Dispersed camping opportunities surround Elk River, Idaho within the St. Joe National Forest region at elevations ranging from 2,800 to 4,500 feet. Most rustic camping sites near Elk River follow Forest Service roads throughout the Clearwater Mountains, with peak camping season running May through October when roads remain passable. Winter access becomes limited due to snow accumulation at higher elevations.
What to do
Fly fishing access points: Secluded dispersed camping on Big Creek provides direct access to trout fishing opportunities. A camper notes, "There are secluded dispersed campsites on Big Creek between the campgrounds on Big Creek RD. If you're set up for off grid its definitely worth spending a few days fly fishing or hiking the area. Very serene!"
Mountain lake exploration: Rocky Ridge Lake Campground offers primitive camping near alpine lakes approximately 30 miles from Elk River. "Beautiful mountain lake setting high in the mountains," writes one visitor who appreciated the natural setting. The lake attracts wildlife, with another camper reporting, "There was a cow moose feeding in the lake when we were there. She would stomp around up to her neck in the lake, then eat the plants that would float to the surface."
Riverside recreation: St. Joe River Road provides water access at multiple dispersed sites with basic amenities. "Found this great little riverside spot while checking out the paid campgrounds along St Joe River. This one has a small boat launch and several fire pits," writes a camper. Note that camping prohibition periods exist: "Camping is prohibited from spring to mid July."
What campers like
Quick access camping: Horse Camp Trailhead offers vault toilets with easy access from main roads. A regular visitor states, "This is my go to spot when I just want to get a quick overnight camp in. Depending on the time of year it can be loud as motorists past. However, I have wondered into it wilderness to camp farther away from the trail."
Creekside camping: Donkey Creek Campground provides free camping beside moving water with minimal facilities. A camper reports, "This campground is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out area close to the swiftly flowing Marble Creek. There is one vault toilet and two fire rings with grills, but also a couple more spots with just rock rings."
Backcountry solitude: Stevens Lakes Backcountry requires a hike but rewards with isolation at 5,800 feet elevation. "By far one of my favorite Mt lake hikes! With great camping at both the lower and upper lakes, I recommend using the trails app to help navigate through the switch backs, and have lots of water!"
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many rustic camping sites near Elk River require high-clearance vehicles for access. At Rocky Ridge Lake Campground, a reviewer cautions the area is "located on the historic lolo motorway not suitable for low clearance vehicles but it is a beautiful place to go get away."
Primitive conditions: Most dispersed sites lack developed amenities. Cliff Creek Campground offers only basic facilities with a camper describing it as "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."
Navigation challenges: Forest Service roads can be confusing with limited signage. When visiting Horse Camp Trailhead, one camper warned, "The coordinates from this listing are incorrect and take you down the wrong road."
Tips for camping with families
Riverside alternatives: The St. Joe River dispersed sites provide shallow wading opportunities for cooling off. A visitor with family notes, "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."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes remain active throughout summer months, especially near water. Pack appropriate repellent as campers report, "There were some mosquitoes but with bugspray it was fine."
Backup planning: Have secondary options ready during peak season. A local advises, "Laird Park is just down the road and you can get to nice river areas from both campsites. If you can't get a spot here you can always try down by Laird as a backup."
Tips from RVers
Limited space availability: Many dispersed camping areas accommodate small trailers only. At Donkey Creek, a visitor confirmed, "We tent camped last year and RV camped this time. Very nice!"
Generator regulations: Cliff Creek Campground permits generator use, unlike many other dispersed areas where noise restrictions apply.
Dump station planning: No dump facilities exist at any dispersed sites; RVers must utilize the dump station mentioned at the edge of Elk River town for waste disposal.
