Elk Creek Pavilion
Open for the 2026 season. The pavilion operates from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Overflow camping sites adjacent to the pavilion are available for overnight reservations or first-come, first-served use. The camping season typically runs mid-May through early October but may end early during dry conditions to prevent forest fires. Water service typically ends September 30.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 4:38PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
AQAMSO WHAT: Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. WHERE... Clearwater and Idaho Counties outside of reservation boundar WHEN: Extended until 3:00PM 8/12/2026 IMPACTS: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Air pollutants can cause breathing difficult for children, the elderly, as well as persons with respiratory problems. Those individuals who are sensitive to increased particulate matter or smoke are encouraged to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity during this advisory. Open burning is prohibited by air quality rule. It is also recommended that all other individuals limit prolonged or strenuous activity outdoors. ISSUED BY THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AIR QUALITY GROUP. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DEQ's Lewiston Regional Office at (208) 799- 4370
About
Elk Creek Pavilion is a spacious group shelter located in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests near the town of Elk River in north central Idaho. The 42x80-foot covered structure features a large stone fireplace toward the rear and can accommodate groups of up to 200 people with 40 vehicles maximum. The pavilion operates as a day-use facility with hours from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., though overflow camping sites adjacent to the pavilion are available for overnight reservations. The pavilion sits at roughly 3,000 feet elevation in a mature pine forest alongside Elk Creek. Vault toilets are provided on site. The facility is non-electric, though generator-powered electricity is permitted if customer-supplied. Groups exceeding 50 people must contact the Palouse Ranger District to arrange additional parking. Garbage services are not available; campers must pack out all trash. The surrounding area is home to the tallest waterfall in Idaho, accessible via the 3.5-mile Elk Creek Falls Trail, and the largest western red cedar tree east of the Cascade Range. Elk Creek and the nearby Elk River Reservoir offer fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout, chinook salmon, and steelhead. The town of Elk River is less than a mile away and provides gas, groceries, showers, and fishing supplies.
Directions
From Moscow, Idaho, travel northeast on State Road 8 to Elk River. Turn north onto Forest Road 382, then east onto Forest Road 1705. The pavilion is approximately 45 minutes from Moscow.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 875-1131 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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