Big Elk

Show on map (208) 270-0150 OR 541-351-1182

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.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 351-1182.

Camp site features

Across 3 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 3 sites
Picnic table: all 3 sites
Group sites: all 3 sites
Longest RV: 50 ft
Largest party: 160 people

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

16 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

Chris S

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Camp host was awesome! Checked every day if needed firewood and to see how we were enjoying our stay!

Janette B

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Well kept camp! Outhouses are clean, trails well kept, fir pits are wonderful. The best part is the camp host. Congrats on a great campsite.

Katie F

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Our family comes here every year. We appreciate the surroundings and the proximity of the water. There is plenty of shade for this site and the new grill stand is so appreciated!

Mark W

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

Camp host was very nice. Bathrooms were very well taken care off

Janette O

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

Gayleen C

Loop:A

Site: