Pettit Lake campground
Pettit Lake
Reservations are accepted for the Pettit Lake camping area, and it is recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak season. The campground is open from late spring to early fall, and the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating.
There are several attractions and activities to enjoy in the area. Pettit Lake itself offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for trout, making it a popular spot for anglers. Hikers can explore the numerous trails that wind through the Sawtooth Mountains, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot wildlife. Additionally, the nearby Redfish Lake offers additional recreational opportunities, including swimming and kayaking.
While enjoying the beauty of Pettit Lake camping area, it is important to be cautious of potential hazards. Campers should be mindful of wildlife encounters and practice proper food storage to avoid attracting bears or other animals. Additionally, it is crucial to follow all safety guidelines while participating in water activities and to be aware of any potential weather changes. By taking these precautions, campers can fully enjoy their time at Pettit Lake camping area while immersing themselves in the natural wonders of Idaho.
What's on-site at Pettit Lake
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Pettit Lake, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pettit Lake Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Alturas Tent Camping Area | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Smokey Bear | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Smokey Bear (Alturas) Campground | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Smokey Bear Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Pettit Lake -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Creek At Stanley Id | 410 cfs | → |
| Salmon River Bl Yankee Fork Nr Clayton Id | 2,220 cfs | → |
| Yankee Fork Salmon River Nr Clayton Id | 728 cfs | → |
| Big Wood River Nr Ketchum Id | 296 cfs | → |
| Nf Big Wood River Nr Sawtooth Nra Hq Nr Ketchum Id | 149 cfs | → |
| Thompson Creek Nr Clayton Id | 39 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Pettit Lake -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc Galena Summit | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Bench Lakes | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Galena Summit | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Galena | 2.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Galena | 2.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Vienna Mine | 26.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Wilderness Sawtooth
- Salmon-Challis National Forest
- Northwood City Park
- Guy Coles Skate Park
- Knob Hill Natural Area
- Ketchum Bike Park
Fishing spots
- Yellowbelly Lake
- Perkins Lake
- Alturas Lake And Pettit Lake Areas
- Redfish Lake
- Stanley Lake
- Sunbeam Dam
Points of interest
Paddle runs
- Outlet Pettit Lake To Confluence With Alturas Lake Creek
- Headwaters To Inlet Pettit Lake
- Headwaters To Confluence With Alturas Lake Creek
- Outlet Alteras Lake To Confluence With Salmon River
- Sawtooth Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Salmon River
- Headwaters To Sawtooth Wilderness Boundary
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Pettit Lake as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Pettit Lake
Can I make reservations at Pettit Lake?
This campground does not appear to accept reservations -- it's typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Pettit Lake?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Pettit Lake.