How much does camping cost at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)?

Camping fees at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) are $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) 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 Campground (Clearwater Nf) before I book?

Yes! Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) has 1 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 Campground (Clearwater Nf)?

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) is open May 18 to October 02. 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 Campground (Clearwater Nf)?

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) have?

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) has 13 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 Campground (Clearwater Nf)?

Pets are not allowed at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)?

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)?

Popular activities at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)

4.38

85 reviews

1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, USA

B-Report Card

Tent Camping

Featured in:Primitive Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open May 19 - Octobe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on US Forest Service - Clearwater National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open May 19 - Octobe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on US Forest Service - Clearwater National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

AREA ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND-STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-875-1131

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, USA

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)

1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, USA

Nearby places

Moscow, ID (45 miles, approx. 45 minutes)

Elk River, ID (<1 mile).

Weather at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)

Best Time to Camp at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliably warm, dry weather and full access to trails and river recreation — expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Waterfalls (including nearby Elk Creek Falls) are spectacular from late spring into early summer, trails are fully snow-free for hiking and biking, and fishing on the Elk River is at its peak. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and summer weekends, but the campground's electrical sites Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season is summer: trails and river access are fully available and weather is favorable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 18 to October 02. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 19 - October 4. Camping season may end early due to fire risk.

About Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)

Elk Creek Campground sits in the Clearwater National Forest foothills near Elk River, Idaho, operated by the US Forest Service. This small, budget-friendly campground offers tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups, and primitive options, with vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Campers use it as a base for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with nearby Elk Creek Falls a popular draw during late spring and early summer.

Elk Creek Campground offers facilities for tent camping, RV camping, and some overflow rustic camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliably warm, dry weather and full access to trails and river recreation — expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Waterfalls (including nearby Elk Creek Falls) are spectacular from late spring into early summer, trails are fully snow-free for hiking and biking, and fishing on the Elk River is at its peak. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and summer weekends, but the campground's electrical sites Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMature pine forest covers the campground at 3,000 feet elevation, with Elk Creek running through the area. The region holds two notable natural features: Elk Creek Falls, Idaho's tallest waterfall, and the largest cedar tree east of the Cascade Range. Wildlife sightings include elk, deer, moose, and occasional bears or cougars. The forest canopy provides substantial shade and privacy between sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges available within Elk Creek Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural and educational programs are not specifically mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 night maximum during any 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are provided. The campground is described as rustic and secluded, though not all sites may be equally accessible.

Site SizeSites are described as large and accommodating, with reports of spaces suitable for RVs up to 40 feet, as noted by the authoritative source.

PrivacyThe campground provides privacy due to tree coverage, as noted by Matt C. in September 2022: "Tucked into the trees and pretty private.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites tucked into the trees for privacy; bathrooms near campsites 010 and 011 are reported cleaner.

Best CampsitesSites 010 and 013 receive high marks from reviewers for privacy and trail proximity. The overflow section provides additional space when the main sites fill.

Need help booking Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)?

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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

Elk Creek Campground provides essential amenities for campers, with some mixed reviews regarding their condition and availability. The campground has electric hookups at each site, vault toilets, and potable water accessible via pumps. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. "Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided," according to the authoritative content. However, user reviews highlight certain inconsistencies: "Best vault toilets I’ve ever seen," mentioned by Kristen W. in June 2023, whereas John M. in August 2020 reported poor cleaning of bathrooms and inadequate toilet paper stocking. There are no flush toilets, Wi-Fi, or dump stations at the campground.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)

Elk Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Elk Creek Falls Trail and Elk River Reservoir are notable attractions.

Hiking4.0/5

Elk Creek Falls Trail (3.5 mi) leads to Idaho's tallest waterfall — a clear hiking highlight.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent sightings of elk, deer, moose; mature pine habitat supports wildlife watching.

Biking3.0/5

Mountain biking available on forest roads and nearby trails; not a primary MTB destination.

Water Sports2.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, quiet site with limited cell service and low light — good for night skies.

Photography4.0/5Waterfall, big cedar and forested sites offer strong photo subjects and compositions.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are unavailable; the campground provides vault toilet facilities which have varied reviews on maintenance and cleanliness.

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

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

4.4

85 reviews

Recommended

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews for Elk Creek Campground are mixed, with some praising its cleanliness, quietness, and scenic views, while others note issues with amenities such as water availability and the absence of camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 85 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users highlight the peaceful environment, proximity to scenic attractions like Elk River Falls, and well-maintained campsites. "Very nice quiet campground," "cleanest dump toilets I have ever...

Based on 85 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include inconsistent water availability, lack of trash facilities, poor maintenance of vault toilets, and absence of cell service. "No camp host," "no garbage cans," and "bathrooms were so...

Based on 85 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 013: User Jack C. noted electrical issues at this site in July 2021; Site 011: Several positive experiences reported for privacy and cleanliness; Site 010: Described as quiet and well-maintained...

Based on 85 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pack enough water and toilet paper; garbage must be packed out; visit the nearby town for huckleberry ice cream and supplies; prepare for no cell service.

Based on 85 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak season, reviews mention well-stocked vault toilets and clean campsites, although late summer fire danger may affect usability. Off-season reviews (e.g., October) sometimes report minimal...

Based on 85 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The water from the spigots was cold and the best I have ever tasted" - Jack C., July 2021; "We liked that our campsite was tucked into the trees" - Matt C., September 2022; "Best little campground...

Based on 85 reviews