O W
October 28, 2018 Google Maps
Great spot in late October. No one there. Water was brisk for swimming, but delightful. The Sawtooths are amazing.
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About North Shore Picnic Area
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 mi away.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Swimming
Summer
Year-round
Fishing
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
Summer
Swimming
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Grill
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
Views and Setting
- View
Missing information?
Reviews
35 reviews
Summary
The North Shore Picnic Area is highly praised for its cleanliness, beautiful views, and new picnic tables that accommodate gatherings well. Many recommend it for events, noting its picturesque sunset and beach views, particularly for weddings. However, some guests expressed concerns about the reduced seating capacity for larger groups despite the high reservation costs.
Based on guest feedback
4.7
Overall rating
Based on 35 reviews
5 stars
85.7% (30)
4 stars
5.7% (2)
3 stars
5.7% (2)
2 stars
2.9% (1)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 35 reviews
Sort by: Oldest First
Elizabeth Gonzalez
September 2, 2019 Google Maps
Nice has like 4 or 5 long tables and lots of room for setting up. Shallow water for kids to enjoy
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Sally C
January 19, 2020
Redfish Lake is my happy place! I loved being able to share this lovely spot with friends and family on a special occasion. The beauty is spectacular and the space has everything you need for a perfect summer picnic spot.
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Sally C
January 19, 2020
Redfish Lake is my happy place! I loved being able to share this lovely spot with friends and family on a special occasion. The beauty is spectacular and the space has everything you need for a perfect summer picnic spot.
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Julie W
July 16, 2021
Picnic Area A was amazing. There were about 8 long tables and was very close to the beach and restrooms. The representative was prompt and let us in. We had such a fun day at Redfish lake. We would definately use this again if and when we go back to Redfish!
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Julie W
July 16, 2021
Picnic Area A was amazing. There were about 8 long tables and was very close to the beach and restrooms. The representative was prompt and let us in. We had such a fun day at Redfish lake. We would definately use this again if and when we go back to Redfish!
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Louis H
July 27, 2021
It's a great location but a little pricey. We paid for the entire area but only used about a quarter of it. Would be better if there was a prorated rate.
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Louis H
July 27, 2021
It's a great location but a little pricey. We paid for the entire area but only used about a quarter of it. Would be better if there was a prorated rate.
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Whitney M
July 31, 2021
We reserved this spot for a family reunion. The picnic area was very large and could accommodate a lot of people. It was nice to have it reserved because there were a lot of people at the lake on a Saturday in July, and I don't think we would have all found parking if it weren't for them marking off our parking spots as reserved along with the picnic area. It was about 30 ft from the picnic tables to the beach. Nice shade.
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Whitney M
July 31, 2021
We reserved this spot for a family reunion. The picnic area was very large and could accommodate a lot of people. It was nice to have it reserved because there were a lot of people at the lake on a Saturday in July, and I don't think we would have all found parking if it weren't for them marking off our parking spots as reserved along with the picnic area. It was about 30 ft from the picnic tables to the beach. Nice shade.
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Location & Directions for North Shore Picnic Area
Sawtooth, Stanley, ID 83278 United States
Elevation: 1,998 ft
Highway access
The North Shore Picnic Area is accessible via ID-75, which is approximately 15 miles to the south. This state highway connects to other routes leading to the nearby town of Stanley.
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Site capacity
- Overnight camping is not allowed; only day-use is permitted.
Vehicles & parking
- Carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking.
Local regulations
- Check for current opening and closing dates as they depend on weather; call for updates.
- Reconstruction projects may cause delays and noise during your visit; plan accordingly.
Fires & fuel
- To prevent pests, obtain firewood near your destination and burn it on-site.
General
- Idaho Off-road Vehicle Safety Message
- Click here for more information about the Sawtooth National Forest
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Explore Stanley, ID
Population: 319
Nearby city: Meridian, ID
Approx. 82 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 6,270 ft
Stanley, ID
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service