I did a one night camping trip on July 13-14 and stayed in the non-reserved section closest to the lake. (I shared my site with a lovely family) It is the last left turn before reaching the reserved campground. It does have access to the lake via a short trail and some folks camp on the beach although they aren’t designated spots. (It was very crowded, I’ve never seen that many folks there before but still better than Redfish) I immediately went and rode my bike to the Elk Meadows loop, then paddle boarded in the early evening. The next day I paddled in the morning, took a short bike trip to bridal veil falls (although I didn’t go all the way), and then kayaked before leaving.

The facilities were clean at the beach parking lot, the park ranger I spoke to had lots of great anecdotes on where to bike, and the water was glorious. Very calm in the morning and evening, but a bit choppy mid day. FYI- a large section of the beach on the west end was lost due to the earthquake in 2020, so the Lakeside trail no longer connects with the Stanley Lake Trail. The views of McGowan Peak from the lake and the trails are just magnificent. Be sure to check out this gem. If hiking or biking be safe and aware of surroundings as there have been bear sightings in the area. Definitely my favorite camping spot in Idaho. 👌