Redfish Lake
- Hike
- 0 mi each way
- Elevation gain
- 0 ft
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
Entry fee: Day-use non-group fee $12 at Outlet, Point, North Shore picnic, and related Redfish day-use sites. Redfish Lake is a lake cove in Custer County, Idaho.
Closures and warnings
Alpine lake water stays cold; maximum summer surface temps often only in the 60s F. Watch for boat traffic outside designated swim areas. As of September 28, 2026.
Before you swim
| Swimming allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | Lake cove |
| Entry | Walk in |
| Current | None |
| Water clarity | Clear alpine water; sandy beaches at Outlet and North Shore. |
Access
| Hike | 0 mi each way |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 0 ft |
| Road | Paved |
| Road note | Redfish Lake Road south of Stanley into Sawtooth NRA. |
| Parking | Outlet, Point, North Shore, and other day-use lots around the lake. |
| When it fills | Beaches fill on July and August weekends. |
| Fee | Day-use non-group fee $12 at Outlet, Point, North Shore picnic, and related Redfish day-use sites; annual day-use pass. |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Managed by | USDA Forest Service (Sawtooth National Recreation Area) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Picnic sites | Yes |
| Note | Redfish Visitor Center, lodge rentals, boat launch at Sandy Beach; restrooms vary by site (Outlet day-use lists no restrooms). |
- Sandy Beach boat ramp boat launch, $12 day-use fee area
- Outlet / Point day-use beaches boat launch, $12 day-use : Swimming and picnicking.
Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Camping | Allowed |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Redfish Lake open?
Alpine lake water stays cold; maximum summer surface temps often only in the 60s F. Watch for boat traffic outside designated swim areas. As of September 28, 2026.
Can you swim at Redfish Lake?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Redfish Lake. No current is reported here.
How long is the hike to Redfish Lake?
It's a 0 mi hike each way with 0 ft of elevation gain. The road in is paved. Redfish Lake Road south of Stanley into Sawtooth NRA. Parking: Outlet, Point, North Shore, and other day-use lots around the lake. Beaches fill on July and August weekends.
Do you need a reservation for Redfish Lake?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Redfish Lake?
The fee is Day-use non-group fee $12 at Outlet, Point, North Shore picnic, and related Redfish day-use sites; annual day-use pass.
What facilities are at Redfish Lake?
Restrooms, picnic sites, and 2 boat launches. Redfish Visitor Center, lodge rentals, boat launch at Sandy Beach; restrooms vary by site (Outlet day-use lists no restrooms).
What are the rules at Redfish Lake?
Dogs are allowed and camping is allowed.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Public land
Redfish Lake is inside Sawtooth National Forest .
Sources
4
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/recreation/sawtooth-national-recreation-area-fees-policies (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / access.fee $12 day-use / annual $100, rules.camping / access.roadNote)
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/recreation/outlet-recreation-day-use-day-use-location (accessed September 28, 2026; backs swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / boatLaunches / amenities, waterbodyName / rules.dogs leash)
- https://alifeofadventures.com/blog/guide-to-visiting-redfish-lake-idaho/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs hazardNote cold water / parkingPattern)
- https://outdoorithm.com/campgrounds/id/sawtooth/redfish-lake-recreation-complex (accessed September 28, 2026; backs swimmerNotes.waterType / waterClarityNote)
More: Idaho swimming holes