How much does camping cost at Kirkham?

Camping fees at Kirkham are $5 - $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kirkham first-come first-served or reservation?

Kirkham 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 Kirkham before I book?

Yes! Kirkham has 4 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 Kirkham?

Kirkham is open Peak season from May 21 to September 30. Reservations start June 24.. 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 Kirkham?

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

How many campsites does Kirkham have?

Kirkham has 33 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kirkham?

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

What amenities are available at Kirkham?

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

What activities can I do at Kirkham?

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

Kirkham

Q: Can I have a campfire at Kirkham?

Fire policies at Kirkham: 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.

4.02

67 reviews

7359 Hwy 21, LOWMAN, ID, 83637, USA

Top 25% in IDFall

C-Report Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Peak season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Lowman Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Peak season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Lowman Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Kirkham

$5.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

PICNIC: $5.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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208-259-3361

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7359 Hwy 21, LOWMAN, ID, 83637, USA

Kirkham

7359 Hwy 21, LOWMAN, ID, 83637, USA

Nearby places

Boise (58 miles, approximately 1.5-2 hours drive), Banks (approx. 30 miles), Garden Valley (approx. 25 miles).

Weather at Kirkham

Current alerts(8)

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 Kirkham

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild weather, low crowds, and excellent river- and hot-spring experiences — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-70s°F with crisp nights often dipping into the 30s°F. River flows have dropped from spring runoff, making fishing, mellow boating, and hot-spring soaking especially pleasant, while cottonwoods and riparian vegetation provide seasonal color. Crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day, so you’ll get easier access to the famous Kirkham Hot S Peak months: September, October, May, June

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 7% in ID

Strong positive review signal for spring; many reviewers praise hot-spring visits in spring.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Peak season from May 21 to September 30. Reservations start June 24.

About Kirkham

Kirkham sits along the South Fork Payette River in Boise National Forest, operated by the Lowman Ranger District. This mid-sized campground draws visitors for its proximity to natural hot springs, river access, and trail connections. The setting combines riverside camping with opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and soaking in thermal waterfalls.

Kirkham Campground offers a combination of tent and RV camping options. Campsites include single-family and one double site. Amenities cater to a range of campers seeking both relaxation and adventure near natural hot springs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild weather, low crowds, and excellent river- and hot-spring experiences — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-70s°F with crisp nights often dipping into the 30s°F. River flows have dropped from spring runoff, making fishing, mellow boating, and hot-spring soaking especially pleasant, while cottonwoods and riparian vegetation provide seasonal color. Crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day, so you’ll get easier access to the famous Kirkham Hot S Peak months: September, October, May, June

Elevation4000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe South Fork Payette River carved this valley through rugged terrain over millennia, and underground thermal activity still sends hot water bubbling to the surface. Steam rises from pools where geothermal springs meet cold river water, creating waterfalls of varying temperatures along the rocky shoreline. Ponderosa pines dot the landscape but don't provide much shade. The terrain is open and sunny, with canyon walls rising on both sides. Sharp rocks dominate the riverbed and hot spring areas, so water shoes aren't optional. Spring brings wildflowers to the riparian zones, and in fall, cottonwoods add seasonal color along the water.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo formal lodging options, such as cabins or lodges, are described for this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned as part of the campground's offerings.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14-night stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum two vehicles per site
guest limits unspecified.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are described, though a double site is available, accommodating larger groups.

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 at Recreation.gov or through the contact center.

AccessibilityAll campsites are accessible, including the double site. The campground also provides paved roads and parking spurs, which enhance accessibility.

Site SizeCampsites are standard-sized and include amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings. One double site is available to accommodate larger groups.

PrivacyThe privacy level at campsites is limited due to the lack of significant vegetation. "There needs to be more vegetation around the camp sites," noted one user. The campground is described as open and sunny with minimal shade from scattered Ponderosa pines.

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesWear water shoes when accessing hot springs. Sites further from the main road may provide privacy.

