Forest Service Road 321 leads to Elk Creek Campground, where electrical hookups and $20 nightly fees draw RVs to this established site in St. Joe National Forest. The campground fills quickly during peak season, with most non-reservable spots occupied by Thursday evenings in late August.
Sites cluster together with limited privacy between neighbors, though mature trees provide some shade and visual separation. Kelsey G. notes "bathrooms seemed reasonably clean and there was fresh water spigots available." The campground includes a pavilion suitable for group gatherings and prohibits pets throughout the facility.
The Giant Cedar Grove sits roughly 10 miles away via the same forest road, featuring North America's largest cedar tree. Dispersed camping areas line this route toward the trailhead, offering free alternatives with fire rings and periodic outhouses. Elk Creek Falls provides another hiking destination accessible from the area.
For those seeking additional options beyond this developed site, campgrounds near Elk River include both established and primitive choices. The campground's proximity to forest attractions and electrical availability make it a functional base camp, though campers should arrive early or secure reservations during busy periods.
Description
Overview
Elk Creek Campground offers visitors a little bit of everything. From scenic views and vistas, to attractive waterfalls and ancient foliage, the campground provides a great place to stay in the mountains of north central Idaho. Recreational opportunities abound in the area and a variety of services are located nearby.
Recreation
Elk Creek and nearby Elk River Reservoir provide visitors with opportunities for fishing and other water-related recreation. Cutthroat and rainbow trout, chinook salmon and steelhead swim in the clear waters. Fishing or hunting are popular activities in the rugged and primitive landscape. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are available on the area's many trails and forest roads. The Elk Creek Falls Trail takes hikers 3.5 miles to the tallest waterfall in the state.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping, most of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservation needed). A total of 6 sites are available for advanced reservation up to four days before arrival date, at which point unreserved sites will also become first-come first-served. Electrical hookups are available at all sites including the six campsites available for advanced reservations. Parking and driving surfaces are gravel throughout the campground. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A more rustic overflow section offers additional campsites.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in a mature pine forest in the Clearwater National Forest, next to Elk Creek, at an elevation of about 3,000 feet. The surrounding area is home to the tallest waterfall in Idaho, as well as the largest cedar tree east of the Cascade Range. Elk, deer, moose, bear and cougar make the forested country their home.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Elk River is less than a mile from the campground and offers a variety of basic services, including gas, groceries, showers and fishing equipment.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundElk Creek Campground is located in Idaho
Directions
From 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.
Address
1700 HIGHWAY 6
Potlatch, ID 83855
Coordinates
46.7919444 N
116.1730556 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/14/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 55 min from Lewiston, ID
- 2 hrs 42 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 2 hrs 53 min from Spokane, WA
- 4 hrs 31 min from Missoula, MT














