Elk Summit Campground offers horseback riders and adventurers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Idaho's rugged wilderness. Located just 24 miles south of Highway 12, this remote campground provides the perfect starting point for exploring the 1.34 million-acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Featuring 15 campsites, this stock-friendly campground is equipped with hitching rails, water for your stock, and stunning scenery all around.
Ideal for Equestrian Enthusiasts
Equestrians will find Elk Summit Campground particularly accommodating. Hitching rails are available at many of the campsites, and non-potable water for stock is easily accessible. The campground’s proximity to Hoodoo Lake makes it a wonderful destination for both short and long rides, with the serenity of alpine lakes and remote mountain peaks just a ride away. The stock facilities are designed to provide convenience while allowing you and your horse to enjoy a true wilderness experience.
Access to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
As a gateway to one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States, Elk Summit Campground is ideal for riders looking to explore some of the wildest country Idaho has to offer. Whether it's a leisurely day trip or a multi-day trek, the endless alpine trails provide awe-inspiring views and pristine natural beauty. With no motorized vehicles allowed, horseback riding is one of the best ways to traverse this untouched land.
A Rustic and Scenic Camping Experience
The campground is intentionally rustic, providing the essentials for both equestrian and non-equestrian campers. While there is no potable water on-site, the campground offers non-potable water for stock animals and the simplicity of basic amenities to enhance your wilderness experience. This minimalistic approach helps preserve the raw beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Plan Your Adventure
Elk Summit Campground is the perfect destination for equestrian campers seeking to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of Idaho’s wilderness. With easy access to Hoodoo Lake, proximity to stunning mountain trails, and ample stock facilities, it’s a must-visit location for riders who want to explore one of the nation’s largest and most remote wilderness areas.
Facilities and Amenities at Elk Summit Campground
- Equestrian trails
- 15 campsites
- Stock facilities
- Vault toilets
- Hitching Rails
- Water for stock
Cost Details:
- Free to use.
Campground Camping
This campground offers 15 campsites as well as stock facilities. Stock is allowed in loops A & B; water tanks are provided and can be filled with the non-potable water available at the campground. This campground usually opens later than other Lochsa/Highway 12 Corridor campgrounds; snow usually melts in late June or early July.
Restrictions:
- This is a rugged, wild country with no cell phone service.
- There is a 14-day limit on camping or storing equipment and supplies at a site.
- A site is defined as any location and the surrounding five-mile area.
- Travel is permitted only by foot or by stock.
- Group size is restricted to 20 people and 20 heads of stock.
- Use of wheeled vehicles and motorized equipment is prohibited.
- Toilets are not available from October to May.
Notes:
- Non-potable water is available for stock animals only.
- July - When snow dictates stock allowed in Loops A and B. No stock is allowed in Loop C on Hoodoo Lake.
- Snow is not plowed in winter. No garbage services are available. Pack It In, Pack It Out. When entering wilderness areas, there are special guidelines defined by Congress that visitors must follow.
- Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- During open season, visitors can get information from volunteers stationed at the nearby Forest Service guard station.
- Contact Details: Lochsa-Powell Ranger District, 208-942-3113
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness - Stanley Hot Springs
Bitterroot National Forest - Tin Cup Creek Trail
Bitterroot National Forest - Blodgett Canyon
Bitterroot National Forest - Coyote Coulee
Elk Summit Campground does not require reservations for overnight accommodations. For more information, please visit their page on Top Horse Trails - Elk Summit Campground.