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Open

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.

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition

This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region

It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Upper Smith Fire Closure - Pyramid Pass Trail

The purpose of this order is for public and firefighter safety due to active fire and suppression activities as part of planned operations for the Upper Smith fire burning in the area. The order temporarily closes the Pyramid Pass Trail #13 from Forest Service Road 634 (Trout Creek) to the junction…

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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