Big Elk

Star4.40
88 reviews
TARGHEE, Idaho, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$40 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Aud & Di Campground Services site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Big Elk
$40.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group sites cost $60 per night, with an additional $40 per night for weekends. No additional discounts or taxes were explicitly mentioned.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(208) 270-0150 OR 541-351-1182
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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 88 reviews

80 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

"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."

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Campground Map

TARGHEE, Idaho, USA

Big Elk

TARGHEE, Idaho, USA

Driving directionsFrom Idaho Falls, Idaho, travel approximately 56 miles on Highway 26 to Palisades Dam. Once at the dam, continue 6 miles east on Highway 26, then turn left onto Forest Road 262 (Big Elk Creek Road) and travel 2 miles to the campground.
Roads and parking spurs are gravel. Travel includes Highway 26 and a narrow dirt road with a steep drop off on the south side, requiring caution. Seasonal variations may not be explicitly noted.
Nearby places
Idaho Falls (56 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
A gas station located nearby. Idaho Falls, 56 miles away, provides broader supply options.

Best Time to Camp at Big Elk

From May through September, Big Elk Campground basks in the perfect mountain climate—warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and boating give way to cool, star-filled nights around the campfire. The dry mountain air and moderate breezes keep conditions comfortable even during summer's peak, while the elevation ensures refreshing temperatures when the valleys below swelter. As autumn approaches, the aspens burst into golden flames, and winter occasionally dusts the landscape with snow, transforming this summer playground into a quiet wonderland.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 23–Sep 6; summer offers ideal weather, swimming, boating, hiking and high review praise.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes Sept 6; fall season largely unavailable.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens May 23; most spring months are closed to visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed between Sep 6 and May 22; winter not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - September 6. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 to September 6 annually. Closed seasons between September 6 and May 22.
  • Current Alerts: No active warnings or alerts explicitly mentioned.

About Big Elk

Nestled in the shadow of towering Douglas firs and shimmering aspens, Big Elk Campground beckons adventurers to discover its creekside paradise at 5,700 feet. Here, where Big Elk Creek tumbles through the landscape, campers find themselves perfectly positioned between mountain serenity and the sparkling waters of nearby Palisades Reservoir. Whether you're casting a line into the creek's rushing waters, launching your boat for a day on the reservoir, or setting off on scenic hiking trails, this mountain retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your outdoor adventures.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

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.
HikingBig Elk Creek Trail begins at the campground and is suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail offers scenic views and passes through areas filled with wildflowers and towering trees.
FishingFishing is a major activity, with cutthroat trout and Kokanee salmon being the main catches in Big Elk Creek. Palisades Reservoir also offers fishing for brown and Mackinaw trout.
SwimmingSwimming is available at the Palisades Reservoir. However, water levels may affect accessibility, as noted by Renee Crum who stated the lake was only 40% full during her visit.
BikingBiking is allowed on Big Elk Creek Trail, providing a scenic and adventurous experience.
BoatingBoating is supported with a small ramp on-site for launching small fishing boats and canoes. Note that low water levels may restrict launching access in the reservoir.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is frequently highlighted in reviews. Birds, including hummingbirds, are commonly seen.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe dirt road leading to the campground has a steep drop-off on the south side, requiring caution. Wildlife advisories are in effect.
Active AlertsNo active warnings or alerts explicitly mentioned.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes available, particularly useful for food storage in wildlife-heavy areas.

Weather at Big Elk

Reviews

4.4
88 reviews
Recommended
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

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,"...
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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

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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not explicitly mentioned in reviews, though group sites feature amenities like picnic tables and nearby water spigots.
Based on 88 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific mentions of pet policies or experiences with pets are in the reviews.
Based on 88 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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