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 This small campground offers one group site that consists of three smaller sites. If the group site is not reserved, the individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers must walk a few yards from parking area to campsites. Vault toilets area provided. The road to the site and the parking spur within are paved.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.
How to Get 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.
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 (SAWTOOTH NF)
Heading to ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH 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 (SAWTOOTH NF)?
No central reservation system listed for ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH NF). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232042) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH NF)?
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.
How do I contact ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (SAWTOOTH NF)?
You can reach the park at phone: 928-537-8888 or email: camping@rrmofa.com.
References & Official Resources