Need help booking Kirkham?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Kirkham Campground offers several amenities suited for a variety of campers. Facilities include picnic tables and fire rings with grills at campsites, some of which also feature small picnic shelters. Vault toilets are available and drinking water is provided. Trash collection services are present, and roads and parking spurs are paved. A campground host is on-site during the camping season, ensuring the maintenance of amenities. There is a small gas station/cafe and mechanic nearby for convenience. "Vault toilets were clean," noted one reviewer, although some other users commented that bathrooms were neglected and smelled bad at times. Reviews emphasize the need for campers to use on-site amenities responsibly as overcrowding and misuse have reportedly impacted cleanliness.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Kirkham

Kirkham Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, making it a popular destination. The star attraction is the Kirkham Hot Springs, located along the South Fork Payette River, accessible via a trail with staircases. Activities include hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the Kirkham Ridge Trail, which connects to other trails over a span of 35 miles. Seasonal whitewater rafting and kayaking are available on the river, and there are opportunities for trout fishing. "Soaking in natural hot springs with waterfalls is the highlight," wrote one camper. Wildlife viewing is also popular, with elk sightings noted by visitors. Nearby attractions, such as additional natural hot springs along Highway 21 and scenic byways, add to the allure.

Hiking4.0/5

Kirkham Ridge Trail <1/4 mile away with ~35 miles of scenic trails.

Swimming4.0/5Top 15% in Idaho

Hot springs and river wading are the site's star attractions and are consistently praised.

Fishing3.0/5

Biking3.0/5

Kirkham Ridge Trail accommodates mountain biking across scenic terrain.

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Wildlife viewing noted; elk observed in the area, especially in winter.

Water Sports3.0/5

River supports kayaking/seasonal whitewater; local outfitters offer runs.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Steaming pools, waterfalls, river and ridgelines provide compelling photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not mentioned in either official information or user reviews. Vault toilets are the primary sanitary facilities provided.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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 services are provided on-site. However, reviews frequently mention the need for better maintenance, particularly during peak times, with some users finding litter scattered around the campground.

Cell CoverageThere is no cell service at Kirkham Campground as per multiple user reviews. Campers are advised to plan their trips and routes beforehand.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

67 reviews

Satisfactory

Kirkham is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Kirkham Campground has mixed reviews from visitors. The hot springs are consistently praised as the main attraction. Visitors enjoy the unique natural features, such as waterfalls and steaming pools. However, issues like overcrowding, parking limitations, and cleanliness concerns are recurring themes in reviews. Some users also noted poor management during busy seasons.

Review Summaries

Based on 67 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback centers around the natural beauty and recreational activities. "The hot springs are magical," noted one review. The proximity to the river, scenic trails, and tranquil setting are...

Based on 67 reviews

Common Concerns

Overcrowding is a major concern, especially during peak times. Multiple users mentioned "dirty bathrooms" and litter issues. Limited parking was another frustration. "Bathrooms were filled with...

Based on 67 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific complaints focus on poor maintenance during busy holidays. For example, one visitor had issues with their reserved campsite being double-booked. Another noted the lack of vegetation at...

Based on 67 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend arriving early or during off-peak hours to enjoy the hot springs in peace. "Weekdays are the best time to go," noted one user. Water shoes are highly recommended due to sharp,...

Based on 67 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits are recommended for those who prefer fewer crowds and enjoy soaking in hot springs during colder weather. Summers can be "very hot and sunny," with minimal shade at campsites. Fall...

Based on 67 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Soaking in natural hot springs with waterfalls is the highlight." 2. "Bathrooms were super dirty, with trash everywhere." 3. "The campground is open and sunny with minimal shade." 4. "Arrive...

Based on 67 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews from users with disabilities were found, but the campground's paved roads and accessible sites suggest some accommodations for visitors with mobility challenges.

Based on 67 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not explicitly mentioned in the official details, but some user reviews noted pet restrictions, such as "dogs are not allowed," although enforcement was inconsistent.

Based on 67 reviews

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Kirkham

$5.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

PICNIC: $5.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-259-3361

Go if

You want budget-friendly river access with hot springs and don't mind sharing the experience during busy periods.

Skip if

You need shade cover or prefer solitude over popular natural attractions.

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Campgrounds

Boise National Forest

Kirkham

C-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 2% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 41 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B+.Scenery
Grade B+.Value
Grade B.Things to do

Watch-outs

Grade F.Crowds & noise
Grade F.Cleanliness
Grade F.Staff & hosts

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Idaho grades overall