Can you reserve a site at Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF)?

Yes, Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF) is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF)?

40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are campfires allowed at Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF)?

Campfires are allowed at Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF), Idaho — 1 site, fees and cancellation alerts

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.

The facts

1 bookable site
Vehicles up to 40 ft
Up to 40 people per site
Loops: ELK

Site types

1 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Shade

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills, pets allowed.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF)

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
1	ELK	Group Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	40 ft	40

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.

44.28889, -115.03194 · 44°17'20.0"N 115°1'55.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 80°F in Jul, down to 25°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	26	33	43	50	60	69	80	79	70	56	38	25
Low °F	-3	-1	9	18	26	31	34	32	25	19	10	-2
Precip in	1.8	1.4	2.0	1.7	1.7	1.5	0.6	0.6	1.0	1.6	2.0	2.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF)

Can you reserve a site at Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF)?: Yes, Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF) have?: 1 site.
What is the maximum RV length at Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF)?: 40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are campfires allowed at Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF)?: Campfires are allowed at Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF)

Sheep Trail Campground 1.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Stanley Lake Campground 3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Trap Creek Campground 3.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Iron Creek Campground (ID) 6.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cape Horn Winter Rental 7.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Salmon River Campground 8.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Riverside Campground (ID) 9.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Mormon Bend Campground 9.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Sunny Gulch Campground 9.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Lake View Campground 2.9 mi · Campground
Thatcher Campground 7.8 mi · Campground
Basin Creek Transfer Camp Trailhead 8.3 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Elk Creek Campground (Sawtooth NF)