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
US Forest Service
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.
Facilities
This campground offers three group sites with picnic tables, campfire rings and grills. Site A-1 also has a picnic shelter and serving tables, and can accommodate up to 160 people. Sites B-1 and B-2 can accommodate up to 50 people each. Individual sites are available on a first come, first served basis only. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided, but there is no electricity. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 351-1182.
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.
Location
Big Elk is located in Idaho
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
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
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Idaho Falls
- 1 hr 44 min from Pocatello
- 2 hrs 48 min from Logan
- 3 hrs 17 min from Ogden
