How much does camping cost at Challis Hot Springs?

Camping fees at Challis Hot Springs range from $10-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Challis 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.

What is the best time to visit Challis Hot Springs?

Challis Hot Springs is open Peak season appears to align with summer months when weather conditions are favorable.. 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 Challis Hot Springs?

Yes, Challis Hot Springs has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Challis Hot Springs?

Cell phone service at Challis Hot Springs is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Challis Hot Springs have?

Challis Hot Springs has 58 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Challis Hot Springs?

Yes, pets are allowed at Challis Hot Springs. 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 Challis Hot Springs?

Challis Hot Springs offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Challis Hot Springs?

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

Challis Hot Springs

4.43

194 reviews

5025 Hot Springs Rd, Challis, Idaho, 83226-4971, United States

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,898 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

58 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Partial HookupsPull-ThroughUp to 40 ftShowersWiFi

Book on Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation (GetOutside Idaho)Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Challis Hot Springs is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,898 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

58 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Partial HookupsPull-ThroughUp to 40 ftShowersWiFi

Book on Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation (GetOutside Idaho)Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Challis Hot Springs

$10.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$10 entry fee reported for the hot springs pools; campsite fees and exact nightly rates not specified. Reported onsite amenities include water,...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$40.00

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

4.43

Recommended

Based on 194 reviews

489 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanstafffriendlysites

Some mention

cell service

"Overall highly rated for its hot springs, riverfront setting, well‑kept grounds, and friendly staff. Reviewers frequently praise the pools and wildlife sightings; minor complaints include marginal cell service and occasional bugs near the water."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5025 Hot Springs Rd, Challis, Idaho, 83226-4971, United States

Challis Hot Springs

5025 Hot Springs Rd, Challis, Idaho, 83226-4971, United States

Nearby places

Challis — ~5 miles

Nearby supplies

Fuel, grocery stores, and camping supplies are available within 10 miles in Challis.

Best Time to Camp at Challis Hot Springs

Fall delivers the best conditions: daytime temperatures of 45–70°F, nights in the 30s–40s, and vivid autumn color against red mountain slopes. The hot springs feel especially rewarding when the air turns crisp. Crowds thin after summer, making trail parking easier and pool time more peaceful. Summer brings the heaviest use, with warm days ideal for alternating between the river and the pools. Winter soaking is possible but availability varies. Contact the campground directly if you're planning a snow-season soak.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 8% in ID

Fall described as best conditions: vivid color, cooler air and quieter stays.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season appears to align with summer months when weather conditions are favorable.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Challis Hot Springs operates year-round with specific seasonal adjustments such as reduced pool hours or RV water shutdowns due to freezing temperatures.
Current Alerts: No current alerts or closures are specified.

About Challis Hot Springs

Challis Hot Springs sits on the Salmon River at 4,898 feet, offering 58 sites (tent and RV) and thermal pools that run 105–115°F. The campground blends naturally heated water with cool river flow, creating pools perfect for soaking after a day of fishing or hiking. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep scale the cliffs above the property, and mature trees shade grassy sites along the riverbank. Sites run $10–40 per night.

Campground offers irrigated grass sites along the Salmon River suitable for both tent camping and RVs; hot springs pools are a primary attraction and a bed & breakfast is noted on-site.

Historical Significance

A pioneer reportedly discovered the springs in the 1880s. The same family lineage has operated the property since then.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: daytime temperatures of 45–70°F, nights in the 30s–40s, and vivid autumn color against red mountain slopes. The hot springs feel especially rewarding when the air turns crisp. Crowds thin after summer, making trail parking easier and pool time more peaceful. Summer brings the heaviest use, with warm days ideal for alternating between the river and the pools. Winter soaking is possible but availability varies. Contact the campground directly if you're planning a snow-season soak.

