Elk Creek (FR 382) in ID -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Idaho

A 16.5-mile stretch of gravel National Forest road in Clearwater County, ID. The road is open seasonally, May 1 to November 30.

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Palouse Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit.

All 16.5 miles in are maintained for passenger cars. Mostly gravel, with 1.6 miles of dirt. Climbs 3,300 ft over 16.5 miles -- sustained grades near 16%, with pitches to 17%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~140 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 8 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

Partridge Creek runs 0.2 mi off. Elk Butte stands 2,990 ft above the site, 4.4 miles northeast. Night skies measure Bortle 4 -- a rural sky with a glow on the horizon. The nearest town, Orofino, is 21 mi off.