Big Elk campground
Big Elk
Reservations are not accepted at Big Elk camping area; it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot. The best time to visit this campground is during the summer months, from June to August when the weather is pleasant and conducive for outdoor activities.
While exploring the Big Elk camping area, campers will be delighted by the diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. The surrounding nature trails offer great opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. However, visitors should be cautious of the presence of bears in the area and should take appropriate safety measures, such as storing food in bear-proof containers and keeping a safe distance when encountering wildlife.
Overall, Big Elk camping area in Idaho provides a serene and well-equipped environment for camping enthusiasts. With its scenic beauty and ample recreational opportunities, it is an ideal destination for those seeking an escape into the wilderness.
What's on-site at Big Elk
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Big Elk, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blowout | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Riverside Park | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Calamity | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| Calamity Campground | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Palisades Creek Campground | ✓ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Big Elk -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Snake River Nr Irwin Id | 13,400 cfs | → |
| Greys River Ab Reservoir Nr Alpine Wy | 928 cfs | → |
| Snake River Ab Reservoir Nr Alpine Wy | 8,630 cfs | → |
| Salt River Ab Reservoir Nr Etna Wy | 459 cfs | → |
| Fish Creek At Wilson | 438 cfs | → |
| Flat Creek Bel Cache Creek | 118 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Big Elk -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Baird - Snow | 59.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Swan Valley | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Snake River | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Milepost 12 Snow Study Plot | 5.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Phillips Bench Snotel | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Phillips Bench | 1.0 in | 1.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Jedediah Smith Wilderness
- Emily Stevens Park
- National Wild And Scenic River Snake River Headwaters, Wyoming
- Powderhorn Park
- Karns Meadow Park
- Smith's Park
Boat launches
- Big Elk Creek Road 100, Bonneville County
- Alpine
- Sheep Gulch Boating Site
- Taco Hole Kayak Access
- Spring Creek Boat Ramp Swan Valley
- West Table Boating Site
Fishing spots
Points of interest
- Lunch Counter/Kahuna Overlook
- Jackson Hole And Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center
- South Boundary Viewpoint
- Gros Ventre River Viewpoint
- Fisher Bottom Historic Buildings
- Curtis Canyon Overlook Interpretive Site
Paddle runs
- One Mile Above Trailhead To Trailhead
- Mainstem And Lower 2 Miles Of North, South And Siddoway Forks To One Mile Above Trailhead
- Source To Upper Palisades Lake
- Palisade Dam To Lorenzo (South Fork)
- South Fork Snake River
- Confluence Of North Fork Palisades Creek And Corral Canyon To Palisades Campground
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Big Elk as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Big Elk
Can I make reservations at Big Elk?
Yes -- this campground accepts reservations. Snoflo recommends booking early for peak season; check the operator (Recreation.gov / state park system / private operator) for the booking window and cancellation policy.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Big Elk?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Big Elk.