How much does camping cost at Helende?

Camping fees at Helende range from $12-$24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Helende first-come first-served or reservation?

Helende accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Helende before I book?

Yes! Helende has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Helende?

Helende is open May 19 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Helende?

Helende does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Helende have?

Helende has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Helende?

Yes, pets are allowed at Helende. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Helende?

Helende offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Helende?

Popular activities at Helende include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Helende

Q: Can I have a campfire at Helende?

Fire policies at Helende: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.41

52 reviews

7359 Hwy 21

Top 18% in IDSpring

Featured in:Boating Camping Idaho Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho Family-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,100 ft

Price

$12 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 21, 2025 th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Lowman Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,100 ft

Price

$12 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 21, 2025 th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Lowman Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Helende

$12.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-15057: $24.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $12.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-259-3361

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Helende

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

7359 Hwy 21

Helende

7359 Hwy 21

Nearby places

Lowman (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Banks (approximately 50 miles, around 1 hour).

Weather at Helende

Current alerts(6)

Additional sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis
Click here for more information on the Boise National Forest
Day use fee for non-campers is $5
Idaho OHV Safety Message

Best Time to Camp at Helende

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliably warm daytime weather (typically 70–85°F) with cool, comfortable nights (40s–50s), full trail access, and the South Fork Payette running at good flows for rafting and fishing. This is peak season for hiking Kirkham Ridge, swimming or boating on calm river pools, and visiting nearby Kirkham Hot Springs, though July–August brings the highest visitor levels so reservations are wise. Expect active wildlife viewing in early morning/evening and long, sunny Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: wildflowers, hiking, river activities and hot springs; nights can be cool.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 19 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 21, 2025 through September 07, 2025 for reservations; first-come, first-served season extends to September 30, 2025.

About Helende

Helende is a very small campground in Boise National Forest along Highway 21, operated by the Lowman Ranger District. Shaded mid-elevation sites offer access to the South Fork Payette River, Kirkham Hot Springs, and Kirkham Ridge trails. Camp hosts maintain clean facilities, though highway noise and compact site spacing are trade-offs for the riverside location.

Helende Campground caters to basic camping preferences with options for tent camping and small RVs. Group camping and primitive camping are not highlighted.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliably warm daytime weather (typically 70–85°F) with cool, comfortable nights (40s–50s), full trail access, and the South Fork Payette running at good flows for rafting and fishing. This is peak season for hiking Kirkham Ridge, swimming or boating on calm river pools, and visiting nearby Kirkham Hot Springs, though July–August brings the highest visitor levels so reservations are wise. Expect active wildlife viewing in early morning/evening and long, sunny Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole and Ponderosa pines shade the campground at 4,100 feet elevation. The South Fork Payette River runs nearby, with clear pools for fishing and rapids for rafting. Wildflowers bloom across the forest floor in summer. Deer and elk appear at dawn and dusk. The canopy filters sunlight onto the campsites, creating cool spots even on warm days.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or accommodations are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No stated maximum
typical group size allowed.

Groups

No designated group camping sites or details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAll single-family sites are accessible.

Site SizeCampsites are described as having varying sizes. Some reviews mentioned limited accommodation for larger RVs or trailers, with one user stating that 'only one space will accommodate a 30' trailer or 5th wheel.

PrivacyPrivacy is moderate. Some sites are close together, but others are noted for being spacious and quiet.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite 007 praised for quiet atmosphere; Campsites 001 and 003 for views and layout.

Best CampsitesSites 001 and 003 sit close to the river with tree cover. Most sites offer shade, though spacing varies. One site fits a 30-foot trailer or fifth wheel, but the rest work better for smaller rigs and tents.

Need help booking Helende?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Helende Campground offers basic amenities with a focus on accessibility and cleanliness. Facilities include single-family sites, each equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. There are clean vault toilets, a potable water source (although the pump is noted to need maintenance in some reviews), and trash collection. The heavy forest of lodgepole and Ponderosa pines provides ample shade.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of recreational opportunities are available nearby. Activities include fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy the nearby Kirkham Hot Springs and the Kirkham Ridge Trail.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided on-site, contributing to the campground's cleanliness.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception quality is not specifically mentioned in the sources.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

52 reviews

Recommended

Helende is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Helende Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to nature and activities. Many reviewers appreciated the friendly and helpful camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 52 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 52 reviews.

Site 001Loved
Site 001 and 003 are noted as some of the best, offering close proximity to the river and good tree coverage.
Site 007Loved
Site 007 is praised for its overall quality.

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the helpfulness of the camp hosts, and the peaceful and shaded environment. The proximity to the South Fork Payette River, Kirkham Hot...

Based on 52 reviews

Common Concerns

Occasional complaints include the difficulty of using the water pump, the lack of river access directly from the campground, noise from the nearby Highway 21, and issues with campsite reservation...

Based on 52 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing all necessary supplies due to the limited amenities. It's also suggested to secure food items to avoid visits from chipmunks. Visiting Kirkham Hot Springs is highly...

Based on 52 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the wildflowers and shade but note that it can get cold at night even in July. Many users found it crowded during peak seasons.

Based on 52 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice, clean campground. Within walking distance of the river and just a short drive away from some hot springs." - Michael Copenhaver "Lots of space and super clean bathrooms. So so quiet." - Kim...

Based on 52 reviews