Big Elk Creek Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Facilities

Recreation

Name: Big Elk Creek Campground

Big Elk Creek Campground is located on some gentle hills on the south side of Big Elk Creek where it empties into Palisades Reservoir. The forest around the campground is made up of smaller pine trees and a great deal of underbrush. Most campsites offer more sun than shade. This could be very warm during July and August.

Campsites: There are 21 campsites which include both double and single sites. Each site offers a picnic table, fire pit with attached grate and a camp stove table. The road and driveways are gravel. There are 3 group sites A-1 (160 persons), B-1 and B-2 (50 persons each). The group sites were in use at the time of our visit so our info is incomplete.

Host on Site: Yes

Water: Yes, cool clear water is available from a pressurized water system.

Garbage Services: Yes

Electricity Available: No

Restroom: There are multiple vault style outhouses in the campground, group areas and the boat launch.

Handicap Accessible: The outhouses are handicap accessible.

Firewood: Fire wood is available from the camp host for $6 per bundle.

Pets: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Picnic Area: No

Recreation: Camping, fishing, hiking and boating are the primary recreational activities near Big Elk Campground. There is a trail head beyond the campground up stream a quarter mile.

Fishing: Fishing is available in the streams nearby and from the bank or by boat in Palisades Reservoir. Check the regulations here for restrictions and limits.

Boating: There is a boat launch available at the day use area less then a half mile from Big Elk Creek Campground. Check out this Google Map. When the water level is down there is no boat access from this location.

Swimming: Swimming in Palisades Reservoir is available at your own risk.

Wildlife: Dear, elk, moose, grizzly and black bear live here. One would likely also see bald eagle and osprey fishing the reservoir.

Additional Camping Opportunities: We have reviews for these nearby campgrounds; Mike Harris Campground, Pine Creek Campground, Riverside Park Campground, Falls Campground, Palisades Creek Campground, Calamity Campground, Blowout Campground, Alpine Campground and McCoy Creek Campground.

Phone service: There is no pay phone but we had some reception on our ATT cell phones.

Nearby Services: Supplies such as gas, food and fishing supplies and services like a pay phone, auto repair and more can be found at Alpine Wy.

RV Dumping Site: There is an RV dump station at Riverside Park just below the dam.

Location/Driving instructions: From Boise, Idaho follow this Google Map. To customize this map for you just replace Boise, Idaho with your location.

Coordinates: 43.322443,-111.116190

Elevation: 5654 Feet

Reviewed Date: July 2012

Fees And Reservations: The group sites can be reserved at recreation.gov. Double sites are $24, singles are $12 while the group sites are only $50 per day.

This information is accurate as of the date of the review.