Big Elk
Irwin, Idaho · 5,646 ft · In Caribou-Targhee National Forest
At a glance
4 of 8 facts known · recreation.gov, checked Sep 24, 2026
- Elevation
- 5,646 ft (1,721 m)5,646 ft1,721 m
Loops0
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From recreation.gov's site list, Oct 10, 2026. Loop names are trimmed and merged.
Amenities
From Recreation.gov, Recreation.gov — campground rate cards · Correct
- Campfires allowed
From Recreation.gov, Recreation.gov — campground rate cards
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About
Overview
Big Elk Campground is situated along Big Elk Creek on a quiet arm of the beautiful Palisades Reservoir, just 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the scenic Big Elk Creek Trail.Recreation
Big Elk Creek has great fishing for cutthroat trout and the occasional Kokanee salmon. Canoeing and swimming are popular activities on the reservoir. A small boat ramp is located on-site. When the reservoir level is low, boats cannot be launched on Big Elk Creek.
From Recreation.gov and Recreation.gov — campground rate cards · · Edit
Cell service
Report signal- Verizon4G LTE
- AT&T4G LTE
- T-Mobile5G · 4G LTE
Cell service at Big Elk: FCC map Dec 2025
Weather
National Weather Service
- WedMostly Sunny, 1% chance of rain54°34°
- ThuSunny61°34°
- FriSunny64°37°
- SatSunny62°39°
- SunSunny61°40°
Nearby camping
SeeSee all on the map
Big Elk Campground
Public Land · 110 ft · Irwin
Big Elk Creek Campground
Dispersed · 470 ft · Irwin
Blowout Campground
Public Land · 2.7 mi · Alpine Northwest
3 more within 25 mi
Dispersed camping nearby
Free dispersed camping within 19 mi, on public land.
Location and contact
Data from Recreation Information Database (RIDB) / Recreation.gov, Recreation.gov — campground rate cards
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