State: Idaho
Open: Seasonal
Number of Sites: 3
Elevation: 5900
Reservations: Yes - Check Recreation.gov for information
About: Elk Creek Campground is composed of 3 campsites, located in a lodgepole pine understory, which can be reserved as a single group area for up to 40 people. Elk Meadows is a fantastic place for bird watching, and for catching moose and elk at their breakfasts. There is fly fishing for trout in Valley Creek. The campground has a general parking area from which visitors must walk to the sites.
Elk Creek Campground is located at an elevation of 6,540 feet in a beautiful alpine valley beneath the Sawtooth Mountain Range in central Idaho, conveniently close to Stanley only 8 miles away. Summer wildflowers are plentiful, lodgepole pines provide partial shade, and Elk Creek is nearby. Temperatures are cool, with an average summer high of 78 degrees F, and a low of 40 degrees F.
Vault toilets are provided at this small campground with only three sites that may be reserved as a group site that can accommodate up to 40 people. Three picnic tables and three fire rings with grills are provided. Road and parking spur are paved; campers must walk a few yards from parking area to camping area. Firewood can be purchased onsite. If sites are not reserved, they are available on a first come, first served basis.
This site is within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which offers a myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities; an estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains. The Idaho Centennial Trail passes nearby. Adjacent Elk Meadow is great for bird and wildlife watching. Numerous sparkling lakes and streams, including the Salmon River, dot the area, making for great rainbow and native Westslope cutthroat trout fishing. Stanley Lake and Redfish Lake are nearby with great boating, waterskiing, canoeing/kayaking, and even more fishing. Popular area events include an Arts & Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair, and Firemen’s Ball in September.
Fees: See Forest Service website
Water: Drinking Water
Restrooms: Vault Toilet
Directions: From Stanley, go 8 miles northwest on ID 21