How much does camping cost at Devils Elbow?

Camping fees at Devils Elbow range from $26-$102/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Devils Elbow first-come first-served or reservation?

Devils Elbow 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 Devils Elbow before I book?

Yes! Devils Elbow has 23 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 Devils Elbow?

Devils Elbow is open May 22 to September 29. 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 Devils Elbow?

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

Can I have a campfire at Devils Elbow?

Fire policies at Devils Elbow: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests 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.

How many campsites does Devils Elbow have?

Devils Elbow has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Devils Elbow?

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

What amenities are available at Devils Elbow?

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

What activities can I do at Devils Elbow?

Popular activities at Devils Elbow include Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Devils Elbow

4.54

97 reviews

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FOREST

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho Swimming Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$26 - $102/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$26 - $102/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Devils Elbow

$26.00 - $102.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $102.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Group Site Fee$102.00

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

435-245-6521info@sceniccanyons.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Devils Elbow

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FOREST

Devils Elbow

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FOREST

Weather at Devils Elbow

Current alerts(6)

Bears frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
Click here for more information on Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Extra Vehicles: One vehicle is included in your single campsite fee. Each additional vehicle will be charged a per day fee. If that fee is not paid with your reservation, it will be collected on site (cash or check only). Maximum two vehicles per site.
SCRS & Recreation.gov policy states we will keep your reserved site until check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. If you haven't occupied it at any time during this period, your reservation is null and void and will be given to first come first serve campers.

Best Time to Camp at Devils Elbow

Best season: summer. Summer brings the warm, stable weather that makes riverside activities shine — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. Water recreation is at its peak: swimming, kayaking, rafting and trout fishing are most enjoyable once snowmelt settles into steady flows, and the campground’s 20 sites fill but rarely feel crowded. Be aware of summer wildfire season and possible campfire or vehicle restrictions; early- to mid-summer offers higher flows for rafting, while Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season: fishing, swimming, rafting and warm daytime temps make it the best season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from May 22 through September 28, with reservations beginning June 25. Closed season begins September 28.

About Devils Elbow

Devils Elbow sits along a river corridor in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests foothills, operated by Scenic Canyons Recreational Services. The small campground draws anglers and swimmers to its riverside sites during summer months, when warm days and cool nights create ideal conditions for water recreation. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness and friendly hosts, though group site activity and generator noise can disrupt the quieter tent camping experience.

Devil's Elbow Campground caters to a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group lodging. There are 20 individual sites and one group site available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer brings the warm, stable weather that makes riverside activities shine — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. Water recreation is at its peak: swimming, kayaking, rafting and trout fishing are most enjoyable once snowmelt settles into steady flows, and the campground’s 20 sites fill but rarely feel crowded. Be aware of summer wildfire season and possible campfire or vehicle restrictions; early- to mid-summer offers higher flows for rafting, while Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe North Fork Coeur d'Alene River carved this valley over thousands of years, and today its waters define the campground. Lodgepole pine and mixed conifers create a dense canopy overhead, filtering sunlight onto the forest floor. At 2,600 feet, the elevation keeps summers moderate and supports a steady parade of wildlife. Moose browse the riverbank at dawn. Mule deer move through camp at dusk. Osprey dive for trout in the current. Downey and Valitons creeks run nearby, cutting trails through the surrounding forest. Hummingbirds work the wildflowers when summer peaks.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations available at the campground. Campers rely on their RVs, tents, and the group site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group site accommodates up to 50 people
individual sites likely allow fewer.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 50 people. One reviewer mentioned, "The group site was nice but be sure to bring items to level your RV due to the slope for drainage." (Review by Patricia H, 7/15/2023).

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 on Recreation.gov or by contacting Scenic Canyons Recreational Services.

AccessibilityCampground roads are paved, and parking spurs are designed to accommodate two vehicles alongside a trailer. However, there is no mention of ADA-compliant facilities.

Site SizeParking spurs accommodate two vehicles and a trailer. The group site can host up to 50 people.

PrivacyPrivacy across the sites varies. Some reviewers mentioned that campsites are large and provide decent privacy (e.g., "Very clean with large spaces that aren’t on top of each other" - Review by Celia O, 10/2/2022). Others found the sites to be closer together (e.g., "Spaces pretty close together" - Review by Susan S, 8/19/2023).

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites near the river for serene views and water access. Tent campers are suggested to use site 10 for its flatness and shade.

Best CampsitesSite 10 gets mentioned for tent campers: flat ground and close to the river. The group site handles up to 50 people but sits on sloped terrain, so bring leveling blocks if you're pulling an RV. Reviewers note that site size and privacy vary across the loops, with some offering generous spacing and others feeling closer together.

Need help booking Devils Elbow?

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

Devil's Elbow Campground offers a range of basic amenities aimed at ensuring a comfortable camping experience while preserving the natural setting. "Amenities include hand-pump drinking water and vault toilets," as stated in the authoritative materials. Campground roads are paved and the parking spurs are wide enough to accommodate two vehicles alongside a trailer. Each campsite includes picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Trash collection is also provided on-site. However, modern facilities like electricity hookups, sewer hookups, and showers are not available.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Devil's Elbow offers activities centered around enjoying the river and natural landscape, such as fishing, rafting, kayaking, and hiking in the surrounding area. Wildlife observation is also a key draw, as visitors can spot mule deer, moose, osprey, and calliope hummingbirds.

Fishing

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 not provided. Instead, vault toilets are available throughout the campground.

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.

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 Devils Elbow

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.5

97 reviews

Top-Rated

Devils Elbow is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Devil's Elbow Campground is consistently praised for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and friendly camp hosts. However, some visitors noted issues such as overcrowding, noisy neighbors, and occasional maintenance lapses.

Review Summaries

Based on 97 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, the friendliness of hosts, and the serene environment. For example, "Very clean campground and restrooms. Hosts were delightful." (Review by Robert E,...

Based on 97 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noisy neighbors, overcrowding, and maintenance issues like running out of toilet paper in the restrooms. One reviewer noted, "Spaces pretty close together. A large...

Based on 97 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 012 received mixed reviews. One camper stated, "Restroom ran out of toilet paper first thing in the morning." (Review by Bonnie O, 7/12/2022). Another camper noted, "Campground great,...

Based on 97 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own leveling equipment for RVs at the group site. Be prepared for limited privacy and no cell service. Firewood availability is not mentioned, so plan accordingly.

Based on 97 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are peak season with activities like fishing and swimming highly enjoyed. Complaints about overcrowding and noisy neighbors were more common in these months. Fall offers a quieter...

Based on 97 reviews

Camper Quotes

"In warmer weather floating the river would be a fun activity." (Review by John H, 9/24/2021). "Bathrooms were well stocked and clean." (Review by Clint H, 8/14/2023). "Hosts were friendly and...

Based on 97 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressed accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 97 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressed pet policies or experiences of campers with pets.

Based on 97 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want a clean, host-managed riverside camp with swimming and trout fishing in the Idaho Panhandle foothills.

Skip if

You need solitude away from group campers or want to avoid generator noise in a small campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FOREST

Berlin Flats sits in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests foothills along Shoshone Creek, operated by Scenic Canyons Recreational Services. This small campground offers spacious, shaded sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers fish the creek and enjoy well-maintained facilities, though direct river access is limited.