USDA Forest Service · Idaho
Hot Springs
USDA Forest Service · Idaho, United States
- Sites
- 3
- Hookups
- 3 no hookups
- Season
- May 21 to September 5
- Max RV length
- 99 ft
- Group sites
- Yes
- Elevation
- 3,350 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- AT&T weak · Verizon weak · T-Mobile none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- DISPERSED SPUR 382F (NFSR 382F) · native material · high clearance vehicles
- Lake
- Boise National Forest
- Nearest town
- EMMETT
- Address
- EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, EMMETT, ID, 83617
- Phone
- 541-351-1182
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Fishing
3 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Hot Springs Campground is located just east of Garden Valley, Idaho along the Banks-Lowman Highway at an elevation of 3169 feet.
Visitors enjoy rafting, kayaking, fishing on the South Fork Payette River, and soaking in the hot springs at the river's edge.
Recreation
The South Fork Payette River is across the road from the campground, offering fishing, whitewater rafting, and kayaking.
A natural hot springs soaking pool is located on the river directly across the road and down a staircase.
Facilities
The campground contains three accessible group sites with picnic and serving tables, grills and campfire circles with benches. Sites 1 and 2 can accommodate up to 200 people each; Site 3 can accommodate up to 50 people.
Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Because of its proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected.
Natural Features
The campground is situated at the foot of a forested hillside. Towering Ponderosa pines are scattered throughout the site, offering partial shade. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway. The area offers scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks, and several hiking opportunities.
Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the South Fork and Main Payette Rivers. Several companies in the area offer guided half and full-day trips.
Fees
Group Site 1 & 2 (up to 200 people) are:1-100people = $106.48 and 101-200 people= $212.96
Group Site 3 (Up to 50 people)is: $106.48
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37° | 19° | -3° | 49° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 39° | 24° | -3° | 49° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 45° | 30° | 14° | 69° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 50° | 31° | 20° | 72° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 64° | 40° | 30° | 82° | 1 of 11 |
| June | 75° | 49° | 36° | 91° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 90° | 58° | 44° | 100° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 89° | 58° | 48° | 99° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 76° | 48° | 40° | 90° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 61° | 37° | 12° | 80° | 4 of 10 |
| November | 50° | 30° | 1° | 67° | 9 of 10 |
| December | 38° | 18° | -3° | 53° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Hot Springs · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi
- Hot Springs Campground · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi
- Tie Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 10 mi
- Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 11 mi · 1 sites
- Pine Flats (Id) · USDA Forest Service · 12 mi · 26 sites
All public campgrounds in Idaho · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-05-13. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.