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Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF) in Idaho
Hard to BookNational Forest

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF)

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Idaho

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As of September 2026, Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF) is a campground in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Idaho with 6 campsites. Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF) is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF) for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF) is located at 46.7919ยฐ N, 116.1731ยฐ W.
people allowed on each site
8

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF) reservations and next available dates

September 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF)

  • Standard 6

What an RV fits

  • 40 ft6 sites

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • showers
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain ยท Access: Gravel road.

Things to do: fishing, swimming, hiking, wildlife, photography, horse riding.

All sites at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF), as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the AREA ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND loop.

SiteTypeSleepsMax RV
008Standard840 ft
009Standard840 ft
010Standard840 ft
011Standard840 ft
012Standard840 ft
013Standard840 ft

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, including gas, groceries, showers and fishing equipment.

Rules and notices at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF)

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF) on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

There are multiple Elk Creek Campgrounds; this is in Clearwater County, Idaho.

Extra Vehicles: One vehicle is included in your single campsite fee. Each additional vehicle will be charged a per day fee that is collected on site (cash or check only). Maximum two vehicles per site.

Stay Limit: The 14 day stay limit is strictly enforced. Camping for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive day period is prohibited. If you have booked back-to-back reservations, you will be asked to cancel all days after the first 14.

Occupancy and Use: Each site allows (1) camper/RV, (1) vehicle (not including RV pulling vehicle), (1) tent and maximum (8) people per campsite.

Maximum Camper/RV size: The campground sites are designed to accommodate units up to 40 feet long.

Click here for more information on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Due to dry weather conditions in late summer, camping season may end early to prevent forest fires.

Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers.

This campground has first-come, first-serve sites.

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF) FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF)?

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF) 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 Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF)?

Cancellations happen frequently at Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF), 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 Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF) have?

Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater NF) has 6 campsites.

More campgrounds in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest

Same forest, same drive. Set an alert on any of them alongside this one.

All 21 Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest campgrounds

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