How much does camping cost at Big Elk?

Camping fees at Big Elk range from $60-$100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Elk first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Elk 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 Big Elk before I book?

Yes! Big Elk has 26 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 Big Elk?

Big Elk is open May 22 to September 06. 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 Big Elk?

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

How many campsites does Big Elk have?

Big Elk has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Elk?

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

What amenities are available at Big Elk?

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

What activities can I do at Big Elk?

Popular activities at Big Elk include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Elk

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big Elk?

Fire policies at Big Elk: 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.

4.32

88 reviews

TARGHEE, Idaho, USA

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$60 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Aud & Di Campground Services Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$60 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Aud & Di Campground Services Official Website

Get Directions

Big Elk

$60.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $60.00 (+$40.00 weekend). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$60.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(208) 270-0150 OR 541-351-1182

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

TARGHEE, Idaho, USA

Big Elk

TARGHEE, Idaho, USA

Nearby places

Idaho Falls (56 miles, approximately 1 hour)

Weather at Big Elk

Current alerts(7)

A $8 fee will be collected for extra vehicles at the campground per day
ATVs/OHVs can be used only to enter and exit the campground
Check-in Time is 2:00pm and Check-out time is 12:00pm
Click here for more information on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Best Time to Camp at Big Elk

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight at Big Elk — warm, sunny days and easy access to Big Elk Creek and nearby Palisades Reservoir make water-based activities and hiking the prime attractions. Daytime highs typically range from about 65–85°F with cool nights around 35–50°F, ideal for swimming, boating, trout fishing, and wildflower viewing on the slopes. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends (especially late June–early August), but midweek visits still feel peaceful. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept; summer highs 65–85°F, prime for hiking, swimming, boating and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to September 6 annually. Closed seasons between September 6 and May 22.

About Big Elk

Big Elk sits in mid-elevation forest within Caribou-Targhee National Forest, about an hour from Idaho Falls and near Palisades Reservoir. Operated by Aud & Di Campground Services, this very small campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and standard amenities. Visitors come for Big Elk Creek access, reservoir boating and fishing, and wildlife viewing on surrounding trails.

Big Elk Campground offers a mix of group and individual camping opportunities. While group sites are available for reservation, individual sites are first-come, first-served. Accommodations range from tent camping to spaces for trailers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight at Big Elk — warm, sunny days and easy access to Big Elk Creek and nearby Palisades Reservoir make water-based activities and hiking the prime attractions. Daytime highs typically range from about 65–85°F with cool nights around 35–50°F, ideal for swimming, boating, trout fishing, and wildflower viewing on the slopes. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends (especially late June–early August), but midweek visits still feel peaceful. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation5700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBig Elk Creek runs through the campground, creating a constant creek soundtrack. The hillside terrain supports aspens, Douglas firs, and sagebrush meadows. Summer wildflowers cover the slopes in purples, yellows, and reds. Palisades Reservoir sits nearby, offering open water for boating and swimming. The vegetation is dense enough that Ben Johnson noted "lots of cover between the sites that manages to deliver privacy even with campsite neighbors so close."

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are mentioned; the campground exclusively offers camping sites.

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 of 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites can accommodate 50-160 people.

Groups

Group sites include A-1 (160 people) and B-1/B-2 (50 people each). They feature picnic tables, campfire rings, grills, and in some cases, a picnic shelter.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed, but group sites and facilities like water spigots and picnic tables are available.

Site SizeGroup sites accommodate up to 160 people (A-1) or 50 people (B-1 and B-2). Individual sites are generally smaller and suitable for single tents or trailers.

PrivacyLots of cover between the sites that manages to deliver privacy even with campsite neighbors so close," according to Ben Johnson. Thick foliage offers visual separation.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and space, group site B-2 is recommended. Avoid single spots if camping with fewer vehicles, as they are sometimes misclassified as group sites with double or triple charges.

Best CampsitesGroup sites B-2 and A-1 get consistent praise in reviews for their size and proximity to water features. Site A-1 accommodates up to 160 people, while B-1 and B-2 hold 50 people each. Clea Conners warns to check campsite designations carefully since "some double or triple sites may incur higher fees.

Need help booking Big Elk?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Big Elk Campground offers a range of amenities suitable for both group and individual campers. Three group sites (A-1, B-1, and B-2) are available. Group A-1 can accommodate up to 160 people and includes picnic tables, campfire rings, grills, a picnic shelter, and serving tables. Sites B-1 and B-2 accommodate up to 50 people each. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground provides vault toilets, potable drinking water, and trash collection services. Firewood is sold on-site by the camp host. Roads and parking spurs are gravel. There is no electricity available at this campground. The natural features include partial shade from aspens and Douglas fir trees, as well as a scenic landscape dotted with sagebrush and summer wildflowers at an elevation of 5700 feet.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground features a diverse range of recreational activities. Visitors can explore the Big Elk Creek Trail, which offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding through a canyon filled with wildflowers and scenic views. Fishing in Big Elk Creek and the Palisades Reservoir is popular, with opportunities to catch cutthroat trout and Kokanee salmon. Canoeing, swimming, and paddleboarding are frequently enjoyed at the reservoir. Wildlife viewing in the area is common, with sightings of birds and other fauna.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes available, particularly useful for food storage in wildlife-heavy areas.

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).

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 collection is provided, but no specific details about recycling facilities are mentioned.

Cell Coverage"There is no cell service," according to a user review from DaLecia Tibbett. However, another reviewer, Nate Stevens, mentioned having Verizon service in the area. Connectivity may vary depending on location within the campground.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

88 reviews

Recommended

Big Elk is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Big Elk Campground are mixed, with praise for its natural beauty, clean facilities, and recreational opportunities tempered by criticisms of some campground hosts and sporadic issues with campsite signage. Many visitors highlight the area's quietude and privacy provided by thick foliage.

Review Summaries

Based on 88 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently appreciate the clean vault toilets, beautiful surroundings, and abundant wildlife. Group sites are noted for their spaciousness and amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables.

Based on 88 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative reviews cite rude behavior from some camp hosts and confusion caused by unclear campsite markings. Noise from other campers, including dogs and generators, is occasionally mentioned.

Based on 88 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group Site B-2 is praised for its proximity to a creek and amenities like water spigots. Site A-1 is described as ideal for large gatherings due to its spacious layout and picnic shelter.

Based on 88 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Plan to arrive early to secure first-come, first-served individual sites. Bring extra cash for firewood. "Be cautious when selecting a campsite, as some double or triple sites may incur higher fees,"...

Based on 88 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months attract most visitors, especially families and groups, who enjoy the area's hiking, swimming, and fishing. However, drought conditions can impact reservoir activities.

Based on 88 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice campground, pretty area... Tons of birds including a multitude of friendly little hummingbirds." - Clea Conners. "The bathrooms were so clean and the campground was quiet." - Annalyn J.

Based on 88 reviews