Is Hot Springs first-come first-served or reservation?

Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs before I book?

Yes! Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs?

Hot Springs is open May 22 to September 06. 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 Hot Springs?

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

Can I have a campfire at Hot Springs?

Fire policies at Hot Springs: 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.

How many campsites does Hot Springs have?

Hot Springs has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hot Springs?

Pets are not allowed at Hot Springs. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Hot Springs?

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

What activities can I do at Hot Springs?

Popular activities at Hot Springs include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hot Springs

4 reviews

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

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,169 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,169 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Hot Springs

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$106.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-351-1182

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Hot Springs

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

Nearby places

Boise, Idaho: 52 miles (approximately 1 hour drive)

Banks, Idaho: 17 miles (approximately 20 minutes drive)

Emmett, Idaho: 58 miles (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes drive).

Weather at Hot Springs

Current alerts(7)

A fee will be collected for extra vehicles at the campground
A maximum of 25 vehicles are allowed on Group Sites 1 and 2; 10 vehicles are allowed in Site 3
Additional single-family sites are available on a first come, first served basis
Check-in Time is 2:00pm and Check-out time is 12:00pm

Best Time to Camp at Hot Springs

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, dry weather (daytime highs commonly in the upper 70s to low 90s°F, nights dropping into the 40s–50s) and full access to the campground (open May 23–Sept 6). River recreation — whitewater boating, fishing, and swimming — is at its peak, wildflower displays are vivid, and the hot springs are especially pleasant after a long day on the water. Expect the busiest crowds on holiday weekends and take note of occasional fire restrictions or high river flows. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Campground open late May–early Sept; summer is best season with rafting and hot springs activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates from May 23 to September 6 during its peak season.

About Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a very small seasonal campground in Boise National Forest near Garden Valley, operated by the Emmett Ranger District. The main draw is a natural hot springs soaking pool, ideal for unwinding after a day of fishing or boating on the nearby river. Open from late May through early September, the campground offers basic amenities and a quiet, uncrowded atmosphere in the Idaho foothills.

Hot Springs Campground offers group camping exclusively across its three group sites. No individual or family-specific camping options are detailed.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, dry weather (daytime highs commonly in the upper 70s to low 90s°F, nights dropping into the 40s–50s) and full access to the campground (open May 23–Sept 6). River recreation — whitewater boating, fishing, and swimming — is at its peak, wildflower displays are vivid, and the hot springs are especially pleasant after a long day on the water. Expect the busiest crowds on holiday weekends and take note of occasional fire restrictions or high river flows. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3169 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines shade the hillside sites at 3,169 feet elevation. The South Fork Payette River carves through a canyon below, providing constant water noise that competes with road sounds from the nearby highway. Summer wildflowers appear in the understory, though the specific species and timing vary by year and moisture. The hot springs pool sits across the road from the campsites, fed by geothermal water that stays warm year-round.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information on additional lodging or accommodations is provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 200 people at group sites.

Groups

Group Sites 1 and 2 accommodate up to 200 people and allow a maximum of 25 vehicles each. Site 3 accommodates up to 50 people with a maximum of 10 vehicles. A fee is collected for extra people or vehicles that exceed these limits.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, phone, or various in-person methods.

AccessibilityThe campground contains three accessible group sites, but no additional details about accessibility features or compliance with specific accessibility standards are provided.

Site SizeGroup Sites 1 and 2 can accommodate up to 200 people each, while Site 3 accommodates up to 50 people.

PrivacyThe campground is located near a highway, and the proximity to the road may reduce privacy due to traffic noise. No additional information about the seclusion of individual sites is available.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 3 is suitable for smaller groups given its capacity of up to 50 people.

Best CampsitesSites 1 and 2 handle up to 200 people each and work for larger reunions or club outings. Site 3 maxes out at 50 people, which some groups prefer for easier coordination. Reviews don't mention specific site advantages beyond capacity.

Need help booking Hot Springs?

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

Check-in Time is 2:00pm and Check-out time is 12:00pm A maximum of 25 vehicles are allowed on Group Sites 1 and 2; 10 vehicles are allowed in Site 3

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Hot Springs

The Hot Springs Campground provides opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing on the South Fork Payette River, located across the road from the campground. A natural hot spring soaking pool is also accessible directly across the road via a staircase. Wildlife viewing and nearby hiking opportunities add to the recreational options. Guided whitewater trips are available through local companies.

Swimming4.0/5Top 15% in Idaho

Natural hot springs soaking pool is the main draw; good for soaking though not a designated swim area.

Boating3.5/5

Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular on the nearby South Fork Payette River; no launch details.

Water Sports3.5/5

Whitewater kayaking on South Fork Payette River is noted; campground is adjacent to river access areas.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing available on the South Fork Payette River across the road; no species or access details provided.

Winter Activities

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Policies & Safety

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Hot Springs has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of the Hot Springs Campground are mixed, with some users praising the relaxing hot springs and partial seclusion, while others criticize the facilities and management. Common sentiments include enjoyment of the natural hot springs and dissatisfaction with the group site sizes and management communication.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the natural hot springs soaking pool as a relaxing and refreshing feature. One user remarked, 'This bifar is the most relaxing place! Whether it's 10 minutes or an hour,...

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes complaints about the group site sizes not meeting expectations, with one user stating, 'Space was extremely misrepresented. It’s not nearly big enough for 5 RVs.' Poor...

Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group Site 3 (GRP3) has been specifically criticized for space issues, with one reviewer stating it was 'not big enough for 5 RVs.'

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend including the hot springs on your to-do list, as highlighted in one review: 'Definitely recommend this in your to-do list of places to go and there's campsites straight across the...

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground appears to be less crowded during September based on user reviews. General sentiment indicates that summer months may be busy due to the peak season for rafting and hot springs...

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

'This bifar is the most relaxing place! Whether it's 10 minutes or an hour, you are refreshed when you leave.' - Patricia Sullivan. 'The pool is big enough for 5-7 people and it’s not too shallow. It...

Based on 4 reviews