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

Opens Lowman Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Helende
$12.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $12 to $24 depending on the season and site type. There is also a $5 fee for vehicles entering the campground for day use.
Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-259-3361
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 52 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanshadehiking

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

7359 Hwy 21

Helende

7359 Hwy 21

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Accessible via Highway 21; road is paved and suitable for standard vehicles. Seasonal access could be affected by weather conditions.
Nearby places
Lowman (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Banks (approximately 50 miles, around 1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Lowman (10 miles away) has basic supplies. For more comprehensive options, Banks offers additional amenities (approximately 50 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Helende

At 4,100 feet, Helende delivers the perfect mountain climate where warm days give way to refreshingly cool evenings that invite campfire stories and stargazing. Even in the height of summer, you'll want to pack that extra layer as temperatures drop with the setting sun. The sweet spot for camping stretches from late spring's wildflower blooms through early fall's golden aspens, offering months of ideal conditions for your outdoor adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer: wildflowers, shade and cool nights; popular in peak season and can be busy.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Shoulder-season pleasantness expected (cooler, less crowded); reservations run into early Sept.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open late May; shoulder-season conditions with cool nights and emerging wildflowers later in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Operates May–Sept; winter use not supported by site season info.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 21, 2025 through September 07, 2025.. 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

Tucked away in the heart of Idaho's wilderness, Helende Campground offers a serene escape for those seeking solitude beyond the crowds. Just 10 miles east of Lowman, this hidden gem sits alongside the rushing waters of the South Fork Payette River, where anglers cast lines into crystal-clear pools and rafters navigate exhilarating rapids. A short drive leads to the renowned Kirkham Hot Springs, while the legendary Kirkham Ridge Trail beckons hikers to explore miles of pristine backcountry right from their tent door.
Helende Campground caters to basic camping preferences with options for tent camping and small RVs. Group camping and primitive camping are not highlighted.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe Kirkham Ridge Trail offers extensive hiking opportunities, stretching 35 miles and connecting with other trails. It is open to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with some sections open seasonally to off-road vehicles.
FishingFishing is available in the South Fork Payette River, but some reviews mention that good fishing spots are a hike or drive away from the campground.
BikingMountain biking is allowed on the Kirkham Ridge Trail, which features challenging and scenic routes.
BoatingWhitewater rafting and kayaking are popular on the South Fork and Main Payette Rivers, with guided trips available in the area.
Wildlife viewingDeer and elk can occasionally be seen wandering through the campground. The surrounding forest and byways also offer opportunities for birdwatching and other wildlife encounters.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to Highway 21 may result in noise; chipmunks can steal unattended food items according to reviews ("The chipmunks will rob anything left unattended." - Michael C.).

Weather at Helende

Reviews

4.6
52 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Helende is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 52 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 and 003 are noted as some of the best, offering close proximity to the river and good tree coverage. Site 007 is praised for its overall quality.
Based on 52 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is rated positively for accessible single-family sites and clean facilities.
Based on 52 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is described as dog-friendly. Visitors are advised to keep their pets under control due to wildlife.
Based on 52 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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