Big Elk Campground
Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho
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As of September 2026, Big Elk Campground is a campground in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho with 3 campsites. Big Elk Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Big Elk Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Big Elk Campground is located at 43.3225° N, 111.1161° W.
- people allowed on 2 of 3 sites
- 50
- people allowed on the largest site
- 160
Big Elk Campground reservations and next available dates
September 2026
Campsites at Big Elk Campground
- Group 3
What an RV fits
- 50 ft3 sites
Amenities
- restrooms
- potable water
At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Gravel road.
Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking, wildlife, photography, offroad, horse riding.
All sites at Big Elk Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
| Site | Loop | Type | Sleeps | Max RV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | A | Group | 160 | 50 ft |
| B-1 | B | Group | 50 | 50 ft |
| B-2 | B | Group | 50 | 50 ft |
About Big Elk Campground
Overview
Big Elk Campground is situated along Big Elk Creek on a quiet arm of the beautiful Palisades Reservoir, just 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the scenic Big Elk Creek Trail.
Recreation
Big Elk Creek has great fishing for cutthroat trout and the occasional Kokanee salmon. Canoeing and swimming are popular activities on the reservoir. A small boat ramp is located on-site. When the reservoir level is low, boats cannot be launched on Big Elk Creek.
Big Elk Creek Trail, for hiking, biking and horseback riding, begins at the campground and meanders up a beautiful canyon brimming with wildflowers, towering trees and scenic views.
Palisades Reservoir is across the highway, offering excellent boating, water skiing, swimming and canoeing. Lake and shore fishing are very popular there as well, with wild and stocked cutthroat trout as the predominate species. Kokanee salmon, brown and Mackinaw trout can also be found. A boat ramp is located at Calamity Campground less than 10 miles away.
Facilities
This campground offers three group sites with picnic tables, campfire rings and grills. Site A-1 also has a picnic shelter and serving tables, and can accommodate up to 160 people. Sites B-1 and B-2 can accommodate up to 50 people each. Individual sites are available on a first come, first served basis only.
Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided, but there is no electricity. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.
Natural Features
The campgrounds lies on a hillside at an elevation of 5,700 feet, above Big Elk Creek among aspens and Douglas fir trees, which provide partial shade. Sagebrush and summer wildflowers dot the landscape.
Nearby Attractions
The Palisades Creek Trail begins nearby, leading hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to beautiful Upper Palisades Lake and expansive views of Swan Valley.
The Snake River and Swan Valley offer more great fishing and boating opportunities, as well as rafting, canoeing and numerous trails for hiking, biking, horseback and ATV riding. Fall Creek Falls is 20 miles away, and the Fall Creek area has hundreds of miles of such trails.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 351-1182.
Rules and notices at Big Elk Campground
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Big Elk Campground on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
Wildlife Caution
Idaho OHV Safety Message
It is recommended that only small fishing boats and canoes/kayaks be launched at Big Elk Creek; there is no access to Palisades Reservoir from this location
A $8 fee will be collected for extra vehicles at the campground per day
ATVs/OHVs can be used only to enter and exit the campground
Click here for more information on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Check-in Time is 2:00pm and Check-out time is 12:00pm
Big Elk Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Big Elk Campground?
Big Elk Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at Big Elk Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Big Elk Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Big Elk Campground have?
Big Elk Campground has 3 campsites.
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