Challis Hot Springs

Star4.44
179 reviews
5025 Hot Springs Rd, Challis, Idaho, 83226-4971, United States
StargazingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,898 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

58 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Idaho State Parks site

Official Website
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Challis Hot Springs
$10.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $10 for day passes to soak in the pools to $40 per night for camping with water and electric hookups. The $7 Motor Vehicle Entrance...
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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

4.44

Recommended

Based on 179 reviews

489 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationhikingstaff

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews are highly polarized. Positive reviews highlight the natural beauty, cleanliness of the pools, and friendly staff. Negative reviews focus on restrictive rules for children under 18, tight RV site layouts, and outdated facilities."

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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

Driving directionsThe Challis Hot Springs can be accessed from US 93 via Hot Springs Road. The park is 15 minutes from the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park Visitor Center in Challis, 2 1/2 hours from Idaho Falls, 4 hours from Boise.
Accessible via paved roads from US 93; Hot Springs Road leads directly to the campground. Roads are well-maintained, but seasonal conditions may vary.
Nearby places
Challis (5 miles, 10 minutes), Idaho Falls (126 miles, 2.5 hours), Boise (197 miles, 4 hours)
Nearby supplies
Fuel, grocery stores, and camping supplies are available within 10 miles in Challis.

Best Time to Camp at Challis Hot Springs

Each season paints Challis Hot Springs with its own distinctive palette. Autumn arrives in a symphony of crisp air and golden light, creating what many consider the perfect backdrop for a hot springs retreat. Summer transforms the park into a bustling oasis where the contrast between sun-warmed skin and mineral-rich waters creates pure bliss. As winter's chill settles over the valley, steam rises mysteriously from the pools, though visitors should note that some facilities may hibernate until spring's return brings the landscape back to full bloom.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with favorable weather and full access to activities, but busier.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 3% in ID

Autumn praised for crisp air, golden light and ideal hot-springs backdrop; quieter stays.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers reopening and river activity potential though seasonal adjustments occur.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but reduced pool hours and service limitations; colder conditions affect access.

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

Nestled in the heart of Idaho's rugged wilderness, Challis Hot Springs beckons weary travelers with its legendary mineral pools and riverside serenity. This newly minted Idaho State Park gem combines the therapeutic waters that have drawn visitors for generations with modern amenities and pristine camping facilities. Whether you're pulling in with an RV or pitching a tent under the stars, you'll discover why guests consistently rave about the spotless grounds, warm hospitality, and the profound sense of tranquility that permeates this riverside sanctuary along the mighty Salmon River.
Challis Hot Springs offers tent camping, RV sites with water and electricity, and dry camping. Many sites are located along the Salmon River, providing scenic views and access to outdoor activities.
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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Challis Hot Springs offers diverse recreational opportunities, including hot spring soaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The pools, one warm and one hot, are the primary attraction and are praised for their cleanliness and soothing water temperatures. Visitors also enjoy the proximity to the Salmon River for fishing and the availability of nearby hiking trails.
HikingHiking trails near the campground include riverside paths and more challenging routes through the nearby hills. Wildlife sightings, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep, are common along these trails.
FishingThe Salmon River offers excellent fishing opportunities. Some reviews specifically mention that fishing can be done directly from the campground.
SwimmingSwimming is available in the hot spring pools. The larger pool is maintained at approximately 95-100°F, while the smaller pool ranges from 105-107°F. The pools are particularly noted for their crystal-clear water.
BoatingA boat ramp is available within the campground for visitors who wish to access the Salmon River.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings around the campground include deer, waterfowl, and mountain goats. The area is described as rich in natural beauty and fauna.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are noted as abundant, particularly in summer months. River access suggests caution due to aggressive waters; life jackets recommended.
Active AlertsNo current alerts or closures are specified.

Weather at Challis Hot Springs

Reviews

4.4
179 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Challis Hot Springs is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are highly polarized. Positive reviews highlight the natural beauty, cleanliness of the pools, and friendly staff. Negative reviews focus on restrictive rules for children under 18, tight RV site layouts, and outdated facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 179 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean and well-maintained hot spring pools - Scenic location along the Salmon River - Friendly and accommodating staff - Access to hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities
Based on 179 reviews

Common Concerns

- Restriction on children under 18 unless camping on-site - Outdated and poorly maintained restroom and shower facilities - Lack of privacy in RV sites - Mosquitoes and other bugs
Based on 179 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring mosquito repellent, especially in summer. - Opt for tent sites near the river for more privacy and scenic views. - Visitors recommend pre-booking during peak seasons or for popular events...
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Based on 179 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 179 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The natural hot springs pools are the best! Mike drains the water every night and the pools refill with crystal clear warm soothing water." 2. "The pools were two temperatures and we liked them...
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Based on 179 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 179 reviews

Accessibility Features

Several reviews note that restroom and shower facilities lack ADA-compliant features, such as stability bars and ramps.
Based on 179 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Some reviews mention conflicts with off-leash pets, leading to complaints about enforcement.
Based on 179 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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