Lake Elsie

Closed — Closed for the season due to winter conditions and snow. The rough 12-mile dirt access road is typically impassable in winter. The campground generally opens when the road becomes accessible in late spring or early summer.

About

Lake Elsie Campground is a remote, no-fee camping area situated around a pristine 16-acre mountain lake in Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The campground features 11 designated campsites in a beautiful forested setting, offering visitors a true backcountry experience while still providing basic amenities. Each campsite includes a fire ring, and vault toilets are available on-site. The campground operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out waste management system, so campers must be prepared to carry out all trash. The lake itself is stocked with rainbow and brook trout, making it popular with anglers. The crystal-clear water is also ideal for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and swimming. The surrounding area offers miles of ATV trails, hiking opportunities, and seasonal huckleberry picking. Access to the campground requires traveling approximately 12 miles on Forest Road from the Big Creek Exit outside Kellogg, Idaho. The road is a winding, hard-packed dirt surface that can be rough in places with narrow sections requiring careful navigation. Four-wheel drive is recommended, though some visitors successfully bring trailers with adequate clearance. The campground typically operates seasonally when the access road is passable, generally from summer through fall.

Directions

From Kellogg, Idaho, take the Big Creek Exit. Travel approximately 10.4 miles on Forest Road to reach the campground. The road is a winding, hard-packed dirt surface that can be rough with narrow sections. Four-wheel drive is recommended. The final approach includes crossing a small creek.

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