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Smiley Creek Lodge
Overview
Smiley Creek Lodge serves as a historic and welcoming gateway for travelers exploring the vast beauty of central Idaho. Established as a cornerstone of the community, this destination offers a unique blend of rustic mountain charm and essential services for modern road trippers. Whether you are passing through on a scenic drive or planning a multi-day stay, the lodge provides a warm, authentic atmosphere that captures the spirit of the Sawtooth Valley.
Location & Surroundings
Tucked away in Sawtooth City at the base of the towering peaks, the lodge is surrounded by the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This high-elevation setting offers dramatic views and immediate access to pristine wilderness. The park is located near the headwaters of the Salmon River and is just a short drive from the crystal-clear waters of Alturas and Pettit Lakes, making it a scenic haven for nature lovers.
Amenities & Park Features
The RV accommodations include a selection of sites with power and water hookups, catering to travelers who want a comfortable stay in a remote area. Guests frequently visit the on-site restaurant, which is well-known for its delicious food and milkshakes. Key amenities designed to support your journey include:
- Access to a historic general store and full-service dining.
- On-site fuel station and propane services for remote travel.
- Public showers and laundry facilities for guest convenience.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is always within reach, with opportunities for hiking and mountain biking on world-class trail systems just outside your door. Anglers will appreciate the proximity to mountain streams, while boaters can enjoy the alpine lakes nearby. During the summer, visitors enjoy the high-altitude trails, while winter transforms the area into a premier destination for snowmobiling and winter sports, making the lodge a year-round hub.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who value a rustic, genuine experience over a commercial resort feel. It is perfectly suited for families wanting to explore the lakes and backcountry hikers who need a reliable home base. If your travel style involves unplugging from the city to enjoy the rugged serenity of the mountains, Smiley Creek Lodge offers the perfect balance of comfort and adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ruger 44 Redhawk
Just wanted to leave an excellent review for the Smiley Creek Lodge. We stayed in one of the small units, Unit 7 and had a great experience. We were there for the annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Sun Valley and the price was very reasonable. Very clean inside and the staff was awesome. Art went out of his way to make sure we were taken care of and even stayed late after hours to make sure we were good. The next morning, Ford also checked on us to make sure that our stay was a great experience. As a funny side note, as Ford just realized, an easy way to remember the two is putting Ford and Art's name together to make FART! With all the lodges that we've stayed at the last couple months (South Fork Lodge, Wallowa Lake Lodge, Smiley Creek Lodge) we would recommend Smiley Creek Lodge to anyone who needs a basecamp for the hiking/snowshoeing/UTV/snow mobile trails in the Sawtooth's, White Cloud Peaks or the Boulder and Pioneer Mountains. We actually promoted the Smiley Creek Lodge to the many people we talked to at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. It's also a short and pretty drive to Sun Valley. We will definitely be back. Thanks guys. Cheers! - Chris in Caldwell
Shane Kowallis
Ford at Smiley Creek Lodge is absolutely incredible! From the moment we arrived, he went above and beyond to make sure we felt welcome and taken care of. He’s one of those rare people who is not only professional and knowledgeable, but also genuinely kind and thoughtful. Whether it was answering questions, helping with accommodations, or just checking in to see how we were doing, Ford made the experience smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable. His positive energy and helpful attitude truly set the tone for our stay. Smiley Creek Lodge is already a special place, but having someone like Ford there makes it unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll be in the best hands—he’s the type of person who turns a great visit into an amazing one.
Victoria Dennis
They really put the “Smile” in Smiley Creek Cafe! We loved the Aviator burger! The staff was friendly, attentive, and most of all hard working. It made our day to come into the cafe after hiking for three days in Sawtooth. We will be back again!
Simpimus Prime
I ABSOLUTELY love coming here. With the new owner, every aspect of the business has improved SIGNIFICANTLY. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, and I always feel like I’m walking into a family dinner the second I walk through Smiley Creek Lodge’s doors. There were two teenage girls, one blonde and one dark brunette, who were extremely professional yet kind (also beautiful). I was so impressed by the milkshakes, and I will definitely be coming back. Thank you, Darian and Camilla!
Brittany Gerren
Stopped in on our way to the campground for gas and had to return later on for lunch because we loved it here. The service was amazing. The staff were very friendly, chatty, and generous. We felt like we were old friends and laughed together. I would highly recommend stopping in for a meal (great burgers), some gas, a couple good beers (we ended up buying a six pack of the dagger IPA), or a milkshake (people were raving about them).
steve linden
I don't sled often but I enjoy it immensely. 3 of my friends and I rented sleds there for a half day. Don't let the price scare you away, that's the cost everywhere. The staff was outstanding, and the bartender was a hoot!!! I'll be there again soon!
Candace Crew
Highly recommend! We rented an extra snowmobile for the day for a friend. Cody and crew were so helpful, knowledgeable and highly prepared. While we didn't need it, they have an entire room of extra gear to make sure their guests will be properly set up for a day on the trail.
Jordan L
This location has gone downhill with the new owner. Lackluster employees who are more interested in hanging out than working or helping. Food and general prices are very high compared to redfish. Used to be my favorite milkshake place... Now you get told "we aren't making any today" nothing about the machine being down or anything.
Leeann
Place is super cute! Definitely over priced but there is nothing else around so they can get away with that. We got the smaller tiny home- the bed is kind of hard to get into. Every once in awhile the place reeked of sewage so we ran all the water and thank god they left a candle in here. The fridge is warm and won't get cool, so that stinks. If I were coming back, I'd get a bigger tiny home! Resturant/bar was cute and food was good.
Tim Crosby
I grew up in this town and I am so glad this place is under new management. I had the pleasure of meeting the new managers, Ford & Cody one evening while they were out on a 4wheeler ride and I can honestly say that they are the best thing to happen to Smiley Creek in the last 50 years. They're the nicest guys you'll ever meet! They also have good breakfast, burgers, shakes and fair prices.