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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 7 at 11:56AM 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. WHERE... Clearwater and Idaho Counties outside of reservation boundaries. WHEN: Extended until 3:00PM 8/10/2026 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 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 |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!