Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)

Star4.42
68 reviews
1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, USA

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open May 19 - Octobe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens US Forest Service - Clearwater National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard electric sites cost $20 per night during peak season (May 19 - October 4). Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$20.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-875-1131
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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 68 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietpeacefulclean

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, USA

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)

1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, USA

Driving directionsFrom Moscow, Idaho, travel northeast on State Road 8 to Elk River. Turn north onto Forest Road 382 and then east onto Forest Road 1705. The campground is about 45 minutes from Moscow.
Accessible via paved roads and Forest Roads 382 and 1705; generally accessible year-round barring seasonal closures due to fire risk.
Nearby places
Moscow, ID (45 miles, approx. 45 minutes)
Elk River, ID (<1 mile).
Nearby supplies
Town of Elk River (<1 mile) offers gas, groceries, showers, and fishing equipment
Moscow, ID (45 miles) provides a more comprehensive selection of supplies.

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

Experience the dynamic beauty of Idaho's mountain climate, where temperatures dance between a crisp 30°F and a comfortable 45°F throughout the camping season. Early summer greets visitors with crystalline skies and refreshing mountain air, perfect for those seeking cooler adventures. As late summer arrives, the forest takes on a golden glow, though mindful campers should note this drier period calls for extra fire safety awareness.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May 19–Oct 4): pleasant temps, trails open, good fishing and campsite maintenance noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into early Oct; fall colors and elk possible but season ends early and some off-season reviews minimal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 19; late spring offers cool temps and waterfalls, but early spring access limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Officially closed outside May 19–Oct 4; winter camping not in documented season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 19 - October 4.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 19 - October 4. Camping season may end early due to fire risk.
  • Current Alerts: Season may end early due to fire risk. Check-in on water and garbage facilities before visiting.

About Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)

Discover your perfect basecamp at Elk Creek Campground, where the whisper of wind through towering pines mingles with the gentle murmur of the creek. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, exploring forest trails that wind through centuries-old trees, or simply sitting quietly as elk emerge from the morning mist, this campground delivers an authentic Idaho wilderness experience. Every site comes equipped with electrical hookups for modern comfort, while the nearby town of Elk River (less than a mile away) ensures you're never far from essential supplies and local charm.
Elk Creek Campground offers facilities for tent camping, RV camping, and some overflow rustic camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 night maximum during any 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe Elk Creek Falls Trail is a highlight, taking hikers 3.5 miles to the tallest waterfall in Idaho. Other trails in the area accommodate mountain biking and horseback riding.
FishingThe nearby Elk River Reservoir provides opportunities for fishing, with species such as cutthroat and rainbow trout, chinook salmon, and steelhead reported in the area.
BikingMountain biking is available on forest roads and trails in the vicinity, as noted in authoritative sources.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as elk, deer, moose, bear, and cougar inhabit the surrounding mature pine forest.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent bear activity; dry conditions increase fire risk late summer.
Active AlertsSeason may end early due to fire risk. Check-in on water and garbage facilities before visiting.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)

Reviews

4.4
68 reviews
Recommended
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 68 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...
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Based on 68 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...
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Based on 68 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 68 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...
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Based on 68 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...
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Based on 68 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...
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Based on 68 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews highlight accessibility challenges such as inadequate garbage facilities and mixed conditions of vault toilets.
Based on 68 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific pet-related reviews were provided.
Based on 68 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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