How much does camping cost at Elk Creek Cabins?

Camping fees at Elk Creek Cabins are $45 - $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elk Creek Cabins first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk Creek Cabins accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Elk Creek Cabins before I book?

Yes! Elk Creek Cabins has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Elk Creek Cabins?

Elk Creek Cabins is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Elk Creek Cabins?

Elk Creek Cabins does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Elk Creek Cabins?

Fire policies at Elk Creek Cabins: Campfires are not permitted outside the cabins. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Elk Creek Cabins have?

Elk Creek Cabins has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elk Creek Cabins?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elk Creek Cabins. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Elk Creek Cabins?

Elk Creek Cabins offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elk Creek Cabins?

Popular activities at Elk Creek Cabins include Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elk Creek Cabins

4 reviews

C/O 7359 HWY 21, LOWMAN, ID 83637, USA

Top 6% in IDWinter

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$45 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open season: Novembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$45 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open season: Novembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Elk Creek Cabins

$45.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC-FISH CABIN: $45.00; CABIN NONELECTRIC-RANGER CABIN: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

C/O 7359 HWY 21, LOWMAN, ID 83637, USA

Elk Creek Cabins

C/O 7359 HWY 21, LOWMAN, ID 83637, USA

Nearby places

Lowman (40 miles), Boise (null miles, alternate route via Clear Creek Road FS582).

Driving directionsFrom Lowman, take State Highway 21 east approximately 40 miles to Cape Horn. Park in the plowed parking lot and snowmobile/ski/snowshoe on the Stanley-Landmark Road (FS579) for approximately 15 miles to Elk Creek. Alternate access from the Boise area if Highway 21 is closed between Grandjean and Banner Summit: from Lowman, snowmobile north on the Clear Creek Road (FS582) for approximately 34 miles. Go west on the Stanley-Landmark Road for approximately 3 miles to the cabin.

Weather at Elk Creek Cabins

Current alerts(10)

Bring trash bags and pack out all trash
Click here for more information about Boise National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Livestock is not allowed

Best Time to Camp at Elk Creek Cabins

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 6% in ID

Peak season Nov–Apr with groomed trails for snowmobiling, XC skiing and snowshoeing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: November through April. Closed outside of these months.

About Elk Creek Cabins

Elk Creek Cabins sits in the mid-elevation forests of Boise National Forest near Lowman, operated by the US Forest Service. These rustic rentals offer a backcountry experience with scenic beauty and abundant firewood, though guests should expect basic conditions and maintenance challenges typical of remote forest cabins. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in the surrounding forest.

Elk Creek Cabins cater primarily to winter sports enthusiasts and groups, offering rustic cabin accommodations in a remote mountainous setting. They are open exclusively from November through April.

Elevation6400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabins occupy a glacially carved meadow ringed by Sawtooth Range peaks, with Douglas fir and lodgepole pine forests closing in at the edges. Elk Creek runs through the area. Wildlife sightings include elk, moose, deer, and occasionally lynx. The meadow functions as a natural amphitheater, open to the sky with forest walls on all sides. Reviews mention scenic beauty as a major draw, though the 15-mile snowmobile approach from the parking area means you earn the views.

Lodging & AccommodationsGuests can stay in one of two cabins. Cabin 1 accommodates up to 10 people with three double beds and four cots, while Cabin 2 accommodates up to 8 people with one single bed and three cots. Both cabins are equipped with basic furniture such as couches, chairs, and dining tables. Fireplaces and wood stoves are available for heating, and kitchens include propane stoves and some cookware.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin 1 accommodates up to 10 guests, Cabin 2 accommodates up to 8 guests.

Groups

The cabins are not explicitly identified as group sites, but their occupancy limits (8-10 people per cabin) make them suitable for small groups.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo specific mentions of accessibility features for guests with disabilities.

Site SizeThe cabins accommodate groups of 8-10 people, depending on the cabin.

PrivacyThe cabins are located in a remote, high-elevation meadow providing significant privacy and seclusion.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesCabin 1 is suitable for larger groups (up to 10 guests). Visitors should bring adequate cold-weather gear and supplies for cooking and heating.

Best CampsitesCabin 1 sleeps 10, Cabin 2 sleeps 8. Both have wood stoves, fireplaces, and dry sinks. Reviews mention clutter inside and warn that heating can be challenging. Firewood is available and plentiful according to feedback.

Need help booking Elk Creek Cabins?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Neither cabin has electricity or water. Guests must bring their own water as well as garbage bags for packing out trash. The stoves and refrigerators are disconnected for the winter months

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Elk Creek Cabins

The campground offers access to 30 miles of groomed trails ideal for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The cabins are located adjacent to the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, providing a backcountry experience. Wildlife viewing during the winter months is popular due to the abundance of local fauna.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing highlighted: elk, moose, deer and occasional lynx reported.

Winter Activities4.0/5Top 10% in Idaho

Open Nov–Apr with ~30 miles groomed for snowmobiling, XC skiing and snowshoeing.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, high-elevation meadow and significant privacy suggest good dark-sky potential.

Photography4.0/5Meadow amphitheater, Sawtooth vistas and abundant wildlife provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Elk Creek Cabins has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight both the rustic charm and the challenges of staying at Elk Creek Cabins. The cabins' remote location and lack of amenities may not appeal to all guests, but they offer a unique backcountry experience for those prepared for the conditions. The average sentiment for the campground is 2.75, indicating mixed feelings among users.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the scenic beauty, the abundance of firewood, and the backcountry adventure opportunities. "It's a neat spot," noted one reviewer, emphasizing the appeal of the location.

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include difficulties with propane stoves, poor trail grooming for snowmobiles, and the overall clutter and lack of cleanliness in the cabins. One reviewer noted, "Lots of clutter...

Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviewers identified the Fish Cabin and Ranger Cabin as key sites. The Fish Cabin was described as having ample firewood but cluttered interiors. The Ranger Cabin received a mixed review about trail...

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future visitors are advised to bring their own water, bedding, and emergency supplies. Snowmobiles are essential for accessing the cabins, given the 15-mile journey from the parking area. Guests...

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the winter season offers both opportunities and challenges. While the snow-covered landscape is beautiful, trail conditions and the lack of modern amenities can make the...

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Visitors should be prepared for a rustic experience." "Firewood is plenty, but we struggled to get the cabin warm." "This is our fifth annual event at Elk Creek with sons and grandsons."

Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Guests are allowed to bring pets but must keep them under control and clean up after them. No issues or specific praises related to pets were identified in reviews.

Based on 4 reviews

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Elk Creek Cabins

$45.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC-FISH CABIN: $45.00; CABIN NONELECTRIC-RANGER CABIN: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

No campsite fee categories listed.