How much does camping cost at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)?

Camping fees at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) range from $120/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) first-come first-served or reservation?

Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) 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 Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) before I book?

Yes! Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) has 7 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 Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)?

Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) is open May 23 to September 6.. 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 Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)?

Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) have?

Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)?

Pets are not allowed at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)?

Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)?

Popular activities at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)?

Fire policies at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id): Campfire rings are provided at each site. Additional firewood safety guidelines can be found at dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.92

11 reviews

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1857 HIGHWAY 16, SUITE A, EMMETT, ID, 83617, USA

Featured in:Group Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

3,878 ft

Price

$120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season begins o...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

3,878 ft

Price

$120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season begins o...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)

$120.00 - $120.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The group standard non-electric sites are charged $120 per night during peak season. Fees do not include reservation service fees, taxes, or...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$120.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-351-1182

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What Campers Say

3.92

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadelocationwater

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight some environmental concerns and proximity-related issues. Noise from the nearby highway is a frequent complaint, and one camper reported a significant caterpillar infestation during their visit. Another camper mentioned the presence of bears and the lack of response from camp hosts and forest service staff."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1857 HIGHWAY 16, SUITE A, EMMETT, ID, 83617, USA

Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1857 HIGHWAY 16, SUITE A, EMMETT, ID, 83617, USA

Nearby places

Boise (41.5 miles, approximately 50 minutes), Banks (6.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel are available in Emmett, Idaho, which is 41.5 miles away.

Driving directionsCold Springs Campground is located in southwestern Idaho, 41.5 miles north of Boise. Take State Highway 55 north to Banks (35 miles). Proceed north on Highway 55 (6.5 miles) to campground on westside of highway. Watch for recreation signs.

The campground is accessible directly off State Highway 55, with paved roads leading up to the site. Noise from passing traffic is common due to the proximity to the highway.

Best Time to Camp at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)

Summer is the main season here. Daytime temperatures reach 80-90°F, cooling to the mid-40s or mid-50s at night. The campground's elevation keeps it comfortable for water sports without getting too hot, and the river stays cold enough to feel refreshing. Weekdays are quieter. Holiday weekends fill up with floaters and boaters staging from the nearby put-ins. Services and river outfitters along Highway 55 operate reliably through the summer window.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season (May 23–Sep 6), warm 80–90°F, ideal for river activities though caterpillars reported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23 to September 6.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season begins on May 23 and ends on September 6 for peak periods. No reservations are available from September 1 to May 22 during the off-season.
Current Alerts: No active alerts were officially listed, but user reviews indicate wildlife concerns like bears and caterpillars.

About Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)

Cold Springs Campground sits along the North Fork Payette River in Boise National Forest, 30 miles north of Emmett on Highway 55. The campground has five group sites available for $120 per night, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Open May 23 through September 6, it draws paddlers, anglers, and families looking for river access. Highway 55 runs close enough that traffic noise is noticeable, especially on busy summer weekends.

Cold Springs Campground is primarily focused on group camping, with five sites available for reservation. The campground lacks modern amenities like electricity or water hookups but provides a scenic and forested environment for outdoor enthusiasts.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the main season here. Daytime temperatures reach 80-90°F, cooling to the mid-40s or mid-50s at night. The campground's elevation keeps it comfortable for water sports without getting too hot, and the river stays cold enough to feel refreshing. Weekdays are quieter. Holiday weekends fill up with floaters and boaters staging from the nearby put-ins. Services and river outfitters along Highway 55 operate reliably through the summer window.

ElevationPerched at 3,878 feet above sea level, Cold Springs occupies that sweet spot where the air is crisp and invigorating without leaving you breathless. This moderate elevation creates the perfect conditions for active days exploring the river and surrounding forests, while still allowing for restful nights of deep mountain sleep.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a canyon carved by the North Fork Payette River, surrounded by forested slopes of ponderosa and lodgepole pine. The canyon walls rise steeply on both sides, and the trees provide partial shade across the sites. At 3,878 feet elevation, the setting is lower and warmer than many mountain campgrounds. The river moves fast enough for kayaking and rafting during peak runoff, slowing to a friendlier pace by late summer when swimmers and tubers take over.

Geological RegionDeep within the heart of Boise National Forest, Cold Springs Campground occupies a stunning canyon carved by centuries of flowing water and time. The dramatic mountainous terrain rises on all sides, clothed in a thick blanket of ponderosa and lodgepole pines that have called these slopes home for generations. This geological masterpiece showcases nature's artistry, where rugged canyon walls meet gentle riverside meadows in perfect harmony.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit, available year-round.

Groups

The campground offers five group campsites, each designed to accommodate larger groups. Specific limits on the number of people or vehicles per site are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFive group sites cluster together near the highway. Spacing between sites is limited, so privacy is minimal. The pines offer some shade, but the layout prioritizes group access over seclusion. One camper reported a caterpillar infestation during their visit, and bear activity has been noted by visitors who found camp hosts unresponsive to wildlife concerns.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates primarily on a reservation basis with no information explicitly provided regarding walk-up availability.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before arrival. Refunds will subtract a $10 cancellation fee, reservation fees (if applicable), and the first night's recreation use fee if canceled late. Late cancellations are defined as cancellations made fewer than 14 days before the scheduled arrival date for group facilities.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned, and no details about ADA-compliant facilities are available.

Site SizeThe campground has five group sites, each equipped with basic camping amenities like a picnic table and fire ring.

PrivacySites offer a mix of privacy and open spaces but are close to Highway 55, which may impact the secluded experience due to traffic noise.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Need help booking Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is located near the North Fork of the Payette River, offering activities such as kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fishing. Anglers can fish for whitefish and rainbow trout, and the scenic canyon setting provides excellent opportunities for relaxation and water sports.

Fishing

Boating

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention the presence of poisonous caterpillars during August 2019 and bears in the area. Campers should exercise caution and ensure proper food storage.

Active AlertsNo active alerts were officially listed, but user reviews indicate wildlife concerns like bears and caterpillars.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings are provided at each site. Additional firewood safety guidelines can be found at dontmovefirewood.org.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Emmett, Idaho, approximately 41.5 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Campers are advised to pack out what they pack in.

Water FeaturesLocated near the North Fork of the Payette River, a popular destination for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fishing.

Weather at Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id)

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

3.9

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (Id) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight some environmental concerns and proximity-related issues. Noise from the nearby highway is a frequent complaint, and one camper reported a significant caterpillar infestation during their visit. Another camper mentioned the presence of bears and the lack of response from camp hosts and forest service staff.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground offers a beautiful location near the North Fork of the Payette River, which is ideal for water sports like kayaking and fishing. Shade from the mix of ponderosa and lodgepole pines is...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise from Highway 55, seasonal caterpillar infestations, and concerns about wildlife management, particularly bears. One review noted that the camp hosts and forest service staff...

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be prepared for potential traffic noise and seasonal issues such as caterpillars. It is recommended to check for wildlife activity and precautions before arrival. Bringing earplugs...

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with warm days and cooler nights. However, August saw a notable caterpillar infestation in one reviewer's experience. Wildlife activity, including bears, may vary by season.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Poisonous caterpillars would literally be EVERYWHERE!! They were covering the bathroom doors, inside the bathroom, all over the water pump, and falling out of trees." - Jennifer F. "There were...

Based on 11 reviews