Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)
4.4930 reviews1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, USA
Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf)
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$20.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard electric sites cost $20 per night during peak season (May 19 - October 4). Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Discover your perfect basecamp at Elk Creek Campground, where the whisper of wind through towering pines mingles with the gentle murmur of the creek. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, exploring forest trails that wind through centuries-old trees, or simply sitting quietly as elk emerge from the morning mist, this campground delivers an authentic Idaho wilderness experience. Every site comes equipped with electrical hookups for modern comfort, while the nearby town of Elk River (less than a mile away) ensures you're never far from essential supplies and local charm.
Elk Creek Campground offers facilities for tent camping, RV camping, and some overflow rustic camping.
Historical SignificanceStand in the shadow of ancient cedar sentinels that have watched over these lands for centuries. The surrounding Clearwater National Forest serves as a living testament to the Pacific Northwest's incredible biodiversity, where each trail tells a story of natural resilience and ecological wonder that has captivated visitors and conservationists for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic beauty of Idaho's mountain climate, where temperatures dance between a crisp 30°F and a comfortable 45°F throughout the camping season. Early summer greets visitors with crystalline skies and refreshing mountain air, perfect for those seeking cooler adventures. As late summer arrives, the forest takes on a golden glow, though mindful campers should note this drier period calls for extra fire safety awareness.
ElevationPerched at 3,000 feet above sea level, Elk Creek Campground offers that sweet spot where mountain magic happens. This elevation gifts the area with refreshingly cool temperatures and creates the perfect conditions for the lush, emerald forests that make this corner of Idaho feel like a secret garden suspended between earth and sky.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up surrounded by a cathedral of mature pines at 3,000 feet, where Elk Creek's melodic flow provides nature's soundtrack. Just a short journey away, prepare to be awestruck by Idaho's tallest waterfall thundering through ancient rock, and seek out the legendary giant - the largest cedar tree found east of the Cascades. This pristine wilderness serves as home to an impressive cast of wildlife characters: majestic elk picking their way through forest clearings, graceful deer at twilight, magnificent moose in marshy meadows, and the occasional glimpse of bear or cougar reminding visitors of the wild heart that still beats strong here.
Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the untamed beauty of north central Idaho's Clearwater National Forest, where geological wonders await around every bend. Here, mature pine forests carpet the mountainsides, Elk Creek Falls claims its crown as Idaho's tallest cascade, and the massive cedar patriarch - the largest of its kind east of the Cascade Range - stands as a monument to the incredible forces that shaped this remarkable landscape over millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are provided. The campground is described as rustic and secluded, though not all sites may be equally accessible.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and accommodating, with reports of spaces suitable for RVs up to 40 feet, as noted by the authoritative source.
Sites PrivacyThe campground provides privacy due to tree coverage, as noted by Matt C. in September 2022: "Tucked into the trees and pretty private."
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites tucked into the trees for privacy; bathrooms near campsites 010 and 011 are reported cleaner.
Best CampsitesHighly rated campsites include 010 and 013 for their privacy and proximity to trails.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 night maximum during any 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout13 sites with gravel parking. Overflow section available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 19 - October 4. Camping season may end early due to fire risk.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityHalf of the sites are first-come, first-served; overflow section also available during peak times.
Cancellation PolicyReservations canceled late incur a $10 fee and forfeit one night's camping fee. Modifications outside original reservation dates cost $10.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Elk Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Elk Creek Falls Trail and Elk River Reservoir are notable attractions.
Hiking
The Elk Creek Falls Trail is a highlight, taking hikers 3.5 miles to the tallest waterfall in Idaho. Other trails in the area accommodate mountain biking and horseback riding.Fishing
The nearby Elk River Reservoir provides opportunities for fishing, with species such as cutthroat and rainbow trout, chinook salmon, and steelhead reported in the area.Biking
Mountain biking is available on forest roads and trails in the vicinity, as noted in authoritative sources.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as elk, deer, moose, bear, and cougar inhabit the surrounding mature pine forest.Winter Activities
Camping season may end early due to fire danger in late summer, but no specific winter activities are outlined.Water Sports
Water-related activities such as fishing are highlighted, but no non-motorized water sports are specified.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated fire rings; follow don't-move-firewood guidelines to prevent pests.
- Quiet hours are Enforced nightly; exact hours not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent bear activity; dry conditions increase fire risk late summer.
Active alertsSeason may end early due to fire risk. Check-in on water and garbage facilities before visiting.
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include Elk River town (less than 1 mile) for basic medical needs; larger hospitals in Moscow, ID (45 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 19 - October 4.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are lacking; several user reviews mention the absence of garbage cans or pickup services, requiring campers to pack out their waste.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Elk Creek and less than 2 miles to Elk River Reservoir.
Common complaintsIssues with water outages, lack of camp host, and poor toilet maintenance during certain periods.
HostPast host Larry Box well-regarded; no host available during certain fire-risk or off-season periods.
Campground Map
1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, USA
Driving directionsFrom Moscow, Idaho, travel northeast on State Road 8 to Elk River. Turn north onto Forest Road 382 and then east onto Forest Road 1705. The campground is about 45 minutes from Moscow.
Accessible via paved roads and Forest Roads 382 and 1705; generally accessible year-round barring seasonal closures due to fire risk.Nearby places
Moscow, ID (45 miles, approx. 45 minutes)
Elk River, ID (<1 mile).
Nearby supplies
Town of Elk River (<1 mile) offers gas, groceries, showers, and fishing equipment
Moscow, ID (45 miles) provides a more comprehensive selection of supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.5
30 reviews
Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews for Elk Creek Campground are mixed, with some praising its cleanliness, quietness, and scenic views, while others note issues with amenities such as water availability and the absence of camp hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users highlight the peaceful environment, proximity to scenic attractions like Elk River Falls, and well-maintained campsites. "Very nice quiet campground," "cleanest dump toilets I have ever...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include inconsistent water availability, lack of trash facilities, poor maintenance of vault toilets, and absence of cell service. "No camp host," "no garbage cans," and "bathrooms were so...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Pack enough water and toilet paper; garbage must be packed out; visit the nearby town for huckleberry ice cream and supplies; prepare for no cell service.
Based on 30 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During peak season, reviews mention well-stocked vault toilets and clean campsites, although late summer fire danger may affect usability. Off-season reviews (e.g., October) sometimes report minimal...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The water from the spigots was cold and the best I have ever tasted" - Jack C., July 2021; "We liked that our campsite was tucked into the trees" - Matt C., September 2022; "Best little campground...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 013: User Jack C. noted electrical issues at this site in July 2021; Site 011: Several positive experiences reported for privacy and cleanliness; Site 010: Described as quiet and well-maintained...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Reviews highlight accessibility challenges such as inadequate garbage facilities and mixed conditions of vault toilets.
Based on 30 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific pet-related reviews were provided.
Based on 30 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025