ElevationPerched at a comfortable elevation that welcomes visitors throughout the changing seasons, the campground offers the perfect balance of mountain majesty without the challenges of extreme altitude. This moderate positioning ensures easy access year-round while still delivering those crisp mountain mornings and star-filled nights that make Idaho camping unforgettable.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Salmon River flows directly past the campground, bordered by towering cliffs where bighorn sheep and mountain goats navigate rocky ledges. Mature trees shade irrigated grass sites, and the property's geothermal springs feed large soaking pools cooled to comfortable temperatures with river water. The setting contrasts lush riparian growth with high-desert terrain. Tent sites near the river offer the most seclusion, while some RV spots sit tightly packed with less privacy. Expect wildlife sightings. Reviewers frequently report bighorn sheep on the cliffs and other animals drawn to the water corridor.

Geological RegionSalmon River corridor with cliffside terrain along the river

Scenic ViewsScenic Salmon River frontage and cliffside views, with regular wildlife sightings from the ridge above (including bighorn sheep and occasional mountain goats).

Lodging & AccommodationsThough the campground previously offered bed-and-breakfast services, reviews confirm that such accommodations have been discontinued. Only tent and RV camping options are now available.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no clear mention of cultural or educational programs offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Check-out time is not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Camping is allowed in designated areas only, but specific stay limits are not clarified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests per site are not explicitly detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations through Idaho Time system at getoutside.idaho.gov or by phone at 888-922-6743. Idaho migrated off ReserveAmerica to the Brandt/Itinio platform in January 2025.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is possible but depends on current occupancy rates. Reviewers note that reservations are strongly recommended due to popularity.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not specified in the provided data.

Site SizeThe campground includes grassy tent sites, shaded RV sites, and dry camping areas. Many tent sites are described as spacious and private, especially those near the river.

PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly depending on the site. Some users report that RV sites are tightly packed and lack privacy, while tent sites near the river offer more seclusion.

Total Campsites58 campsites

Best CampsitesRiverside sites with irrigated grass, mature trees, picnic tables, and fire rings get the most praise for views and coziness. Tent sites near the river offer more privacy than tightly packed RV spots. Reviewers note these riverfront locations provide the best combination of shade, space, and wildlife watching.

Need help booking Challis Hot Springs?

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

On-site hot springs pools and riverfront irrigated grass campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Facilities and services reported by sources include showers, a dump station, potable water, electrical and water hookups, Wi‑Fi, and pet-friendly policies; cell service is reported as marginal.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

RV details

Electric hookups35 of 64 sites (55%)

Water hookups34 of 64 sites (53%)

5 pull-through sitesUp to 40 ft vehicles

Activities you can enjoy

Primary activities center on soaking in the hot springs and riverfront recreation along the Salmon River. Visitors also use the river for fishing and boating, hike nearby trails, and enjoy wildlife viewing.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReported marginal cell service in the area; insects near the river are noted so bug spray is recommended. Wildlife (Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and occasional mountain goats) may be present on nearby cliffs. Hot springs pools are reported to be hot (around 105–115°F), so exercise caution around pool water.

Active AlertsNo current alerts or closures are specified.

Weather at Challis Hot Springs

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

194 reviews

Recommended

Challis Hot Springs is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall highly rated for its hot springs, riverfront setting, well‑kept grounds, and friendly staff. Reviewers frequently praise the pools and wildlife sightings; minor complaints include marginal cell service and occasional bugs near the water.

Review Summaries

Based on 194 reviews

What Campers Love

Large, well‑maintained hot springs pools; lush grassy riverfront campsites with mature trees; clean facilities and friendly staff; notable wildlife sightings (bighorn sheep, mountain goats).

Based on 194 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and a fishing license; expect limited cell coverage. Reviewers mention a pool entry fee (reported as $10) and available locker rooms for changing.

Based on 194 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is busiest during summer months and events like the Braun Brothers Reunion Concert. Fall offers quieter stays with fewer crowds.

Based on 194 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Best hot springs ever.” — “Lovely, right along the Salmon river. Good sized spots.”

Based on 194 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 23 is highly recommended by visitors for its spacious layout and privacy. Tent sites near the river are praised for their seclusion and scenic beauty.

Based on 194 reviews