Helende

7359 Hwy 21
LOWMAN, ID 83637

Overview

Helende Campground is located 10 miles east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,100 feet. The South Fork Payette River lies a few hundred yards away. Visitors enjoy fishing and rafting on the river, soaking at nearby Kirkham Hot Springs and exploring the extensive Kirkham Ridge Trail.

Recreation

The South Fork Payette River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing. The Deadwood and Danskin River Access areas are nearby.

Popular Kirkham Hot Springs is less than 5 miles west of the campground along Highway 21. A trail with staircases leads down to the soaking pools on the riverside.

Kirkham Ridge Trail is one of the Lowman Ranger District's premier trails. It begins near Kirkham Campground and stretches through beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. It is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Sections of the trail are open seasonally to off-road vehicles.

Facilities

The campground contains single-family sites, all of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.

Natural Features

The campground is situated in a dense forest of lodgepole and Ponderosa pine, which offers plentiful shade in most sites. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape. Deer and elk may be seen wandering through the area on occasion.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway and Highway 21, the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. Both byways offer scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks and several trail 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.

Camp site features

Across 10 camp sites:

Pets allowed: 4 of 10 sites
ADA accessible: all 10 sites
Longest RV: 65 ft
Largest party: 16 people
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Fees

There is a $5 fee for vehicles entering the campground for day use.

Directions

From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 to Banks. Turn east and travel on Forest Highway 24/Banks-Lowman Highway to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21. Campground is located at milepost 82.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

50 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

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1 stars

Timothy R

Loop:Hele

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great quiet place.

Aida P

Loop:Hele

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great Location!! Within walking distance from the water, Sandy, Beachy areas for the kiddos, GORGEOUS CAMPGROUND, Will definitely return again, Hosts were AWESOME! We got a double site was a little smaller but we made it work. Not a lot of shade but we managed. Would definitely go back!

Kendra C

Loop:Hele

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

The campsite was perfect for a group - it was flat so it was easy to see the kiddos running between multiple sites. It was quiet, small, and the bathrooms were clean! The river was a short walk away which was very appreciated in the hot days. There’s a lot of loose dirt, all around the sites and pathways, so expect to need to wash everything down and take 3 showers when you get home to feel clean. All in all, a good site.

Patrick R

Loop:Hele

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Having camp hosts was great. Restrooms were cleaned and stocked. It was a quiet week and no incidents or issues.

Julie Q

Loop:Hele

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

We had a great weekend at Helende. We are so grateful for Richard and Andrea, the camp hosts. They came to our rescue when we had an issue with our trailer. They are awesome hosts and we hope they will be there again next year.

Kim E

Loop:Hele

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Great Campground. Great campground host. Great fishing in the area. I'm there many times a year. ENJOY OUTDOORS!

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve