Camper submitted image from Big Elk - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Big Elk - 2
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Big Elk - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Big Elk - 4
Nature
Camper submitted image from Big Elk - 5
Water
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Big Elk

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

Suggest an Edit

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

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Is Big Elk sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

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

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

Contact

General Info

Reservations


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

25%
75%
0%
0%
0%

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

Where is Big Elk Campground located in Idaho?

Big Elk Campground is located in Irwin, Idaho, situated right along a "thumb" of the Palisades Reservoir. This location offers seclusion while still being close enough to town for supplies if needed. The campground's position on the reservoir provides excellent water access for various recreational activities, making it a prime spot for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy both land and water activities in eastern Idaho.

Is Big Elk Campground suitable for group camping?

Big Elk Campground can accommodate groups, though specific group sites aren't mentioned in available information. The campground offers single sites for $26, and many sites can easily fit RVs. With clean facilities, water faucets throughout the campground, and bear boxes at each site, it provides necessary amenities for group activities. During summer months, the campground can get very busy, so advance planning is recommended for group camping.

Is there a map available of Big Elk Campground and its facilities?

Maps of Big Elk Campground should be available from the friendly camp host on-site. The campground features well-maintained sites, water faucets distributed throughout the area, clean restrooms, and bear boxes at each site. Most sites can accommodate RVs easily. For detailed facility maps before your trip, contact the forest service or recreation area management office that oversees the campground. Upon arrival, the camp host can provide orientation and information about specific amenities.

What hiking trails are accessible from Big Elk Creek Campground?

While specific trail names aren't detailed, Big Elk Campground offers hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. The campground's location near Palisades Reservoir provides access to nature trails where visitors can enjoy bird watching - with sightings of osprey and bald eagles reported. For comprehensive trail information, it's best to check with the camp host upon arrival or contact the managing agency for maps and current trail conditions.