Penny Springs Campground

Star4.50
15 reviews
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Quick Facts

4,987 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Cascade Ranger District site

Official Website
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Penny Springs Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No information about fees is provided in the authoritative sources or reviews.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 15 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulspacioussites

Some mention

dusty

"User reviews for Penny Springs Campground are mixed. While some appreciate the quiet and scenic atmosphere, others have concerns about road conditions, wildlife, and behavior of fellow campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Penny Springs Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel approximately 80 miles north on State Highway 55 to Cascade, Idaho. From Cascade, Idaho, travel 1 mile north on State Highway 55 to the Forest Highway 22 (Warm Lake Highway) turnoff. Turn east and travel approximately 23 miles to the intersection of Forest Highway 22 and Forest Service (FS) road 474. Proceed north along FS road 474, approximately 4 miles to Penny Springs Campground.
The road leading to the campground includes deep, fine dusty dirt, which may cause significant dust even at slow driving speeds, as stated by user reviews. Official directions recommend using Forest Highway 22 and FS road 474.
Nearby places
Boise, Idaho: ~80 miles (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes)
Cascade, Idaho: ~1 mile to turn-off then ~27 miles additional travel (approx. 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Cascade, Idaho (~28 miles away) offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Penny Springs Campground

The magic of Penny Springs unfolds from mid-May through mid-September, when warm days and cool mountain nights create ideal camping conditions. Each week brings its own personality—from the fresh greens and rushing streams of late spring to the golden warmth of early fall. While winter blankets the area in deep snow, transforming the landscape into a pristine wonderland, the campground becomes a peaceful sanctuary best suited for those seeking summer and early autumn adventures. Smart campers know to pack layers, as mountain weather can shift from sunshine to afternoon thundershowers in the blink of an eye.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open mid-May to mid-September; summer praised for wildflowers, huckleberries and pleasant nights.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open only until mid-September—early fall usable but campground closes for later fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from mid-May; late spring offers fresh green growth and pleasant camping nights.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside mid-May to mid-September; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates mid-May through mid-September.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Penny Springs Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Idaho's wilderness, Penny Springs Campground offers a perfect blend of solitude and accessibility. Here, beneath a cathedral of towering pines, campers discover a tranquil retreat where time slows down and nature takes center stage. Just a stone's throw from the pristine waters of Warm Lake, this hidden gem invites outdoor enthusiasts to cast a line for native trout, spot deer and elk grazing in meadow clearings, or simply spread a blanket for an afternoon picnic. As summer reaches its peak, the surrounding forest transforms into a forager's paradise, with plump huckleberries dotting the understory and vibrant wildflowers painting the trail edges in spectacular colors.
Penny Springs Campground is a remote site suitable for tent camping and potentially RV camping, as implied by user reviews. No cabins or group camping details are available.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Penny Springs Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Fishing is popular in nearby streams, and the area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and picnicking. The vicinity also supports hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding on designated trails.
HikingHiking trails are available and include the Dollar Creek Ridge (#014) and Dollar Creek Way (#114) trails, accessible from two nearby trailheads. These trails are described as scenic, but specific difficulty levels and lengths are not provided.
FishingFishing opportunities are available in nearby streams. A user also mentioned visiting for fishing annually, suggesting a good experience.
BikingThe area supports biking on designated trails, as indicated by the official Motor Vehicle Use Map.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is noted as an activity, with no specific species or areas mentioned.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews warn of squirrels aggressively seeking food, requiring secure storage. Dusty roads and steep trails to hot springs are noted as challenges.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Penny Springs Campground

Reviews

4.5
15 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Penny Springs Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Penny Springs Campground are mixed. While some appreciate the quiet and scenic atmosphere, others have concerns about road conditions, wildlife, and behavior of fellow campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes the peaceful setting, spacious campsites, and proximity to fishing spots and hot springs.
Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints highlight the dusty access roads, frequent visits to the vault toilets by passersby, and nuisance wildlife such as squirrels. Some users also found other campers' behavior disruptive.
Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips for visitors include securing all belongings to avoid issues with wildlife and bringing a bear canister. One user recommended good shoes for visiting nearby hot springs due to the steep trail.
Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Users mention summer activities like wildflower viewing and huckleberry picking. Another user noted the campground being quiet during their stay, which could vary by season.
Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The squirrels were in attack mode the entire time I was there.' 2. 'The only reason I didn’t give 1 star is because the hot springs nearby are amazing.' 3. 'The Forest Service lady cleaned the...
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Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews are not provided, but general mentions of spacious sites and maintenance are noted.
Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no reviews addressing accessibility.
Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are mentioned, as dogs are required to be on a leash.
Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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