How much does camping cost at Penny Springs Campground?

Camping fees at Penny Springs Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Penny Springs Campground before I book?

Yes! Penny Springs Campground has 1 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 Penny Springs Campground?

Penny Springs Campground is open null. 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 Penny Springs Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Penny Springs Campground?

Fire policies at Penny Springs Campground: No specific fire policies are noted beyond the presence of fire rings and grills.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Penny Springs Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Penny Springs Campground. 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 Penny Springs Campground?

Penny Springs Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Penny Springs Campground?

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

Penny Springs Campground

Q: Is Penny Springs Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Penny Springs Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Based on user reviews, the campground is small and reportedly often not crowded, but no official information on walk-up availability is provided.

3.67

15 reviews

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Featured in:Hiking Camping Idaho

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Penny Springs Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No information about fees is provided in the authoritative sources or reviews.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Penny Springs Campground

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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.

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.

Weather at Penny Springs Campground

Best Time to Camp at Penny Springs Campground

Mid-May through mid-September is the operational window. Summer days hit 65–80°F with nights dropping to the 40s–50s. Late July through August is huckleberry season. July and August weekends see the most visitors. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly. Winter snow closes the campground but transforms the area for those willing to access it.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid-May–mid-Sept; summer temps 65–80°F; wildflower and huckleberry seasons in late July.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates mid-May through mid-September.

About Penny Springs Campground

Penny Springs Campground sits at 4,987 feet in the Warm Lake region of Boise National Forest, offering a quiet alternative to busier lakeside camps. The campground has fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets but no potable water. It's open mid-May through mid-September and sees peak crowds on July and August weekends, though weekdays stay relatively peaceful.

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.

Weather and SeasonsMid-May through mid-September is the operational window. Summer days hit 65–80°F with nights dropping to the 40s–50s. Late July through August is huckleberry season. July and August weekends see the most visitors. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly. Winter snow closes the campground but transforms the area for those willing to access it.

ElevationNestled at a comfortable mountain elevation where the air is crisp and clean, Penny Springs offers that perfect sweet spot where pine forests thrive and summer temperatures remain pleasantly cool even on the warmest afternoons.

Natural Features and SceneryPine forest dominates the landscape, with mountain streams running through the area. Late summer brings huckleberries and wildflowers including lupine, Indian paintbrush, and mountain asters. Warm Lake sits nearby for fishing and water access. The forest shows evidence of fire history and regeneration typical of Northern Rockies ecosystems. Wildlife is active here: deer and elk appear in clearings, and squirrels are aggressive enough that campers need to secure food and gear.

Geological RegionPenny Springs sits proudly within the vast expanse of Boise National Forest, in the cherished Warm Lake region that locals have loved for generations. This corner of Idaho showcases the best of the Northern Rockies ecosystem—where volcanic geology meets glacial carving, creating a landscape of gentle ridges, pristine streams, and fertile valleys. The pine-dominated forest tells the story of fire and regeneration, while the seasonal explosion of huckleberries and wildflowers demonstrates nature's incredible resilience and abundance in this protected mountain sanctuary.

Scenic ViewsNo specific description of views is provided, but the surrounding pine forests and proximity to Warm Lake suggest natural scenic vistas.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations beyond campsites are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted.

Best Campsites

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Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites have fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. The road in is dusty. Reviews note good spacing between sites but don't describe loop structure or terrain details.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityBased on user reviews, the campground is small and reportedly often not crowded, but no official information on walk-up availability is provided.

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeThe campsites are described as having plenty of room by a user, but no specific measurements are provided.

PrivacyThe campground is noted for being quiet and away from summer crowds, but no detailed description of site privacy is available.

Recommended SitesUser reviews recommend securing food due to wildlife and avoiding steep trails unless adequately prepared.

Best CampsitesReviews mention sites have plenty of room but don't call out specific numbers. The campground stays quieter than others in the Warm Lake area, especially on weekdays.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies are noted beyond the presence of fire rings and grills.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely in Cascade, Idaho (~28 miles away), where police, hospitals, and basic services are typically accessible.

Water FeaturesProximity to Warm Lake and nearby streams is highlighted for recreational activities such as fishing.

Camp HostThe Forest Service is noted for cleaning facilities, but no specific host information is provided.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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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

3.7

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Penny Springs Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers and hikers who don't mind hauling in all their water will find this a solid base: Dollar Creek Ridge trails leave from nearby trailheads, huckleberries ripen in late July, and weekday sites stay genuinely quiet even in peak summer.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is a real planning constraint, the dusty access road draws drive-through traffic that uses the vault toilets, and July/August weekends bring the kind of crowd noise that a few reviews flag as a problem.

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South Fork Salmon River Campground

South Fork Salmon River Campground, Cascade, Idaho

South Fork Salmon River Campground sits at 5,400 feet in Boise National Forest, offering 11 first-come, first-served sites along the river. The small size keeps crowds manageable on weekdays, though holiday weekends fill up fast. Sites run $15 per night and can handle RVs up to 30 feet. Traffic noise from Warm Lake Road carries through camp, but most visitors find the river access and wildlife viewing worth the tradeoff.

Penny Springs Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Penny Springs Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Penny Springs Campground

Best Time to Camp at Penny Springs Campground

Planning Tips

About Penny Springs Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Penny Springs Campground

Best Time to Camp at Penny Springs Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews