About NORTH SHORE PICNIC AREA
Overview North Shore Picnic Area is located next to beautiful Redfish Lake at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountain Range. Stanley, Idaho, is conveniently close, only about 4 miles away. Recreation North Shore is in the heart of the beautiful Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. Redfish Lake offers excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon. Little Redfish Lake is just down the road, providing additional fishing and canoeing opportunities. In the immediate area are trailheads for the Alpine Way, Fishhook Creek, Redfish Lake Creek and Bench Lakes Trails. The Idaho Centennial Trail passes nearbyFacilities This day-use site offers two waterfront picnic sites. Site A can accommodate up to 100 people; Site B can accommodate up to 50 people. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A designated swim beach is on-site. Sandy Beach Boat Ramp is less than 1/4 mile away. Firewood can be purchased at the picnic area.Natural Features Summer wildflowers are plentiful, lodgepole pines provide partial shade and Fishhook Creek is nearby. Temperatures are cool, with an average summer high of 78 degrees and a low of 40 degrees. Nearby Attractions The Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers a myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities, and an estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains. . The Salmon River offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat trout and occasional hybrid cutbows and bull trout. Redfish Lake Lodge is nearby with a restaurant, general store, boat and kayak rentals, mooring services, lake tours and a lake shuttle. Popular area events include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair, and Fireman's Ball in September.
How to Get There
From Stanley, Idaho, take State Highway 75 south for 4 miles. Turn west onto Forest Road 214 at the Redfish Lake sign and travel approximately 2 miles. Turn right at the North Shore Picnic Area entrance sign.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 11 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to NORTH SHORE PICNIC AREA
Heading to NORTH SHORE PICNIC AREA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for NORTH SHORE PICNIC AREA?
No central reservation system listed for NORTH SHORE PICNIC AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232076) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to NORTH SHORE PICNIC AREA?
From Stanley, Idaho, take State Highway 75 south for 4 miles. Turn west onto Forest Road 214 at the Redfish Lake sign and travel approximately 2 miles. Turn right at the North Shore Picnic Area entrance sign.
How do I contact NORTH SHORE PICNIC AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 928-537-8888 or email: camping@rrmofa.com.
References & Official Resources
