How much does camping cost at Elks Flat Campground?

Camping fees at Elks Flat Campground are $150/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elks Flat Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Elks Flat Campground 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 Elks Flat Campground before I book?

Yes! Elks Flat Campground 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 Elks Flat Campground?

Elks Flat Campground is open May 15 to September 30. 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 Elks Flat Campground?

Elks Flat Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Elks Flat Campground have?

Elks Flat Campground 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 Elks Flat Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Elks Flat Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Elks Flat Campground?

Elks Flat Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elks Flat Campground?

Popular activities at Elks Flat Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elks Flat Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elks Flat Campground?

Fire policies at Elks Flat Campground: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.45

125 reviews

3080 INDUSTRIAL WAY, MOUNTAIN HOME, ID, 83647, USA

Top 19% in IDSummer

CReport Card

Featured in:Group Camping

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open May 15 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Boise National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open May 15 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Boise National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Elks Flat Campground

$150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $150.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$100.00

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Provider

208-587-7961

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Campground Map

3080 INDUSTRIAL WAY, MOUNTAIN HOME, ID, 83647, USA

Elks Flat Campground

3080 INDUSTRIAL WAY, MOUNTAIN HOME, ID, 83647, USA

Nearby places

Pine (5 miles north), Mountain Home (approximately 59 miles south, 1-hour drive).

Weather at Elks Flat Campground

Current alerts(4)

Click here for more information on the Boise National Forest
Horses are not allowed at the campground
Idaho OHV Safety Message
Single-family campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis

Best Time to Camp at Elks Flat Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best mix of warm, sunny weather and peak river conditions for swimming, rafting, boating and trout fishing. Expect cool mornings around 48°F and daytime highs typically 75–85°F, with bright skies roughly 80–85% of days and only a small chance of rain (~5–6%). Trails, boat access and campground services are fully operational but campsites fill quickly in July–August, so reservations are recommended. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Best season: warm weather, peak river conditions for swimming, rafting, boating and trout fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 15 to September 30 annually, peak season runs during this time.

About Elks Flat Campground

Elks Flat Campground sits along the South Fork Boise River in Boise National Forest, roughly 20 miles east of Pine. This small, premium-priced site managed by the Forest Service offers direct river access for fishing, swimming, and boating, plus large group sites that fill quickly in July. Mid-elevation forest surroundings provide a mix of sun and shade, with vault toilets and potable water on-site.

Elks Flat Campground offers a variety of camping accommodations, primarily focusing on group and tent camping. Group campsites can accommodate up to 100 people, and individual campsites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best mix of warm, sunny weather and peak river conditions for swimming, rafting, boating and trout fishing. Expect cool mornings around 48°F and daytime highs typically 75–85°F, with bright skies roughly 80–85% of days and only a small chance of rain (~5–6%). Trails, boat access and campground services are fully operational but campsites fill quickly in July–August, so reservations are recommended. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a meadow where the South Fork Boise River winds through mixed forest. Cottonwoods and aspens shade the riverside areas, while Douglas firs and ponderosa pines climb the slopes. The river runs clear over rocky beds, creating swimming holes and fishing spots. Trinity Mountain Range rises to the east. Some sites have ample shade, but others sit more exposed. The setting is genuinely pretty, though a few review clusters sit close enough to feel a bit crowded.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 100 people for group sites.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 100 people, making them suitable for large gatherings. Each group site includes covered pavilions, picnic tables, and a fire pit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Site SizeThe campground contains two large-group campsites that can host up to 100 people each. Individual sites vary in size, with some reviewers noting ample space.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. While some sites are considered spacious and well-shaded, others are closely clustered, leading to reduced privacy. 'A few clusters of spots are really close together with nothing in between' (Nick K).

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesFor shade, look for campsites surrounded by trees. Group site 1 is better situated near the river but lacks privacy compared to other sites.

