jagged-edged sawblade. I wish I would’ve stopped and captured a photo of it, but it just wouldn’t have done it justice.

FROM SALT LAKE CITY: We traveled from our home near Salt Lake City to Twin Falls along I-84, before heading north on Highway 93. In Shoshone, we transitioned to Highway 75 and followed it all the way to Redfish Lake.

FROM BOISE: The fastest route from Boise to Redfish Lake is along Highway 21. The 136 mile route takes roughly three hours, mainly because of the winding mountain roads. When Highway 21 reaches Stanley, Idaho, head south on Highway 75 and follow it for the five miles or so to the Redfish Lake turnoff.

FROM IDAHO FALLS: If you’re approaching Redfish Lake from the east, it’s roughly 3.5 hours from Idaho Falls. Take Highway 20 to Arco, Idaho, then head north along Highway 93 to just before Challis, Idaho. Head south on Highway 75 and follow it past Stanley, Idaho, to Redfish Lake.

1. Camping near Redfish Lake in Idaho

Despite the numerous campgrounds inside Redfish Lake area, it can still prove challenging to snag a campsite. Since our initial summer camping plans had us going to Escalante, Utah, for Utah’s best Pioneer Day parade, we did not have a campsite booked for Redfish. We knew some of the campgrounds had some first-come, first-served sites, so our plan was to leave home at 4 a.m. to get there and snag a campsite.

Sadly, by the time we arrived on a Thursday morning, none of the campgrounds close to Redfish Lake had any spots – and it was only 9 a.m. We ventured just north of the turnoff to Redfish Lake and snagged the last spot available at Sunny Gulch Campground. Whew! There were several people who arrived after us and as we were setting up, they were hoping we were taking down.

TRAVEL TIP: Book your campsite several months in advance!

Sunny Gulch Campground

Sunny Gulch Campground has 35 first-come, first-served sites and 10 sites that can be reserved in advance. We knew we were coming trying to snag a site during the peak summer season, but we were hopeful that a mid-week morning (Thursday) would be easy. We just ended up getting lucky.

Each campsite has a table and a dedicated fire ring. There’s potable water you can pump up from an underground well, and a few vault toilet buildings spread throughout the campground.

Campgrounds at Redfish Lake

There are five other campgrounds that are first-come, first-served around Redfish Lake:

• Chinook Bay: 13 sites, flush toilets, tables, fire rings, water
• Mountain View: 7 sites, flush toilets, tables, fire rings, water
• Mt. Heyburn: 19 sites, vault toilers, tables, fire rings, water
• Sockeye: 24 sites, vault toilet, tables, fire rings water
• Redfish Lake Inlet: 6 sites, vault toilets, tables, fire rings and NO WATER; Accessible via a 5.2-mile hike or by boat (located on the south end of the lake)

Redfish Lake has three campgrounds that can be booked in advance of your visit.

• Glacier View: 65 sites, flush toilets, tables, fire rings and water BOOK HERE
• Outlet: 19 sites, vault toilets, tables, fire rings and water BOOK HERE
• Point (tent only): 17 sites, flush toilets, tables, fire rings and water; Sites 1-8 are walk-in tent sites with off-site parking provided; Sites 10-17 do not allow trailers or motorhomes. BOOK HERE

Near the north end of Redfish Lake you’ll find showers and laundry facilities. There is a fee for the showers, but since my wife prefers campgrounds with showers, this is a great option so she can feel clean, even while camping.

NOTE: You are limited to 10 days of camping at any of the Redfish Lake area campgrounds noted above. This doesn’t mean you can switch campgrounds and restart your 10-day limit. It’s combined for any of the campgrounds.

Campgrounds on the Way to Redfish Lake

There are a few other campgrounds between Kethum, Idaho, and Redfish Lake we had as backups, in the event Sunny Gulch wasn’t an option:

• Pettit Lake Campground
• Altura Lake Inlet: 11 first-come, first-served sites (28 total sites) BOOK HERE
• Easley Campground: 10 first-come, first-served
• North Fork: 16 first-come, first-served (28 total sites) BOOK HERE

2. Kayaking at Little Redfish Lake

One of our favorite summertime things to do when camping is to go kayaking. With plans to camp near Redfish Lake, we strapped our two kayaks to the top of our minivan for our vacation into Idaho. As we explored Redfish Lake, we found a smaller lake just north of Redfish Lake, aptly names Little Redfish Lake. No motorized watercraft are allowed on this smaller lake, which makes it perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, etc.

If you booked a campsite at Chinook Bay or Mountain View campground, you have easy access to Little Redfish Lake to put in your watercraft. If not, there is a parking area roughly 40 yards from the shoreline where you can park and carry what you need down to the water’s edge. We launched our two kayaks, setup a 10’x10′ portable canopy and our camping chairs, so it was the perfect spot to play. The van with the cooler was a short walk away, and the adults could sit on the shore and watch the kids play in the water.

There is a Day Use fee of $9, or $60 for an annual pass. If you’re staying at one of the campgrounds, the Day Use fee is included in your campsite fee.

NOTE: Kayaks and other non-motorized watercraft are allowed on Redfish Lake, but so are motorized boats. While it can be fun to take your kayak over someone’s wake, it means you have to be a lot more vigilant to make sure you don’t get plowed over by a bigger boat.

3. Boating on the Lake

Although motorized boats are not allowed on Little Redfish Lake (which is why it’s perfect for kayaking), they are allowed on the much larger Redfish Lake. The boat launch is located on the east side of the lake near the Mt. Heyburn campground entrance. Look for the sign to Sandy Beach Boat Ramp. There’s parking near the boat launch for the vehicle and trailer after you launch. There’s also a Day Use fee of $9 per day or $60 for an annual pass. If you are camping at any one of the campgrounds, the Day Use fee is included in your campsite fee.

We don’t own a boat, so I don’t have many tips on using a powerboat on Redfish Lake. But I did see tubes being pulled, water skiers and wakeboarders having a ball. It seemed like there were lots of places to “park” your boat if you wanted to come ashore and visit Redfish Lake Lodge, do some shopping at the General Store or just relax on the beach.

I think it would also be fun to get away from the crowds and take the boat to the south end of the lake. There are no roads to the south end, so it’s a little more secluded and I assume quieter.

Keep in mind that the gate to the boat launch closes at 10 p.m., so plan accordingly so you don’t get stuck.

4. Relaxing on the Beaches

If you simply want to relax on the beach, there are several places you can do just that. While it’s not the same as relaxing on the beaches of Cancun or the Mediterranean Sea, but it still lends itself to some fun in the sun. The beaches are sandy, so you can dig in the sand and try to build a sandcastle.

The most popular beach is the one right in front of the Redfish Lake Lodge. When we first arrived there, we saw lots of beach chairs, umbrellas and coolers scattered across the beach. Some people were simply enjoying the time in the sun, while others were out swimming in the designated No-Boat area.

If you’re looking for something a little different to do while at the North Shore beach area, check out the rentals available from the marina. Simply walk out on the floating dock area to check out their pricing and rental options. They include paddleboards, kayaks, paddleboats and even motorized boats. It’s a great way to have some fun if you don’t own (or didn’t bring) some of these things with you to Redfish Lake.

If you brought your family dog with you, they aren’t allowed on the North Shore beach area near the lodge. However, there is a Dog Beach located to the east… but I’ll share more about that below.

There are a few other beach areas you can use if you’re looking to get away from the Redfish Lake Lodge area.

• Sandy Beach Boat Ramp
• Point Campground Beach Area

5. Horseback Riding on the Trails

I went horseback riding for my first time in North Platte, Nebraska, this past summer. It was a fun experience, so when I saw they had horseback riding on the trails north of Redfish Lake, I was interested. But it wasn’t in the budget for this trip. But if you’re looking for something a little different, I would seriously consider booking a trail-riding tour.

There are several options available for the length of time you want to spend riding the trails on horseback. Options include 1-1.5 hours, 2 hours, half-day and full-day rides. Prices range from $59 per person up to $179 per person for the full-day ride.

Riders must be at least six years old, and all riders assume their own risk. My only horseback experience was 60 minutes and my butt muscles hurt for a few days after. So I can’t even imagine going for more than two hours. I would need a padded saddle. 😉

6. Hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains near Redfish Lake

As much as we love kayaking on a calm mountain lake, we also love exploring the mountains on a good hike. Lucky for us, there were a few options to choose from when looking at a hike around Redfish Lake. We spoke to a guide at the Visitor Center and they identified three popular hikes in the area. We evaluated our time and interests and enjoyed a couple hours of hiking along Fishhook Trail.

Fishhook Creek Trail begins at the Redfish Trailhead Parking area. You’ll want to get there earlier in the day (after all, that is the best time to start hiking) as the lot can fill up as the day goes on. From there, follow the trail across the road and make a stop at the wooden sign area. Read about the dangers of the trail, and don’t forget to register your group on the guestbook. If you’re heading into the Sawtooth Wilderness Area, don’t forget to fill out a permit.

As you continue up the trail, it splits into two directions: Redfish Lake Creek Trail and Fishhook Creek Trail. Follow Fishhook Creek Trail for roughly two miles and you’ll arrive at the boundary to the Sawtooth Wilderness Area. The view of Thompson Peak at this boundary line is amazing. The winding creek reflects the mountain peak, and the trees and flowers add to the beauty. It was so worth the four-mile roundtrip hike.

If you decide to head south on Redfish Lake Creek Trail, that is about a 10-mile round trip adventure. It takes you to the Inlet Campground at the south end of the lake. It’s one we’ll save for another day.

There is another trail separation point along the Fishhook Creek Trail that will take you to Marshall Lake along the Alpine Way. That’s a 10-mile roundtrip hike as well.

Grand Mogul Trail begins near the Sockeye Campground and also takes you to Inlet Campground at the south end of Redfish Lake. The route is 14-miles round trip.

