Hot Springs

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1857 HIGHWAY 16, SUITE A
EMMETT, ID 83617

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.

Camp site features

Across 3 camp sites:

ADA accessible: all 3 sites
Group sites: all 3 sites
Longest RV: 99 ft
Largest party: 200 people

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

Directions

From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 north 35 miles to Banks. Turn east onto the Banks-Lowman Highway and go 17 miles to the campground, which is on the lefthand side of the highway.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

4 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

1 stars

Scott C

Loop:Grp3

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

The campsite is nice and well taken care of. The camp host does a good job keeping everything clean and working. We've used the camp many times in the past and it's always been positive.

Carl W

Loop:Hot

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

We had a good time

Katherine S

Loop:Grp2

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Well cared for. Rules are easy to understand. Hot springs are nearby.

Annette B

Loop:Grp3

Site:

Reviewed 4 years ago

Space was extremely misrepresented. It’s not nearly big enough for 5 RV’s. Camp hosts were nice, but told me that since I made the reservation I was responsible for making sure everyone follows the rules. Leash tickets for the group would be mine even though I didn’t even have a dog. So I’m supposed to play hall monitor to my friends just because I made the reservation? Left after one day, but cannot connect with the “manager” to get a refund. He gave unclear instructions on how to request a refund. I reached out for additional help, but we’ve been playing phone tag and I’ve requested he text me the email address. Does not respond with text- will only returns my calls when I am unavailable. It’s the 21st century and he calls from an i-phone- texting an email address is a reasonable request which should be easy to do. Would not recommend this campground or any campground under this management.

Availability

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

Reserve