Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)

Star3.92
11 reviews
EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1857 HIGHWAY 16, SUITE A, EMMETT, ID, 83617, USA

Quick Facts

3,878 ft

Price

$120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season begins o...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)
$120.00 - $120.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The group standard non-electric sites are charged $120 per night during peak season. Fees do not include reservation service fees, taxes, or...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$120.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
541-351-1182
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What Campers Say

3.92

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadelocationwater

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight some environmental concerns and proximity-related issues. Noise from the nearby highway is a frequent complaint, and one camper reported a significant caterpillar infestation during their visit. Another camper mentioned the presence of bears and the lack of response from camp hosts and forest service staff."

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Campground Map

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

Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)

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

Driving directionsCold Springs Campground is located in southwestern Idaho, 41.5 miles north of Boise. Take State Highway 55 north to Banks (35 miles). Proceed north on Highway 55 (6.5 miles) to campground on westside of highway. Watch for recreation signs.
The campground is accessible directly off State Highway 55, with paved roads leading up to the site. Noise from passing traffic is common due to the proximity to the highway.
Nearby places
Boise (41.5 miles, approximately 50 minutes), Banks (6.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel are available in Emmett, Idaho, which is 41.5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)

Summer transforms Cold Springs into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures climb to a comfortable 80-90°F, perfect for splashing in the river or lounging in the shade. As evening falls, the mountain air brings refreshing coolness that makes for ideal sleeping weather under canvas. When winter arrives, the landscape takes on a quieter beauty as temperatures plunge and delicate snowflakes occasionally dust the pines, creating a serene wonderland that's best admired by the hardy few who venture here during the off-season.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sept with warm 80–90°F days ideal for river activities; August caterpillar noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through Sep 6; short fall window with fewer peak-season activities available.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Official open season begins May 23; spring use is generally not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed or not reservable Nov–May 22; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 to September 6.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season begins on May 23 and ends on September 6 for peak periods. No reservations are available from September 1 to May 22 during the off-season.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were officially listed, but user reviews indicate wildlife concerns like bears and caterpillars.

About Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)

Nestled alongside the rushing waters of the North Fork Payette River, Cold Springs Campground offers an intimate group camping experience where the sounds of the river blend with the whispers of towering pines. This cozy retreat along Idaho's scenic Highway 55 serves as your gateway to endless river adventures, from lazy afternoon floats to exhilarating whitewater runs. While the nearby highway provides convenient access to this riverside haven, it also adds its own symphony to the natural soundtrack. Each of the five spacious group sites comes equipped with sturdy vault toilets, welcoming picnic tables perfect for gathering around hearty meals, and fire rings where stories and s'mores are shared under star-filled skies.
Cold Springs Campground is primarily focused on group camping, with five sites available for reservation. The campground lacks modern amenities like electricity or water hookups but provides a scenic and forested environment for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit, available year-round.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is located near the North Fork of the Payette River, offering activities such as kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fishing. Anglers can fish for whitefish and rainbow trout, and the scenic canyon setting provides excellent opportunities for relaxation and water sports.
FishingFishing is highly encouraged, with whitefish and rainbow trout as the primary catches. The area's reputation for good to excellent fishing makes it a popular spot for anglers.
BoatingBoating activities such as rafting and kayaking are popular due to the campground's proximity to the Payette River. There is easy access to boat and kayak launch areas.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention the presence of poisonous caterpillars during August 2019 and bears in the area. Campers should exercise caution and ensure proper food storage.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were officially listed, but user reviews indicate wildlife concerns like bears and caterpillars.

Weather at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)

Reviews

3.9
11 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight some environmental concerns and proximity-related issues. Noise from the nearby highway is a frequent complaint, and one camper reported a significant caterpillar infestation during their visit. Another camper mentioned the presence of bears and the lack of response from camp hosts and forest service staff.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground offers a beautiful location near the North Fork of the Payette River, which is ideal for water sports like kayaking and fishing. Shade from the mix of ponderosa and lodgepole pines is...
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Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise from Highway 55, seasonal caterpillar infestations, and concerns about wildlife management, particularly bears. One review noted that the camp hosts and forest service staff...
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Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be prepared for potential traffic noise and seasonal issues such as caterpillars. It is recommended to check for wildlife activity and precautions before arrival. Bringing earplugs...
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Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with warm days and cooler nights. However, August saw a notable caterpillar infestation in one reviewer's experience. Wildlife activity, including bears, may vary by season.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Poisonous caterpillars would literally be EVERYWHERE!! They were covering the bathroom doors, inside the bathroom, all over the water pump, and falling out of trees." - Jennifer F. "There were...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews about group site GS01 noted issues with wildlife management (bears).
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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