7. Stay in the Redfish Lake Lodge or Cabins

If your days of camping are behind you, or you don’t like sleeping in a tent, trailer or RV, then maybe you should explore the option of Redfish Lake Lodge. There are several different options available near the north end of Redfish Lake, so you can choose what works best for your interests and group size.

CABINS are a great option for your family. They sleep between four and eight guests, and have enough room in them to accommodate relaxation between adventures. If you’re traveling with another family, you can each reserve a portion of a duplex cabin. This allows you the privacy of your family, but the togetherness of the other group you’re traveling with. There are a few options available, so visit the Redfish Lake Lodge website for details on each.

SUITES AND LODGE ROOMS are also available, but are more for couples or smaller families. Each room sleeps between two to four people. The lodge rooms are great for those traveling on a budget, but still want to experience the comforts you can’t find in a tent.

The lodge area has a few dining options, making it super convenient for great meals while you’re on vacation. Limbert’s is on the first floor of the lodge and gives you that rustic dining atmosphere. The Rustic Lounge is also in the lodge. Next door to the main lodge is Lakeside Grill, which offers great grab-and-go options for lunch or dinner. You can grab your food and head back to your spot along the beach… or your cabin.

8. Rent a Bike to Explore More

We saw several people on bikes. While some people had transported their own bikes to the area, several others simply rented them from the bike rental place just west of the main lodge. There are several different types of bikes you can rent, including fat tire bikes, cruisers or mountain bikes (full or front suspension options). If you’re kids are with you, they offer kids bikes with gears. If you’re young ones are a little too small to ride their own bike, you can also rent a bike trailer.

You can rent the bikes for a single hour, half day or full day. Prices range from $35-$50 for a full day, and about half that for shorter periods of time. The guide at the bike rental stand can share with you the best trails or places to ride, based on your interests and the type of bike you rent.

9. Take Your Dog to the Designated Beach

Our family trip to Redfish Lake was also the first camping trip for our newest family member: Molly. She’s about nine months old, so we were excited to get her used to the idea of camping. It was a different experience traveling with a dog, as many buildings, museums and stores don’t allow dogs inside. When I saw a sign posted at the North Shore area that said dogs weren’t allowed on the beach, I was wondering how Molly was going to enjoy some time in the water.

Well, just east of the North Shore Beach area and marina is Dog Beach. It’s just like the beach along North Shore, but dogs can run around off leash. We didn’t dare take Molly off a leash, as she’s still young enough to run off – and we don’t want to lose her. But we get her into the water to try swimming, but she enjoyed watching the other dogs run into the water to fetch a ball or just play along the shoreline.

If you park at the Visitor Center to access Dog Beach, keep in mind that there is a two-hour time limit on parking. If you park near Redfish Lake Lodge, it’s a short walk to the Dog Beach and there’s no time limit.

We enjoyed taking Molly out in the kayaks at Little Redfish Lake. Although I’m not sure she fully enjoys water, it was fun to kayak around the lake with Molly along for the ride.

10. Swimming in the Lakes

While my boys enjoyed kayaking in the smaller lake, they also enjoyed some time in the much larger lake, too. Since there are no motorized boats in Little Redfish Lake, it’s the perfect spot for swimming. The east side of the lake is pretty shallow for a good 30 yards out from shore, then it gets a lot deeper. You can see the color change from the light blue to the dark blue pretty vividly.

In the larger lake, you’ll probably want to swim in the designated areas along shore. The motorized boats speeding across the lake would likely not see a lone swimmer. But the swimming area near the designated beaches should be a safe area. Just be sure and follow water safety guidelines so your vacation to the area isn’t hampered by a need to bring in Search & Rescue or spend your time in the hospital.

11. Fishing in the Rivers and Lakes

I would’ve loved to have done some fishing in the nearby Salmon River, or even some of the creeks. But I didn’t want to mess with having to get an out-of-state fishing license, since I’m a Utah resident. A non-resident annual license is $100+, while a resident license is $30+. So I wasn’t that passionate about fishing the rivers or lakes of Idaho.

As we were kayaking around Little Redfish Lake, we paddled over a school of fishing camped out at the inlet to eat the stuff flowing into the lake. It was fun to watch them, but I couldn’t tell what kind of fish they were. As I kayaked my way up the river from Little Redfish Lake, there was a man fly fishing in the middle of the river. I didn’t want to interrupt him, not did I want to keep paddling up the river, so I turned around.

The rivers look so picturesque, and standing in the water, trying my hand at fly fishing looked like it would’ve been amazing. But I’ll save that for another adventure up into the mountains of Idaho.

Summary

I really don’t think you can be disappointed with a visit to Redfish Lake. As you can tell from above, there are so many activities and options, that it would be easy to spend a full week in the area. We only stayed for two nights, and since we were tent camping, that was a good length for us.

But the key to a successful trip is to book your campsites early so you don’t have the added stress of trying to snag a site the day of. It makes for an early start to the day (like 3 a.m.) so you can arrive early enough to get a first-come, first-served campsite.

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