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Established Camping

Big Elk

Big Elk, near Irwin, Idaho, is a solid choice for campers seeking a mix of seclusion and access to outdoor fun. This spot is surrounded by the stunning Caribou-Targhee National Forest, making it a prime location for those who love nature.

The campground offers clean restrooms and water faucets scattered throughout, which visitors appreciate. You won't find electric hookups here, but the sites are spacious enough for RVs, and firewood is available for purchase if you want to enjoy a cozy campfire. As one camper noted, “The price is good, $26 for single sites,” making it an affordable option for many.

If you’re into water activities, you’re in luck! Big Elk is just a stone's throw from the Palisades Reservoir, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Reviewers have spotted wildlife like osprey and bald eagles while enjoying the area’s recreational options. Hiking trails are also nearby, offering a chance to explore the beautiful surroundings.

While it can get busy during the summer months, the layout of the sites allows for a sense of privacy. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Big Elk provides a welcoming atmosphere for all types of campers.

Description

National Forest

Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Overview

Big Elk Campground is situated along Big Elk Creek on a quiet arm of the beautiful Palisades Reservoir, just 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the scenic Big Elk Creek Trail.

Recreation

Big Elk Creek has great fishing for cutthroat trout and the occasional Kokanee salmon. Canoeing and swimming are popular activities on the reservoir. A small boat ramp is located on-site. When the reservoir level is low, boats cannot be launched on Big Elk Creek. Big Elk Creek Trail, for hiking, biking and horseback riding, begins at the campground and meanders up a beautiful canyon brimming with wildflowers, towering trees and scenic views. Palisades Reservoir is across the highway, offering excellent boating, water skiing, swimming and canoeing. Lake and shore fishing are very popular there as well, with wild and stocked cutthroat trout as the predominate species. Kokanee salmon, brown and Mackinaw trout can also be found. A boat ramp is located at Calamity Campground less than 10 miles away.

Natural Features

The campgrounds lies on a hillside at an elevation of 5,700 feet, above Big Elk Creek among aspens and Douglas fir trees, which provide partial shade. Sagebrush and summer wildflowers dot the landscape.

Nearby Attractions

The Palisades Creek Trail begins nearby, leading hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to beautiful Upper Palisades Lake and expansive views of Swan Valley. The Snake River and Swan Valley offer more great fishing and boating opportunities, as well as rafting, canoeing and numerous trails for hiking, biking, horseback and ATV riding. Fall Creek Falls is 20 miles away, and the Fall Creek area has hundreds of miles of such trails.

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Location

Big Elk is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Idaho Falls, Idaho, travel approximately 56 miles on Highway 26 to Palisades Dam. Once at the dam, continue 6 miles east on Highway 26, then turn left onto Forest Road 262 (Big Elk Creek Road) and travel 2 miles to the campground.

Address

TARGHEE
ID

Coordinates

43.3225 N
111.1161111 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2020

Good campground

No hookups but water faucets all over the camo. Very clean restrooms. Bear boxes at each site. The price is good, $26 for single sites. Most can accommodate RVs easily. The "lake"/reservoir is a very short distance away and when the water is low, late in season plenty of parking on shoreline. Jet skis and kayak friendly. Good fishing. Firewood was $6 a bundle from camp host. Good hiking trails in the area.

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2019

Great location

Big Elk Campground in Irwin, Idaho is a great location for anyone looking for seclusion, while still being close enough to a town if you forgot any supplies. The camp host was very friendly, and the camp sites were clean and well maintained.

SiteA-1
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big Elk by Lindsey E., September 16, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Elk by Lindsey E., September 16, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Elk by Lindsey E., September 16, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2018

Near the water

Right off a "thumb" on the Palisades reservoir, this is an amazing site with many recreational options. Paddling, hiking, bird watching - saw an osprey with an enormous fish and then later a pair of bald eagles. It was fun floating around on our kayaks and paddle boards; there were a few smaller boats and jet skis around as well.

We were there on a busy weekend, but the sites are all nicely separated so it still felt secluded! Plenty of vault toilets and a few group site options as well. The group sites are reservable, but the remaining are first-come first serve.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Elk by Katherine B., July 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Elk by Katherine B., July 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Elk by Katherine B., July 29, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Big Elk?

    Camping at Big Elk can cost between $60.00 and $100.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Big Elk?

    Big Elk allows vehicles up to 50 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Big Elk?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Big Elk, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Big Elk have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Big Elk does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Big Elk?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Big Elk?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Big Elk. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Big Elk, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Big Elk?

    There are 3 campsites at Big Elk and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts