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Submission
Iron Creek Campground is composed of 9 campsites alongside Iron Creek located in a lodgepole pine overstory to the south-west of Stanley. All sites are first-come, first-serve. Iron Creek trailhead and Alpine Way trail are located nearby for access into several lakes and creeks including Alpine lake, Sawtooth lake, Goat lake, Trail Creek lakes and the McGown lakes th the beautiful Sawtooth Wilderness. This area is wonderful for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and enjoying the beauty of the Sawtooth Wilderness. Numerous mountain peaks including McGown Peak, Williams Peak, Thompson Peak, Merritt Peak and Mt. Regan which are visible from this area.
From Stanley, go northwest 2.5 miles on ID 21, then 4 miles south on Forest Road #619.
Followed the freeform app to the site.... said it was a free campang spot... nope... but a very nice wooded area... very cold sure the wee morning hours... in the 30's.... 70s during the day.
This was, in the past, a fantastic place. However, due to population growth and the in-flux of out-of-state visitors it has become yet another mass destination for tourists. Too many people, too many cars, dust, noise...etc. 100+ cars at/around the trailhead built for 30...you get the idea.
I loved the location! Saw lots of wildlife, especially elk. This campground was just far enough away from the hussle and bussle of the Stanley Lake campground but still close enough to drive to the lake in about 20 minutes. Iron Creek is clean and beautiful! The distance between camp spots was good, and not on top of each other. It is remote, which I liked, but there are no outhouses or picnic tables. The reason for the 3 stars is the plague of mosquitoes! Bug spray & fire didn't even help. Had a hard time enjoying the outdoors because of all the mosquitoes and sadly had to spend much of my time inside my camper.
