Baumgartner Campground

Star4.58
147 reviews
102 First Street East, Fairfield, ID, 83327
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$10 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open May 17, 2025, t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Sawtooth National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Baumgartner Campground
$10.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $10 per night for standard non-electric sites to $100 per night for group RV sites without electricity. Additional reservation fees...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-764-3202
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 147 reviews

46 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of Baumgartner Campground generally praise its natural beauty, spacious campsites, and cleanliness. The hot springs are a highlight for many campers, though the pool can become crowded. Noise and activity from ATV traffic on nearby trails were a concern for some users."

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Campground Map

102 First Street East, Fairfield, ID, 83327

Baumgartner Campground

102 First Street East, Fairfield, ID, 83327

Driving directionsTake I-84 to Exit 95. Go east on State Highway 20 to mile marker 127.5. Turn north and follow signs to Featherville. Once at Featherville, head east on Forest Road 227 for 11 miles on dirt road. At Baumgartner Campground sign, turn right and cross the bridge to the campground, on the left-hand side.
The road to the campground is paved for most of the route, except for the last 10 miles on Forest Road 227, which is unpaved and contains unavoidable deep potholes requiring maximum speeds of 5-10 mph in many spots.
Nearby places
Fairfield: 38 miles, approximately 1 hour
Featherville: 11 miles, approximately 20 minutes
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Featherville, ID, 11 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Baumgartner Campground

Experience the rhythm of mountain seasons at Baumgartner, where warm summer days invite endless outdoor adventures and cool evenings call for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a golden tapestry before winter blankets the landscape in snow. While freezing temperatures and snowfall make winter camping a challenge for the hardy few, the transformation creates a magical wonderland for those who venture forth. Spring brings renewal as wildflowers emerge and the forest awakens from its winter slumber.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Peak season May 17–Sept 15; best weather and full access to activities, though hot springs get crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Autumn offers quieter visits and changing forest colors; campground remains open into late Sept (FCFS).

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring (after May 17 opening) provides good weather and access, though earlier spring likely closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May–Sept window; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 17, 2025 - September 15, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 17, 2025, to September 15, 2025, for reservations. First-come, first-served camping is available from September 16 to September 30, 2025.

About Baumgartner Campground

Escape to Baumgartner Campground, where natural hot springs meet pristine wilderness camping. This beloved retreat offers accommodations for every group size, from intimate single-family sites to spacious quad configurations and large group areas. Each thoughtfully designed site features essential amenities including picnic tables, fire rings for evening gatherings, utility tables for meal prep, and convenient paved parking spurs (with the charming exception of Site 100, which maintains a more rustic appeal). Modern vault toilets and seasonal drinking water ensure comfort during your stay. The crown jewel of Baumgartner is its legendary hot springs—a soothing concrete soaking pool where 101-degree mineral water provides the perfect end to adventurous days. This natural wonder is lovingly maintained with fresh water daily, creating an authentic yet accessible hot springs experience.
Baumgartner Campground offers a range of camping options, including single, double, quad, and group sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Baumgartner Campground can engage in a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and soaking in the hot springs. The South Fork Boise River is popular for fishing, and numerous trails in the area cater to hikers and off-road enthusiasts. The campground is a hub for wildlife viewing, thanks to its location amidst towering ponderosa pines.
HikingThe campground is surrounded by trails, including the interpretive nature trail beginning at the hot springs and more challenging trails like Kelley Creek/Iron Mountain and Virginia Gulch. The Ponderosa Trail Learner's Loop is also nearby for beginners.
FishingThe South Fork Boise River provides opportunities to fish for wild and stocked rainbow trout. One user observed that "fishing was ok, maybe better with a fly rod."
SwimmingCampers can enjoy splashing in the South Fork Boise River and a designated swimming hole. An accessible path leads to a bench overlooking a swimming and fishing area.
BikingBiking opportunities in the area include paved paths within the campground and nearby trails. However, some reviewers noted conflicts with ATV traffic on trails.
Wildlife viewingWildlife commonly seen in the area includes deer, moose, and even river otters. "We saw many birds, some deer, and even a family of six river otters," shared a camper.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPresence of bear tracks and scat suggests bear activity. Snake sightings have been mentioned by campers.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Baumgartner Campground

Reviews

4.6
147 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Baumgartner Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Baumgartner Campground generally praise its natural beauty, spacious campsites, and cleanliness. The hot springs are a highlight for many campers, though the pool can become crowded. Noise and activity from ATV traffic on nearby trails were a concern for some users.
Review Summaries
Based on 147 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently highlighted the cleanliness of the facilities, the scenic beauty of the area, and the well-maintained hot springs. One reviewer commented, "This campground is amazing! We try to...
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Based on 147 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included issues such as crowded hot springs, occasional unstocked toilet paper, and the nearby ATV activity affecting the tranquility. "The bathrooms were not stocked with toilet paper,"...
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Based on 147 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommended bringing extra toilet paper and making use of the hot springs early in the day to avoid crowds. "Get in early... it stays busy all day long," advised one camper.
Based on 147 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The peak summer season is the most popular and offers the best weather for camping. However, the hot springs can become crowded during this time. Fall may offer quieter experiences, as noted by a...
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Based on 147 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Lots of room and quiet. Only wish it had water." - Scott R. "Hot spring was very busy but were able to find a couple times that weren't TOO busy to soak." - Dawn R. "We love this place and bring the...
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Based on 147 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites like 100 are noted for their spaciousness and suitability for large groups. Loop A sites were often described as quiet and well-maintained.
Based on 147 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features such as paved pathways and vault toilets are appreciated. "The trail to the hot pool is paved," noted one camper.
Based on 147 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in the campground but not in the hot springs area. This policy ensures that the pool area remains clean and safe for all visitors.
Based on 147 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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