Alturas Lake Picnic Area
Currently closed for the season. Opening and closing dates are weather permitting; facilities in this area typically open around Memorial Day and close in late September.
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Fox Creek Temporary Trail & Trailhead Closures
Implementation of the Fox Creek Bridge Replacement Project will require intermittent, temporary trail and trailhead closures. Unscheduled closures may be necessary, but here are some target dates for visitors to keep in mind when planning activities in the area:May 11-14, 2026: Trailhead will be…
Over-Snow Vehicle and Bicycle Prohibitions
This order covers over-snow vehicle and bicycle use on the Fairfield and Ketchum Ranger Districts and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Sawtooth Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use
This order covers occupancy and use requirements for the Sawtooth Wilderness area on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Hemingway-Boulders and Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness Areas - Occupancy and Use
This order covers occupancy and use requirements for the Hemingway-Boulders and Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness Areas on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Forestwide Occupancy and Use
This order covers occupancy and use prohibitions on all National Forest System lands and roads within the Sawtooth National Forest.
Occupancy and Use - Food Storage
This order covers requirements for possessing and storing food while visiting the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
About
Alturas Lake Picnic Area is a group day-use facility situated on the scenic shoreline of Alturas Lake within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The site lies at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountain Range, surrounded by mixed-growth conifer forest that provides partial shade. Summer wildflowers are plentiful, and average summer temperatures range from highs of 78°F to lows of 40°F. This is strictly a day-use area with no overnight camping permitted. The single group site can accommodate up to 50 people and is reservable through Recreation.gov. When not reserved, the picnic area is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Smokey Bear Boat Ramp is less than a quarter mile away. Alturas Lake offers excellent recreational opportunities including boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing for bull trout and Kokanee salmon. The 10-mile round trip Alpine Meadows Trail begins nearby, providing spectacular canyon, meadow, and alpine lake views. Perkins Lake is less than 2 miles away, and Pettit and Yellowbelly Lakes are also nearby.
Directions
From Stanley, Idaho, take State Highway 75 south for about 22 miles. Turn right on Alturas Creek Road/Forest Road 205 and continue west for about 2.6 miles.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| camping@rrmofa.com | |
| Phone | +1 (928) 537-8888 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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