Elk Summit Campground
The campground typically opens in July once snow melts and Forest Road 360 becomes passable. It closes in late autumn when snow returns. Currently still closed for the season. First-come, first-served; no reservations.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
About
Elk Summit Campground is a remote, no-fee destination perched at 5,756 feet in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, serving as a gateway to some of Idaho's wildest backcountry. The campground sits a short distance from the 1.34 million-acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, offering access to remote alpine lakes, rugged mountain peaks, and extensive trail systems for hikers and equestrians alike. The campground provides 15 campsites across three loops. Loops A and B accommodate stock animals with hitching rails and water for horses, while Loop C near Hoodoo Lake is walk-in only with no stock permitted. Hoodoo Lake, a scenic mountain lake popular for fishing and wildlife viewing, is just a short stroll from camp. Facilities are primitive: vault toilets are available but there is no potable water, no garbage service, and no hookups. Campers must bring all drinking water and pack out all trash. This is rugged wild country with no cell phone service, accessed via 24 miles of mountain roads that are not plowed in winter. The setting rewards those willing to make the journey with stunning scenery, solitude, and proximity to genuine wilderness.
Directions
From Lolo, MT head west on Hwy 12 for 44 miles and turn left onto Elk Summit Rd 360. In 5.4 miles, turn right onto Forest Rd 360 and continue 14 miles to the campground.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 935-2513 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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