How much does camping cost at Hot Springs?

Camping fees at Hot Springs range from $106-$300/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hot Springs before I book?

Yes! Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs?

Hot Springs is open May 23, 2025 - September 6, 2025 (Peak Season). 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 Hot Springs?

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

How many campsites does Hot Springs have?

Hot Springs has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hot Springs?

Pets are not allowed at Hot Springs. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Hot Springs?

Hot Springs offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hot Springs?

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

Hot Springs

Q: Can I have a campfire at Hot Springs?

Fire policies at Hot Springs: Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent the spread of tree-killing pests. Rules regarding campfires are not explicitly stated.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4 reviews

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

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

3,169 ft

Price

$106 - $300/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

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

3,169 ft

Price

$106 - $300/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Hot Springs

$106.00 - $300.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fees for Group Sites 1 and 2 are $106.48 for 1-100 people and $212.96 for 101-200 people. Site 3 accommodates up to 50 people and costs $106.48....

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$106.00

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

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

20 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"Reviews of the Hot Springs Campground are mixed, with some users praising the relaxing hot springs and partial seclusion, while others criticize the facilities and management. Common sentiments include enjoyment of the natural hot springs and dissatisfaction with the group site sizes and management communication."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Hot Springs

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

Nearby places

Boise, Idaho: 52 miles (approximately 1 hour drive)

Banks, Idaho: 17 miles (approximately 20 minutes drive)

Emmett, Idaho: 58 miles (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes drive).

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Garden Valley, Idaho, approximately 17 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Hot Springs

Summer (May 23–September 6) brings daytime highs in the upper 70s to low 90s, with nights dropping to the 40s and 50s. The hot springs feel especially good after a day on the river, when the air cools and the water stays warm. Expect crowds on holiday weekends. Fire restrictions can limit campfires during dry spells, and high river flows in early summer sometimes affect access to fishing or swimming spots. September sees lighter use and still-pleasant soaking conditions.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with ideal weather and active rafting/hot springs use.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 6, 2025 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates from May 23 to September 6 during its peak season.

About Hot Springs

Hot Springs Campground sits along the South Fork Payette River in Boise National Forest, about 3 miles north of Garden Valley. The 3 group sites accommodate gatherings from 50 to 200 people at $106-$300 per night. The main draw is the natural hot springs soaking pool across the road. Highway proximity means traffic noise is noticeable.

Hot Springs Campground offers group camping exclusively across its three group sites. No individual or family-specific camping options are detailed.

Weather and SeasonsSummer (May 23–September 6) brings daytime highs in the upper 70s to low 90s, with nights dropping to the 40s and 50s. The hot springs feel especially good after a day on the river, when the air cools and the water stays warm. Expect crowds on holiday weekends. Fire restrictions can limit campfires during dry spells, and high river flows in early summer sometimes affect access to fishing or swimming spots. September sees lighter use and still-pleasant soaking conditions.

ElevationPerched at 3,169 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the mountains where cool pine-scented breezes temper the summer heat. This elevation creates an ideal climate that energizes morning hikes and ensures comfortable sleeping temperatures even during the warmest months.

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines shade the hillside sites at 3,169 feet elevation. The South Fork Payette River carves through a canyon below, providing constant water noise that competes with road sounds from the nearby highway. Summer wildflowers appear in the understory, though the specific species and timing vary by year and moisture. The hot springs pool sits across the road from the campsites, fed by geothermal water that stays warm year-round.

Geological RegionSet within the majestic Boise National Forest, this campground occupies a geological wonderland where ancient volcanic activity has blessed the landscape with therapeutic hot springs. The forested hillside shelters campsites beneath old-growth Ponderosa pines, while the dynamic South Fork Payette River has carved a canyon that showcases millions of years of geological history. Summer wildflowers paint the understory in brilliant hues, creating a living tapestry that changes with each passing week of the season.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

Check-out time is typically by 12:00 PM noon.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 200 people at group sites.

Groups

Group Sites 1 and 2 accommodate up to 200 people and allow a maximum of 25 vehicles each. Site 3 accommodates up to 50 people with a maximum of 10 vehicles. A fee is collected for extra people or vehicles that exceed these limits.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree group sites spread across the forested hillside. Each has picnic tables and grills. Vault toilets and potable water serve all sites. Some reviews mention confusion about RV parking space, so groups with large rigs should confirm layout details when booking.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, phone, or various in-person methods.

Walk-in AvailabilityAdditional single-family sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-up availability for group sites is explicitly not mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellations involve forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee and a $10 cancellation fee. Group facilities must be canceled at least 14 calendar days before check-in to avoid additional penalties.

AccessibilityThe campground contains three accessible group sites, but no additional details about accessibility features or compliance with specific accessibility standards are provided.

Site SizeGroup Sites 1 and 2 can accommodate up to 200 people each, while Site 3 accommodates up to 50 people.

PrivacyThe campground is located near a highway, and the proximity to the road may reduce privacy due to traffic noise. No additional information about the seclusion of individual sites is available.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 3 is suitable for smaller groups given its capacity of up to 50 people.

Need help booking Hot Springs?

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

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The Hot Springs Campground provides opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing on the South Fork Payette River, located across the road from the campground. A natural hot spring soaking pool is also accessible directly across the road via a staircase. Wildlife viewing and nearby hiking opportunities add to the recreational options. Guided whitewater trips are available through local companies.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential noise from nearby traffic may affect the camping experience. Wildlife safety precautions should be observed.

Fire PolicyFirewood should be sourced locally to prevent the spread of tree-killing pests. Rules regarding campfires are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include Garden Valley Fire Department (approximately 17 miles) and medical facilities in Boise, Idaho (approximately 52 miles).

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided at the campground, but there are no details about recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesThe South Fork Payette River is directly across the road, along with a natural hot springs soaking pool.

Camp HostCamp hosts are available on-site and assist with enforcing rules, although some users report issues with rule enforcement and management communication.

Weather at 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

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Hot Springs has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of the Hot Springs Campground are mixed, with some users praising the relaxing hot springs and partial seclusion, while others criticize the facilities and management. Common sentiments include enjoyment of the natural hot springs and dissatisfaction with the group site sizes and management communication.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the natural hot springs soaking pool as a relaxing and refreshing feature. One user remarked, 'This bifar is the most relaxing place! Whether it's 10 minutes or an hour,...

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes complaints about the group site sizes not meeting expectations, with one user stating, 'Space was extremely misrepresented. It’s not nearly big enough for 5 RVs.' Poor...

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend including the hot springs on your to-do list, as highlighted in one review: 'Definitely recommend this in your to-do list of places to go and there's campsites straight across the...

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground appears to be less crowded during September based on user reviews. General sentiment indicates that summer months may be busy due to the peak season for rafting and hot springs...

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

'This bifar is the most relaxing place! Whether it's 10 minutes or an hour, you are refreshed when you leave.' - Patricia Sullivan. 'The pool is big enough for 5-7 people and it’s not too shallow. It...

Based on 4 reviews