Big Elk
Currently closed for the season. The campground typically opens late May and operates through early September. After the managed season ends, the area remains open first-come-first-served with no fees, water, or restroom services.
Red Flag Warning issued July 11 at 8:44PM MDT until July 12 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 9 PM MDT SUNDAY FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 410, 411 AND 476... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 410 Upper Snake River Valley/Idaho Falls BLM and Fire Weather Zone 411 Centennial Mountains and Snake River Range/Targhee NF. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...High wind gusts could cause any existing fires or new fire starts to grow rapidly.
Heat Advisory issued July 11 at 11:22AM MDT until July 13 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID
* WHAT...Temperatures up to 98 expected. * WHERE...Challis/Pahsimeroi Valleys, Lost River Valley, Wood River Foothills, Beaverhead - Lemhi Highlands, Centennial Mountains - Island Park, Bear Lake Valley, Bear River Range, Blackfoot Mountains, and Caribou Range. * WHEN...Until 9 PM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses.
About
Big Elk Campground occupies a hillside setting at 5,700 feet elevation above Big Elk Creek in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Aspens and Douglas fir provide partial shade, with sagebrush and wildflowers dotting the landscape. The campground sits on a quiet arm of Palisades Reservoir, approximately 55 miles east of Idaho Falls via Highway 26. Three group sites are available by reservation through Recreation.gov: Site A-1 accommodates up to 160 people with a picnic shelter and serving tables, while Sites B-1 and B-2 each handle up to 50 people. Individual sites operate on a first-come-first-served basis. All sites have gravel parking spurs and are equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets and potable water. No hookups or electricity are available. Big Elk Creek offers fishing for cutthroat trout and occasional Kokanee salmon. A small boat ramp provides reservoir access when water levels are adequate. Big Elk Creek Trail begins at the campground and follows a scenic canyon with wildflowers and towering trees, open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Directions
From Idaho Falls, travel approximately 56 miles east on Highway 26 to Palisades 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.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 270-0150 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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