About ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (CLEARWATER NF)
Overview Elk Creek Campground offers visitors a little bit of everything. From scenic views and vistas, to attractive waterfalls and ancient foliage, the campground provides a great place to stay in the mountains of north central Idaho. Recreational opportunities abound in the area and a variety of services are located nearby.Recreation Elk Creek and nearby Elk River Reservoir provide visitors with opportunities for fishing and other water-related recreation. Cutthroat and rainbow trout, chinook salmon and steelhead swim in the clear waters. Fishing or hunting are popular activities in the rugged and primitive landscape. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are available on the area's many trails and forest roads. The Elk Creek Falls Trail takes hikers 3.5 miles to the tallest waterfall in the state.Facilities The campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping, most of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservation needed). A total of 6 sites are available for advanced reservation up to four days before arrival date, at which point unreserved sites will also become first-come first-served. Electrical hookups are available at all sites including the six campsites available for advanced reservations. Parking and driving surfaces are gravel throughout the campground. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A more rustic overflow section offers additional campsites. Natural Features The campground is situated in a mature pine forest in the Clearwater National Forest, next to Elk Creek, at an elevation of about 3,000 feet. The surrounding area is home to the tallest waterfall in Idaho, as well as the largest cedar tree east of the Cascade Range. Elk, deer, moose, bear and cougar make the forested country their home. Nearby Attractions The town of Elk River is less than a mile from the campground and offers a variety of basic services, includi
How to Get There
From 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (CLEARWATER NF)
Heading to ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (CLEARWATER NF)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (CLEARWATER NF)?
No central reservation system listed for ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (CLEARWATER NF). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234505) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (CLEARWATER NF)?
From 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.
How do I contact ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (CLEARWATER NF)?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-875-1131.
References & Official Resources