Best CampsitesCampsite #27 gets good reviews for its proximity to the hot spring and river views. Arrive early to claim the better spots, especially on summer weekends.

Need help booking Elks Flat Campground?

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

Horses are not allowed at the campground

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Elks Flat Campground

Visitors to Elks Flat Campground can enjoy a range of recreational opportunities. The South Fork Boise River provides options for fishing, swimming, and boating. Nearby hiking trails, such as the Green Creek Trail 270 and Cross Cut Trail 172, cater to hikers, horseback riders, dirt bikers, and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Baumgartner Hot Springs and other attractions are accessible within a short drive.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming3.5/5

River runs clear over rocky beds creating swimming holes; swimming is permitted.

Boating3.0/5

Boating is allowed on the South Fork Boise River but no dock or facility details provided.

Water Sports3.0/5

Boating is allowed on the river; no specifics on put-ins or rentals mentioned.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Clear river, cottonwoods/aspens, meadow and mountain backdrop make for strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but their maintenance can be inconsistent. 'The trash bins were overflowing before our arrival' (Rodney S).

Cell CoverageMixed reviews indicate inconsistent cell service at the campground. According to one user, 'No cell service with ATT until you get around the reservoir in certain areas' (William Plumley).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Elks Flat Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.5

125 reviews

Recommended

Elks Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives a mix of positive and negative reviews, with an average sentiment score of 4.175 for camping-specific aspects. Visitors frequently highlight the natural beauty, proximity to the river, and the convenience of having fire pits and picnic tables at each site. However, recurring complaints about restroom cleanliness and maintenance issues detract from the overall experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 125 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 125 reviews.

Campsite 001Loved
Campsite 001 is praised for its proximity to the river and cleanliness (Farren G), while its vault toilets and overflowing trash bins were criticized by…
Site 1Issues noted
Group Site 1 is noted for its location by the river but criticized for being exposed and lacking in shade (April G).

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean and well-maintained campsites, proximity to the South Fork Boise River, and the availability of large group sites. 'Nice campground and well maintained' (Nick K).

Based on 125 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include issues with restroom cleanliness, unemptied trash bins, and maintenance delays. 'The bathrooms were disgusting and every trashcan needed emptied' (Tim Woods).

Based on 125 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend arriving early to secure the best spots, bringing bug spray to deal with ticks and wasps, and being prepared for inconsistent cell service. 'Go early to get the best spots!' (Nick...

Based on 125 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season reviews (summer) often mention the campground's popularity and the need to arrive early to secure a good site. Maintenance issues appear more pronounced during busy periods.

Based on 125 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'It’s my favorite place ♥️' (Alexandra Robertson). 2. 'Bathrooms were relatively clean considering the type of bathrooms they were' (Russell Mott). 3. 'Nice campground and well maintained' (Nick...

Based on 125 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 125 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are mentioned in passing, with one review noting, 'Dogs must be on a leash' (Stephen Campbell). No detailed pet-related experiences are provided.

Based on 125 reviews

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Elks Flat Campground

$150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $150.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$100.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-587-7961

Go if

You want river access for fishing and swimming with the option to book a large group site in Boise National Forest.

Skip if

You need guaranteed shade, pristine restroom conditions, or a quiet setting away from RV generator noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

3080 INDUSTRIAL WAY, MOUNTAIN HOME, ID 83647, USA

Dog Creek sits in the ponderosa forest of Boise National Forest near Pine, Idaho, operated by the US Forest Service. The campground offers creek-side sites for tent, RV, primitive, and group camping with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers fish, swim, boat, hike, and watch wildlife along Dog Creek and surrounding mountain trails, with friendly hosts maintaining well-spaced sites under the pines.

Elks Flat Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Elks Flat Campground

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Elks Flat Campground

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About Elks Flat Campground

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Amenities available

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Overview

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Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Elks Flat Campground

Planning Tips

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Need help booking Elks Flat Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Elks Flat Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns