Lake Elsie
The campground operates seasonally and typically opens when the access road becomes passable in late spring or early summer. The rough 12-mile dirt access road is impassable during winter. Due to a cool, wet spring across north Idaho in 2026, visitors should expect more mud and saturated ground conditions than typical for this time of year.
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 10:43AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Coeur d'Alene Coeur d'Alene Tribe Environmental Protection Agency * WHAT...Air Quality Advisory due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecasted to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. For the latest air quality readings, head to https://fire.airnow.gov or visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at www.idsmoke.blogspot.com. * WHERE...Boundary County, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah Counties. * WHEN...Next update by 12 PM Monday, July 20th. * IMPACTS...Some members of the public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Air Quality Alert issued July 19 at 6:42PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Coeur d'Alene Coeur d'Alene Tribe Environmental Protection Agency * WHAT...Air Quality Advisory due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecasted to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. For the latest air quality readings, head to https://fire.airnow.gov or visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at www.idsmoke.blogspot.com. * WHERE...Boundary County, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah Counties. * WHEN...Next update by 12 PM Monday, July 20th. * IMPACTS...Some members of the public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Air Quality Alert issued July 19 at 1:48PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Coeur d'Alene Coeur d'Alene Tribe Environmental Protection Agency * WHAT...Air Quality Advisory due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecasted to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. For the latest air quality readings, head to https://fire.airnow.gov or visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at www.idsmoke.blogspot.com. * WHERE...Boundary County, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah Counties. * WHEN...Next update by 12 PM Monday, July 20th. * IMPACTS...Some members of the public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
About
Lake Elsie Campground is a remote backcountry destination in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, situated around a pristine 16-acre mountain lake in Shoshone County. The campground features 11 designated primitive campsites scattered around the lakeshore, each equipped with a fire ring. Vault toilets are available on-site, but campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and also holds brook trout, making it a rewarding destination for anglers of all skill levels. The clear mountain waters are ideal for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and swimming. The surrounding national forest offers ATV trails, hiking opportunities, and seasonal huckleberry picking. Access to Lake Elsie requires traveling approximately 12 miles from the Big Creek Exit (Exit 54) off Interstate 90 near Kellogg. The first two miles are paved, but the remaining 10 miles follow NF-264 and NF-2354 on a winding, single-lane dirt forest road. The route is mountainous and rough, not recommended for passenger vehicles or large RVs. Four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles are advised.
Directions
From I-90, take Exit 54 (Big Creek) near Kellogg. Head south on Big Creek Road (NF-264). After approximately 6 miles, continue onto NF-2354 and follow it to Lake Elsie. Total distance is approximately 12 miles from I-90, with the first 2 miles paved and the remaining 10 miles on single-lane dirt forest road.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| 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 | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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