1
Total Campsites
Campground
1
Reservable Sites
Check by phone
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Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH NF)
Overview Elk Creek Campground lies just off Highway 21 in a beautiful valley at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountain Range in central Idaho. Recreation 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. Expansive and scenic Elk Meadow is near the campground, providing a great location for bird and wildlife watching. Facilities 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. Expansive and scenic Elk Meadow is near the campground, providing a great location for bird and wildlife watching. Natural Features 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.
- 1 total campsites listed.
- Most common site type: group standard nonelectric (1).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH NF) special
Elk Creek Campground lies in a broad, sun-washed valley at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountain Range, one of the most visually striking alpine landscapes in the American West. Located off Highway 21 within the Sawtooth National Forest, the campground places you squarely in the middle of Idaho's premier outdoor playground, where jagged granite peaks rise abruptly from meadows carpeted in wildflowers and creeks run cold and clear with snowmelt. The sites are spread along Elk Creek in a mix of open and lightly shaded settings, with sagebrush flats giving way to stands of lodgepole pine. Fishing is a major draw here, with nearby streams and alpine lakes holding populations of bull trout, rainbow trout, and mountain whitefish. Hikers and backpackers can access trails leading into the Sawtooth Wilderness, where over three hundred high-mountain lakes await. The historic town of Stanley, a hub for rafting, hot springs, and provisions, is a short drive north. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the campground can fill quickly on summer weekends between late June and Labor Day, so early arrival on Fridays is wise. Nights are cool even in July at this elevation, so pack warm layers. Shoulder season visits in September offer thinner crowds, golden aspens, and some of the best stargazing you will find anywhere in the Lower 48.
Campsite Inventory
1 sites to choose from
GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC
1
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Triple
Check-in time
2:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Driveway entry
Pull-Through
Driveway surface
Gravel
Fire Pit
Yes
Max guests
40
Max vehicle length (ft)
40
Minimum guests
Yes
Picnic Table
Yes
Shade
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
928-537-8888
camping@rrmofa.com
Getting There
From 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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH NF).
How do reservations work for ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH NF)?
Reservation availability for ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH NF) can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH NF)?
ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH NF) currently lists GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC (1).
Where is ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH NF) located?
ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH NF) is in Idaho. Coordinates: 44.2889, -115.0319.
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