Weekend Wandering: Campfires, Ghost Towns, and Grandma Goals in Stanley, Idaho

This past weekend, we packed up the car and headed to Stanley, Idaho—a tiny town tucked into the Sawtooth Mountains that somehow still feels like a hidden gem. With fewer than 100 year-round residents, it’s quiet, stunning, and the perfect escape for memory-making.

Our Cozy Stay at Triangle C Cabins

We stayed at Triangle C Cabins, which felt like stepping into a storybook. Our little cabin came with its own porch and chairs, ideal for sipping morning coffee and watching the mountains wake up. But the best part wasn’t the cabin itself—it was the community fire pit. That’s where the real magic happened: laughter, conversations with strangers, and roasted marshmallows under the stars.

Exploring Ghost Towns: Custer & Bonanza

Just a short drive away are two of Idaho’s historic ghost towns: Custer and Bonanza. Both were booming mining towns in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, their remnants sit quietly along the Yankee Fork Road—weathered cabins, antique mining tools, and wooden boardwalks that whisper of days gone by.

Even though the museums were closed for the season, walking through these towns was a favorite part of the trip. You can feel the history in the silence.

The Yankee Fork Gold Dredge

Between the towns is the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge, an enormous floating machine that once processed gold from the riverbed. Though closed to tours this time of year, its sheer size and presence were unforgettable. It’s a jaw-dropping piece of Idaho mining history—and definitely worth a stop.

A Quiet Moment at Redfish Lake

We made a short stop at Redfish Lake, and though the wind was biting and the season still early, it was absolutely beautiful. The boys had a blast digging in the sand with little pails and shovels we keep in the car (always a smart move). We didn’t last long in the cold, but the scenery was worth every shiver.

Campfire Dinners & S’mores Memories

Both nights, we kept dinner simple: hot dogs over the fire. It’s the little things, right? I also got to introduce the boys to s’mores—a memory I’ve been waiting to make.

Elliotte loved it. The bigger the flames, the better the marshmallow in his opinion. Kai? Not so much. One sticky mess and he was done. Funny how different siblings can be—but that’s part of the fun.

Unexpected Wedding Party & New Friends

In one of those small-town surprises, we were invited to join a nearby wedding party celebration. There were other kids to play with, music, and the warmest group of people. It was the perfect ending to our evenings. Both nights, the boys were out like a light as soon as their heads hit the pillow.

Reflections on Grandma Life

This trip was everything I dreamed grandma life would be—simple, joyful, a little bit wild, and full of love.

I already can’t wait for the next adventure.

Have you been to Stanley or explored any ghost towns? Drop your favorite small-town gems in the comments—I’m always looking for new spots to visit!