How much does camping cost at Baumgartner Campground?

Camping fees at Baumgartner Campground are $10 - $100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Baumgartner Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Baumgartner Campground 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Baumgartner Campground before I book?

Yes! Baumgartner Campground has 6 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 Baumgartner Campground?

Baumgartner Campground is open May 21 to September 30. 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 Baumgartner Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Baumgartner Campground?

Fire policies at Baumgartner Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Baumgartner Campground have?

Baumgartner Campground has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Baumgartner Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Baumgartner 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 Baumgartner Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Baumgartner Campground?

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

Baumgartner Campground

4.52

147 reviews

102 First Street East, Fairfield, ID, 83327

Top 7% in IDSpring

BReport Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Idaho Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho Family-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho +1 more

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

Book on Sawtooth National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on Sawtooth National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Baumgartner Campground

$10.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

DOUBLE SITE NONELECTRIC: $20.00; GROUP RV AREA NONELECTRIC: $100.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-17055: $40.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$100.00

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-764-3202

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

102 First Street East, Fairfield, ID, 83327

Baumgartner Campground

102 First Street East, Fairfield, ID, 83327

Nearby places

Fairfield: 38 miles, approximately 1 hour

Featherville: 11 miles, approximately 20 minutes

Weather at Baumgartner Campground

Current alerts(7)

ATVs, UTVs, Off-Highway Vehicles, and off-highway motorcycles cannot be ridden in the campground. You may trailer them in and out, but trailers must fit within camp spur.
Alcohol, glass, soap and shampoo are prohibited in the pool area; swimsuits are required
Idaho Off-road Vehicle Safety Message
Live music and sound systems not permitted

Best Time to Camp at Baumgartner Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, dry weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights in the 40s–50s°F) and full access to the campground and trailheads, making it ideal for swimming in the South Fork Boise River, hot-spring soaking, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Water activities and family-friendly amenities are at their peak and facilities are open for reservations from mid-May through mid-September, though expect the busiest times on holiday weekends and in July–August Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 7% in ID

Positive spring reviews mention hot springs, maintained sites and good fishing; open late May.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21 to September 30. 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

Baumgartner Campground sits in mid-elevation forest along the South Fork Boise River near Fairfield, operated by Sawtooth National Forest. The large campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers come for river swimming, nearby hot springs, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking on forest trails.

Baumgartner Campground offers a range of camping options, including single, double, quad, and group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, dry weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights in the 40s–50s°F) and full access to the campground and trailheads, making it ideal for swimming in the South Fork Boise River, hot-spring soaking, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Water activities and family-friendly amenities are at their peak and facilities are open for reservations from mid-May through mid-September, though expect the busiest times on holiday weekends and in July–August Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines tower over campsites spread along the South Fork Boise River. The river flows clear enough for swimming and fishing, bordered by willows where moose sometimes wade. Deer browse at dawn. The setting combines forested slopes with riverside meadows, typical of central Idaho's volcanic and glacial terrain. The hot springs pool sits within walking distance of most sites, though it gets crowded during peak hours.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground only offers traditional camping accommodations and no hotel-style lodging or similar facilities.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum varies by site type, ranging from single-family to large group sites.

Groups

The large group site (Site 100) is particularly spacious and can accommodate multiple families. However, it does not have paved roads or parking spurs.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through the app, or the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible amenities include pathways, vault toilets, and a path leading to a bench overlooking the swimming/fishing hole. The campground features a 1/4-mile interpretive nature trail and accessible vault toilets.

Site SizeThe campground offers single, double, quad, and group sites, with some specifically noted as spacious. "Large spacious campground!!!" remarked one reviewer.

PrivacyThe campsites are well-spaced, offering a degree of privacy. A reviewer noted that "spaces are located so far apart that you feel you are the only ones camping!

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect sites in Loop A for proximity to water and shaded areas, and avoid group sites if seeking solitude.

Best CampsitesGroup Site 100 draws families despite being unpaved. Sites in Loop A and the Main Access area get praise for spaciousness and river proximity. One reviewer noted that spacing throughout the campground makes it feel like "you are the only ones camping.

Need help booking Baumgartner Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No electricity, water or sewer site hookups at this campground

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Baumgartner Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Surrounded by trails including an interpretive nature trail and more challenging routes nearby.

Fishing4.0/5

South Fork Boise River offers wild and stocked rainbow trout; fishing is a noted activity.

Swimming4.0/5Top 15% in Idaho

Designated swimming hole and river swimming access plus nearby hot springs draw swimmers.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent sightings of deer, moose, river otters and many birds along river/willows.

Biking3.0/5

Paved paths in campground and nearby forest trails for mountain biking, but not a primary draw.

Water Sports2.0/5

Small river present but no specific kayak access or launch info provided.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground; all restrooms are vault-style.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

147 reviews

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...

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,"...

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

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...

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...

Based on 147 reviews