Is Elk Summit Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk Summit Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Elk Summit Campground?

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

How many campsites does Elk Summit Campground have?

Elk Summit Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Elk Summit Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Elk Summit Campground?

Elk Summit Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elk Summit Campground?

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

Elk Summit Campground

5 reviews

Top 25% in IDFall

Featured in:Forest Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

5,837 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,837 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Elk Summit Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Elk Summit Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Elk Summit Campground

46.3285, -114.6445

Weather at Elk Summit Campground

Best Time to Camp at Elk Summit Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest weather, the most dramatic mountain colors, and the fewest bugs — making it the best time for long day-hikes, horseback outings, and photography. Expect crisp daytime highs roughly 45–60°F and chilly nights often dipping near or below freezing (20s–30s°F) by October; trails are generally dry and views are excellent. Crowds are low to moderate compared with summer, and trail and stock facilities are typically still accessible before the winter snows. Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Top 25% in ID

Fall cited as best season: clear weather, dramatic colors and fewer bugs.

Planning Tips

About Elk Summit Campground

Elk Summit Campground sits at mid-elevation in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, serving as a base camp for the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and Hoodoo Lake. This small Forest Service site attracts hikers, anglers, and wildlife watchers drawn to pristine alpine terrain. Fall brings peak conditions with vibrant foliage, dry trails, and fewer visitors.

Elk Summit Campground provides 15 individual campsites and stock facilities, making it suitable for campers with horses or other pack animals. Its remote location offers a wilderness experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest weather, the most dramatic mountain colors, and the fewest bugs — making it the best time for long day-hikes, horseback outings, and photography. Expect crisp daytime highs roughly 45–60°F and chilly nights often dipping near or below freezing (20s–30s°F) by October; trails are generally dry and views are excellent. Crowds are low to moderate compared with summer, and trail and stock facilities are typically still accessible before the winter snows. Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5837 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground borders the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, with mountain views and access to alpine terrain. Hoodoo Lake sits close enough for day trips. At nearly 6,000 feet, the setting is high-country forest and meadow. Expect wildflowers in summer and changing leaves in fall, though insects can be severe during warmer months.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of hotel-style lodging or accommodations within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are referenced.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No group site details are included.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityNo explicit information about accessibility features at Elk Summit Campground.

Site SizeThe campground features 15 campsites, but the exact sizes of these sites are not detailed.

PrivacyNo information about site privacy, such as seclusion or clustering, is provided.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Amenities available

Elk Summit Campground is a well-situated site located near the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, offering stunning natural beauty and access to remote alpine lakes and peaks. The campground features 15 individual campsites and stock facilities. Hoodoo Lake is a short stroll away, adding convenience for campers looking to explore nearby water features. Despite its remote charm, this campground is categorized as less visited, making it a great option for those seeking solitude.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Elk Summit Campground

Elk Summit Campground offers access to natural beauty and proximity to Hoodoo Lake. The surrounding Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness provides opportunities for wilderness exploration, making it an appealing spot for nature enthusiasts.

Hiking4.0/5

Borders Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness with alpine terrain and day-trip access to Hoodoo Lake.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Described as attracting wildlife watchers; wilderness border implies good viewing opportunities.

Fishing3.0/5

Hoodoo Lake is nearby suggesting fishing access, but no explicit fishery details provided.

Winter Activities2.0/5

No winter-use info; elevation suggests snow but no groomed facilities or trails described.

Water Sports1.5/5

No kayaking details; lake proximity unclear for non-motorized boating access.

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Remote, less-visited site and high elevation imply likely good dark skies for stargazing.

Photography4.0/5Fall colors, alpine vistas and wildflowers highlighted as peak photographic opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsNo details about flush toilet facilities are available.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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 Elk Summit Campground

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

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Elk Summit Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Elk Summit Campground is rated as less visited, with an average sentiment of 3.5 for general use but a notably low 2.0 for campground-specific sentiment. This suggests mixed experiences, possibly influenced by its remote location and accessibility challenges.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

The proximity to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and Hoodoo Lake, as well as the opportunity to explore pristine alpine settings, are standout features.

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

A user review highlights significant issues with insects: 'As soon as I got out of my car in late July I was swarmed by black flies and mosquitos in the early afternoon and they never let up.'...

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellents, especially in the summer months, as one reviewer noted facing severe insect issues. Additionally, vehicles with good clearance are recommended due to challenging road...

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Late summer appears to be a challenging time due to high insect activity. Navigating the rough roads may be more difficult during or after rain.

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The lake is very pretty and it’s remote but even covering myself with tea tree oil didn’t help.' 'The 24-mile drive there off the main road is all unpaved. The first half is slower moving but okay.'

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility for disabilities are included.

Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not explicitly address pet policies or experiences with pets.

Based on 5 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.

Elk Summit Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

Go if

You want a quiet staging point for wilderness day-hikes and fishing trips with excellent fall color.

Skip if

You need developed amenities or prefer summer camping over crisp autumn temperatures.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.7

(15)

White Sands Campground

Clearwater National Forest

White Sands Campground sits along the Lochsa River in Montana's foothills, operated by the Forest Service. Spring brings dramatic high water that draws kayakers and rafters, while the riverside setting offers eagle watching, a kids' fishing pond, and access to nearby trails. Large sites with metal fire rings and vault toilets serve tent campers, RV users, and groups seeking a quiet base away from highway noise.

Elk Summit Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Elk Summit Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Elk Summit Campground

Best Time to Camp at Elk Summit Campground

Planning Tips

About Elk Summit Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Elk Summit Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Elk Summit Campground

Best Time to Camp at Elk Summit Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Elk Summit Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns