Elk River, ID is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Elk River is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Idaho camping adventure.
Located in northern Idaho's beautiful Clearwater Valley, Dent acres Campground on Dworshak Lake is surrounded by forests and abundant wildlife. Dworshak Lake is 54 miles long, hosts kokanee salmon, rainbow trout and small mouth bass fishing. It has excellent boating, water skiing and hunting opportunities.
Dent Acres is an excellent location for boaters, fishermen, hunters, hikers, wildlife watching, as well as quiet relaxation. There is a boat ramp for access to the reservoir, multiple trails for hiking, and thousands of surrounding acres of public lands for the hunter.
Dworshak Reservoir is surrounded by steep forested, mountainous country. Numerous small creeks feed the reservoir.
-Dent Bridge, which spans Dworshak Reservoir, is approximately one mile east of Dent Acres and is the largest cable suspension bridge in the state of Idaho. -Dworshak Dam and Visitor Center -Dworshak Hatchery -Clearwater National Forest -Clearwater Historical Society and Museum - Weippe Discovery Center -Canoe Camp -Nez Perce (National Park site at Spalding) -Orofino Chamber of Commerce
For facility specific information, please call (208) 476-1255.
$25 - $150 / night
This recreation area is part of Dworshak Reservoir
Located only 40 miles east of the town of Moscow, Idaho, Little Boulder Campground rests next to the Potlatch River in a heavily forested and richly vegetated and peaceful location. __Great for RVs and tents, 17 developed sites, a campground host and all with ample parking and an overflow lot--It's easy to see why the Little Boulder Campground is a local favorite.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$20 / night
Canyon Creek offers 17 primitive sites (no electricity or water) with fire rings, picnic tables and a tent pad in a wooded setting located on the reservoir. Canyon Creek has one boat launch with a dock, two restrooms, “Pack It In-Pack It Out” bags, and a trail. Swimming is allowed at the boat ramp. Canyon Creek is the perfect place to camp with well shaded sites. Canyon Creek is a “Pack It In-Pack It Out” area there are no dumpsters or garbage cans available for use. Please help keep the park clean by taking your trash with you when you leave.
The Emerald Creek Garnet Area is CURRENTLY CLOSED see Emerald Creek Garnet Area for current conditions Emerald Creek Campground features 18 camp units, potable water, and vault toilets. a short distance from the campground. The Garnet Area is one of our most popular recreation sites where, for a small fee, one can dig for gem quality star garnets. Mosquitos can be prolific throughout the season, consider bringing bug repellent.
Aquarius Campground boasts 9 developed sites and 2 group campsites (Purple Beach) on the bank of the scenic North Fork of the Clearwater River. Swimming, fly fishing, tubing and whitewater rafting (May and June) are just a few of the many water sports frequently enjoyed by visitors here. Hunters, anglers, and families looking for a quiet spot to take a dip and get away with the kids can all find respite here. Hiking trails near the campground take hikers and backpackers alike into the Mallard Larkins Pioneer Area and to the Black Mountain summit, one of the few remaining places in Idaho where Mountain Goats can still be seen!
Pink House Recreation Site is a large developed site located approximately 5 miles west of Orofino, ID. Nestled beside the Clearwater River at an elevation of 980 feet, the Pink House Recreation Site is surrounded by scenic views of semi-arid hillsides, and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Visitors come to this site from all over the country to enjoy camping, world class fishing, boating, tubing, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Lucky visitors may encounter a river otter swimming by or see eagles soaring above. The site is open year-round and a full-time Campground Host is present. Campers can opt to pay overnight camping fees at the site through the free, easy-to-use www.Recreation.gov mobile app using the scan and pay option. Selecting a camping site at Pink House Recreation Site will remain first-come, first-served; they will not be reservable in advance through Recreation.gov.
This area is popular for boaters, anglers, wildlife watching, as well as for quiet relaxation. The site is home to one of the most heavily used boat launching sites upstream from Lewiston, Idaho. Guests have immediate access to the Clearwater River, home to world-renowned salmon and steelhead fisheries attracting anglers from around the world. Tubing is one of the most popular activities on the section upstream of Orofino due to the rivers mellow rapids and accessibility. With over 10 access sites along the Clearwater River to put-in and take-out, recreationists have the option to float on the river as long as they desire.
The area is situated along the Clearwater River with beautiful views of the surrounding semi-arid hillsides. Most of the RV sites and all three tent sites offer excellent views of the Clearwater River. Native trees provide abundant shade throughout the site. Guests can access the large sandy beach with just a short walk from their campsite. The beach is open for year-round use, but is closed to vehicle use from June 1 to September 30 to enhance the safety of beach users in the summer months.
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the Clearwater River from Greer, Idaho to the confluence with the Snake River. The Northwest Discovery Water Trail is the first 40-mile reach of the Clearwater River from Canoe Camp to the confluence with the Snake River in Lewiston, Idaho. Orofino, Idaho provides basic services and shopping opportunities5 miles away. Nez Perce National Historical Park (Canoe Camp)1 mile away. Dworshak Hatchery9 miles away. Dworshak Dam and Visitor Center12 miles away.
$10 - $18 / night
This recreation area is part of Dworshak Reservoir
Scout
This campground is gorgeous. The Dwarshak reservoir is a very beautiful place to camp in any of the campgrounds. This one, in particular, overlooks the reservoir perfectly. Make sure your brakes are good on your truck or vehicle because the roads can be steep.
Guide
This is primitive off grid camping. No services, no water, no tables, just a bathroom in a field with a few campsites around it near the creek. Great location to stay if you're doing the Hiawatha trail and want to camp in the area. The busses picking up hiawatha trail users go right by the campground multiple times a day in the summer.
Traveler
No one is here on a beautiful October long weekend Saturday. I can see why. The reservoir level is way down! Just getting to the water is a challenge. Maybe this was nice years ago but it’s a good ways out from Orfino. Not worth the drive.
Guide
What a place! I saw no trash or broken glass, it was very clean. I got there after dark and left first thing in the morning, wish I had more time to explore. Sites only had a fire pit, I believe there are also pit toilets but I didn’t have time to check them out.
The road up is rough, potholes, it does get better about halfway up. Expect at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel, and that’s pushing it pretty hard.
Guide
This is a cute campground with great hosts. Most folks come in to bike the trail. Verizon is not great and our Starlink had some blockages, but that’s what you get with lots of trees.
ScoutFound this great little riverside spot while checking out the paid campgrounds along St Joe River. Saw several similar sites that were already taken. This one has a small boat launch and several fire pits. Camping is prohibited from spring to mid July. Not the best spot for swimming due to the current in this section of the river but good enough to wade in and cool off anyway. We slept in a tent and loved the river sounds. There were some mosquitoes but with bugspray it was fine.
Scout
Take a night or two to visit this nearly unused campground. What a wonder. You are on the Ridgeline between two valleys with views of the horizons of 50 miles or more. To the east ot is very much like the views in the Smokey mountains. Not a lot of shade at this campground. Great for solar and Skylink. ATT and Verizon were 3 plus. Make certain the chores are done and the drinks are made before the light show begins at sundown. Vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Sites at this campground are reasonably flat and deep but not a lot of room for pop-ups.
Camping here is free.
My only criticism is the distance between signs on a very small road. A few more signs would be reassuring. For this campground, head generally south on Skyline Drive until you think you should be there, then go 2 more miles.
Central potable water by the privy.
ScoutThis is my 2nd time visiting and the quality has dramatically dropped. Maybe the difference was that I went in early fall 4 years ago and this time was late summer but YIKES.
There was broken glass EVERYWHERE. We cleaned up so much trash in our site and off the road. The pit toilet was completely out of toilet paper (which we anticipated). Despite being stage 1 fire restrictions, multiple people were having fires, one person's was still smoldering when I got up the next morning. Due to the number of people, ATVs, dirt bikes, nearby shooting range, etc it was just much more noisy in the busy season. I recommend going in the off season.
The road up to the lake is really rough and narrow but manageable with a proper vehicle.
The lake is gorgeous! I just wish people were more considerate.
FYI There is a moose that frequents the area so keep your trash in your car to avoid feeding the moose.
Scout
This location is currently closed because of the recent fire.
Traveler
We were riding the Idaho BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) and needed a place to camp near Pierce. There aren't many options that are accessible for our Support Truck but found Deyo Reservoir as a welcome spot. The West sites are very open and close to each other and are what you see first. I kinda stumbled down to the East Campground which is more for Truck/Tent camping and is wooded and cooler (it was 95 degrees when we rode in). Typical for Idaho the sites were nicely spaced, well maintained (it is hosted) and the Vault Toilet was very clean.
TravelerTook about an hour to get to our campsite, but was so worth it. Was a creek at the top of a mountain in the middle, I guess hence the name. Local had wondered how we found his special fishing spot. Was a place to swim, but we did not get in. Such a beautiful view and lots of nature to see.
Scout
All paved parking spots and easy to access! Only downside is having to walk the dogs across the parking lot to go to the bathroom in the grass, but it’s nice to have the grass! Dog poo bags and trash cans available.
Ranger
Small spots by Aquarius rapid. She’s a class III wave train and the sounds sent me to peaceful sleep. In high water some of the spots may be inaccessible, however there are other campgrounds nearby if it doesn’t work. Do not recommend large rigs in here, it would be hard to turn around if the campground is full, again better options up or down river.
Ranger
Nice campground along the North Fork of the Clearwater. There are stairs by one of the vault toilets to walk down to the water but be careful, it is cold and fast! Several riverside spots including one group site as well as shady groves. Water was shut off when we were there June 2024; unknown when it will be back on.
Ranger
More of a primitive type of campground, although there are vault toilets. Plenty of spaces along the river; however there is a river take out that may be used to back trailers up to, so the flat spots across from it may not be ideal.
ScoutI didn't stay the night, and I'm not a gambler, but I did stop in just to have a look. This was the first casino I have ever been to that didn't gag me with cigarette smoke the minute I walked in the door.
Traveler
The management is incompetent. Catherine Thagard is claims policies that are not written and informs customers upon arrival. They threaten you, their male management is racist and aggressive. They bend their "rules" and policies dependent on "who" you are. Most importantly, they treat their employees horribly. Only stay here if you want to fund a racist, masaginistic company that abuses their staff
Guide
Lost Moose Campground is a hidden gem tucked 8 miles off of I-90. This campground was clean and well-maintained, and the owners were extremely pleasant and friendly. There are 14 RV sites with water and electric, 6 pull-through sites, and 8 back-in sites. There are 4 tent sites along the Latour Creek if that is more your style. There is a small gift/ general store on site with goodies for everyone.
After turning off I-90 at Cataldo, ID, it is a two-mile paved drive followed by a 6-mile gravel and dirt road to the campground. The gravel and dirt road was well maintained with only a few potholes to avoid. As long as you do not mind getting your rig a little dirty, this campground is well worth the trip.
Guide
Level pull through sites. A little close together if full. Water and Electric. Staff friendly and helpful. Only bathroom open was a bit of a walk. Bathrooms were a rustic motif, clean, Hot showers.
Legend
We drove in from the Washington side on a narrow unimproved road but only met one vehicle. Our views were into undulating hills of the Palouse farming region of Washington. We camped at the first campground in this Idaho state park close to the Washington border called Iron Mountain. There were two sites with a vault toilet. We chose site number two but both were very spacious. The road was right by our site but only one vehicle drove by, a dirt bike. It was so quiet there. You could see into both the forested hills of Idaho and the Palouse of Washington.
Scout
Tried to find Porters Camp. It us not in the Pines subdivision as on the map. According to locals, it is owned by Potlatch and not available to the public. It was a logging camp.
Traveler
Campground right on the river and surrounded by businesses but no noise issues.
Pull through site was paved and level. You do need a water pressure regulator. Office does suggest the route to take for easier pull in. Some of the long term campers have multiple cars and large add-ons, so was tricky getting out.
Showers were nice and plenty of room. Sign on indoor pool stated it was closed.
Check in was easy, they do offer food items for sale but the beverage coolers were pretty sparse.
Scout
Clean campground and decent space between neighbors. Didn’t use any of the facilities. No sewer hookups. Would visit again. Lake was low and lots of geese so messes everywhere.
Scout
I cannot say enough good things about this place! It was very beautiful and clean! It was also very quiet! You are right next to a highway, but you can barely hear it. Robin and Dennis are extremely nice! They will go out of their way to make sure you are happy and safe! They offer so many games and extra amenities that you won’t find at other camp grounds. WiFi was strong, we watched football all day on Saturday! The baked goods are a must! They also sell farm fresh eggs!! We will definitely be back!
Scout
Quiet, spacious, beautiful smell of pine trees. Wouldn’t want to drive in after dark though. Two large dog parks. Park is gravel and you may need to do a little leveling, but it isn’t bad at all. Had enough room to park my 44’ rig and my truck right next to it. Would definitely come here again.
RangerNice place to camp on the river. Has a small beach area you can relax at. Starlink wouldn’t work great with the trees here.
RangerSeveral spots right on the river. Nice quiet across the bridge so a little ways away from the road. Several spots to camp and accessible to bigger campers.
Camping near Elk River, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Elk River, Idaho, has something for everyone. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or just enjoying the great outdoors, you'll find plenty of options to make your trip memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Elk River, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Elk River, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 153 campgrounds and RV parks near Elk River, ID and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Elk River, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elk River, ID is Dent Acres with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elk River, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Elk River, ID.
What parks are near Elk River, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Elk River, ID that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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