Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth Nf) sits among the stunning landscapes of Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho . With 50 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Jul-aug when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of Sawtooth National Forest
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth Nf) located in Idaho, offering 50 camping sites.
Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth Nf)
A Rural campground in Idaho
Overview
Expansive and Scenic Elk Meadow Is Near the Campground, Providing a Great Location for Bird and Wildlife Watching.
Expansive and Scenic Elk Meadow Is Near the Campground, Providing a Great Location for Bird and Wildlife Watching. Elk Creek Campground Lies Just Off Highway 21 in a Beautiful Valley at the Foot of the Sawtooth Mountain Range in Central Idaho. Elk Creek Is Situated in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. a Myriad of Excellent Hiking and Biking Opportunities Are Available, with an Estimated 750 Miles of Trails Crisscrossing the Valley and Surrounding Mountains, Including the Idaho Centennial Trail, Which Passes Nearby. This Small Campground Offers One Group Site That Consists of Three Smaller Sites. If the Group Site Is Not Reserved, the Individual Sites Are Available on a First-Come, First-Served Basis. Campers Must Walk a Few Yards From Parking Area to Campsites.
Vault Toilets Area Provided. the Road to the Site and the Parking Spur Within Are Paved. Summer Wildflowers Are Plentiful and Lodgepole Pines Provide Partial Shade. Elk Creek Is Nearby. Temperatures Are Cool, with an Average Summer High of 78 Degrees and a Low of 40 Degrees.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous Sparkling Lakes and Streams, Including the Salmon River, Dot the Area, Making for Great Rainbow and Native Westslope Cutthroat Trout Fishing. Stanley and Redfish Lakes Are Nearby with Great Boating, Water Skiing, Canoeing, Kayaking and Even More Fishing.Popular Area Events Include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair and Fireman’S Ball in September.Managed by: Usda Forest Service
Site Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 50
- Hookup Types: Electric
- Max RV Length: 35 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: No
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: No
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: No
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address:
City: , Idaho
Coordinates: 44.2888889, -115.0319444
Area Type: Rural
Phone:
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Fishing|hiking|biking|water|lake|river|trail|group-site|rv
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: No
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: $25-35
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS
Signal Quality: Fair
Total Stations: 6 stations
Nearest Market: BOISE/TWIN FALLS
Notes: Signals FROM BOISE/TWIN FALLS MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 15 stations (5 AM, 10 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Fair
Major Formats: Country, Classic ROCK, NEWS/TALK
Local News: KIDO 580 Am
Market: BOISE
Notes: 5 AM, 10 FM Stations from Boise
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ Sun Valley Resort – Tesla Destination
Distance: 53.1 miles away
Address: 1 Sun Valley Rd, Sun Valley, ID
Network: tesla-destination
Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • Tesla-J1772
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 232042
- Managing Agency: Usda Forest Service
- Agency Email:
- Agency Website:
- Parent Park: Sawtooth National Forest
- Park Website: /parks/sawtooth-national-forest/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: National Forests
- Parks Post Name: sawtooth-national-forest
- Parent Park Name: Sawtooth National Forest
- Correct Park Type Mapping: sawtooth-national-forest
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 56.0
- States Covered: Idaho, Utah
- Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 131.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 1027
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1027, 1027.0
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: idaho
- Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
- Park Type Slug: national-forests
- Parent Park Slug: sawtooth-national-forest
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
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View all campgrounds in Idaho | Browse our Idaho camping guide
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