Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth Nf)

Star2.64
18 reviews
SAWTOOTH, STANLEY, ID 83278, USA

Quick Facts

6,522 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025 th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Recreation Resource Management of America 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
Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth Nf)
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group site fee is $75 per night during peak and off-peak seasons. Rates exclude taxes, discounts, or incremental charges.
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$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com
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What Campers Say

2.64

Mixed Reviews

Based on 18 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

dusty

"User reviews for Elk Creek Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment score of 2.4. Common praises include the spacious group site and cleanliness of the restroom facilities. However, criticisms focus on the lack of shade due to a recent burn, heavy road noise, and non-potable water. Several users suggested alternative nearby campgrounds as being more scenic and better shaded."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

SAWTOOTH, STANLEY, ID 83278, USA

Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth Nf)

SAWTOOTH, STANLEY, ID 83278, USA

Driving directionsFrom Stanley, Idaho, take State Highway 21 west approximately 8 miles. Turn north at milepost 123 onto Forest Road 892 and follow the road to the campground.
The road to the site and the parking spur within the campground are paved. Seasonal accessibility depends on weather conditions.
Nearby places
Stanley (~8 miles, ~15 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies are likely available in Stanley, Idaho. Specifics regarding groceries, fuel, or camping gear are not detailed.

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

Experience the full spectrum of mountain weather at Elk Creek, where summer days warm to a comfortable 78°F, perfect for outdoor adventures, while crisp 40°F nights call for cozy campfires and stargazing. Winter transforms this landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with temperatures plunging below freezing and heavy snowfall creating a pristine blanket across the meadows—ideal for those seeking true winter solitude.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open May 23–Sep 17; warm days (~78°F) and peak season hiking but heavier traffic and noise.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.5 / 5

Open into mid‑September; short quieter period but limited services after peak season.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Mostly closed before May 23; limited spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May 23–Sep 17; winter not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 to September 17 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025 through September 17, 2026 for reservations; out-of-season dates are not bookable.
  • Current Alerts: Frequent mentions of non-potable water and road construction near the site.

About Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth Nf)

Tucked away in the breathtaking Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Elk Creek Campground offers an intimate group camping experience where meadows stretch endlessly beneath towering lodgepole pines. This hidden gem invites nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in pristine wilderness, whether you're scanning the skies for mountain bluebirds, exploring winding trails on foot or bike, or simply listening to the gentle murmur of nearby Elk Creek.
Elk Creek Campground is primarily designed for group camping. If the group site is not reserved, individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in time is unspecified
  • likely according to Recreation.gov standard rules.
Check-out
  • Check-out time is unspecified
  • likely according to Recreation.gov standard rules.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 10 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Elk Meadow nearby is highlighted as a great spot for bird and wildlife watching.
HikingThe area features extensive hiking opportunities, with an estimated 750 miles of trails. The Idaho Centennial Trail passes nearby.
FishingNumerous lakes and streams in the area, including the Salmon River, offer fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch rainbow and native Westslope cutthroat trout.
BikingThe campground is located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which offers excellent biking opportunities.
BoatingNearby attractions like Stanley and Redfish Lakes provide opportunities for boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
Wildlife viewingThe nearby Elk Meadow is noted for bird and wildlife watching. The campground is also surrounded by natural features that support wildlife.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews and authoritative sources cite burnt trees reducing shade and privacy, construction dust/noise, and rusty water from the pump (non-potable). Wildlife precautions, such as bear-proof dumpsters, are suggested.
Active AlertsFrequent mentions of non-potable water and road construction near the site.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof dumpster available onsite, per user reviews indicating wildlife safety measures.

Weather at Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth Nf)

Reviews

2.6
18 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth Nf) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Elk Creek Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment score of 2.4. Common praises include the spacious group site and cleanliness of the restroom facilities. However, criticisms focus on the lack of shade due to a recent burn, heavy road noise, and non-potable water. Several users suggested alternative nearby campgrounds as being more scenic and better shaded.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects highlighted by users include clean vault toilets, ample space for group camping, and the picturesque Elk Creek nearby. 'The restroom was pristine,' noted one reviewer. Another...
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Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback centers on the lack of shade and vegetation due to fire damage, dusty conditions caused by nearby construction, and heavy road noise. One user remarked, 'No shade due to trees being...
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Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own shade structures and potable water. Consider reserving the entire group site to reduce disturbances from day-use visitors. One user suggested bringing cones to discourage non-campers...
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Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer peak season, with temperatures averaging highs of 78°F and lows of 40°F. Weekends see increased road noise due to higher traffic. Off-season use is...
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Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This site is located in an area which has been recently burned, so there are very few living trees left in the area.' 2. 'The rangers kept the bathroom meticulously clean and there is a...
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Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 1 in the group area is frequently reviewed. While some users praised its spaciousness and proximity to Elk Creek, others criticized the lack of shade and the condition of the water pump.
Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features were not explicitly reviewed by users, but the need to walk a short distance from the parking area to campsites may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pets or pet-friendly features.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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