Penny Springs Campground
04 reviewsnull
Penny Springs Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No information about fees is provided in the authoritative sources or reviews.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Idaho's wilderness, Penny Springs Campground offers a perfect blend of solitude and accessibility. Here, beneath a cathedral of towering pines, campers discover a tranquil retreat where time slows down and nature takes center stage. Just a stone's throw from the pristine waters of Warm Lake, this hidden gem invites outdoor enthusiasts to cast a line for native trout, spot deer and elk grazing in meadow clearings, or simply spread a blanket for an afternoon picnic. As summer reaches its peak, the surrounding forest transforms into a forager's paradise, with plump huckleberries dotting the understory and vibrant wildflowers painting the trail edges in spectacular colors.
Penny Springs Campground is a remote site suitable for tent camping and potentially RV camping, as implied by user reviews. No cabins or group camping details are available.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this peaceful corner of the forest remains quietly tucked away in time, the land itself tells stories through ancient pines and well-worn wildlife paths that have been used for generations.
Weather and SeasonsThe magic of Penny Springs unfolds from mid-May through mid-September, when warm days and cool mountain nights create ideal camping conditions. Each week brings its own personality—from the fresh greens and rushing streams of late spring to the golden warmth of early fall. While winter blankets the area in deep snow, transforming the landscape into a pristine wonderland, the campground becomes a peaceful sanctuary best suited for those seeking summer and early autumn adventures. Smart campers know to pack layers, as mountain weather can shift from sunshine to afternoon thundershowers in the blink of an eye.
ElevationNestled at a comfortable mountain elevation where the air is crisp and clean, Penny Springs offers that perfect sweet spot where pine forests thrive and summer temperatures remain pleasantly cool even on the warmest afternoons.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where majestic pines stretch skyward, their branches creating a natural canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Crystal-clear mountain streams babble their way through the campground, providing both a soothing soundtrack and refreshing spots to cool tired feet. The trail network weaves through this enchanted forest, revealing hidden groves where huckleberries ripen to perfection in late summer and meadows burst with lupine, Indian paintbrush, and mountain asters that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Geological RegionPenny Springs sits proudly within the vast expanse of Boise National Forest, in the cherished Warm Lake region that locals have loved for generations. This corner of Idaho showcases the best of the Northern Rockies ecosystem—where volcanic geology meets glacial carving, creating a landscape of gentle ridges, pristine streams, and fertile valleys. The pine-dominated forest tells the story of fire and regeneration, while the seasonal explosion of huckleberries and wildflowers demonstrates nature's incredible resilience and abundance in this protected mountain sanctuary.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not provided in the available sources.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as having plenty of room by a user, but no specific measurements are provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is noted for being quiet and away from summer crowds, but no detailed description of site privacy is available.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews recommend securing food due to wildlife and avoiding steep trails unless adequately prepared.
Best CampsitesUser reviews and official sources do not specify individual sites; however, campers have noted that sites offer plenty of space.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No information about group sites is available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground provides campsites with fire rings, grills, picnic tables, and vault toilets. No detailed layout information is available.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates mid-May through mid-September.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityBased on user reviews, the campground is small and reportedly often not crowded, but no official information on walk-up availability is provided.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Penny Springs Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Fishing is popular in nearby streams, and the area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and picnicking. The vicinity also supports hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding on designated trails.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available and include the Dollar Creek Ridge (#014) and Dollar Creek Way (#114) trails, accessible from two nearby trailheads. These trails are described as scenic, but specific difficulty levels and lengths are not provided.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in nearby streams. A user also mentioned visiting for fishing annually, suggesting a good experience.Biking
The area supports biking on designated trails, as indicated by the official Motor Vehicle Use Map.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is noted as an activity, with no specific species or areas mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the sources.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policies are noted beyond the presence of fire rings and grills.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews warn of squirrels aggressively seeking food, requiring secure storage. Dusty roads and steep trails to hot springs are noted as challenges.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely in Cascade, Idaho (~28 miles away), where police, hospitals, and basic services are typically accessible.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned in the sources.
Proximity to water featuresProximity to Warm Lake and nearby streams is highlighted for recreational activities such as fishing.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include dusty roads, aggressive squirrels, and behaviors from intoxicated visitors, as noted in user reviews. Lack of potable water is also mentioned as a limitation.
HostThe Forest Service is noted for cleaning facilities, but no specific host information is provided.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel approximately 80 miles north on State Highway 55 to Cascade, Idaho. From Cascade, Idaho, travel 1 mile north on State Highway 55 to the Forest Highway 22 (Warm Lake Highway) turnoff. Turn east and travel approximately 23 miles to the intersection of Forest Highway 22 and Forest Service (FS) road 474. Proceed north along FS road 474, approximately 4 miles to Penny Springs Campground.
The road leading to the campground includes deep, fine dusty dirt, which may cause significant dust even at slow driving speeds, as stated by user reviews. Official directions recommend using Forest Highway 22 and FS road 474.Nearby places
Boise, Idaho: ~80 miles (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes)
Cascade, Idaho: ~1 mile to turn-off then ~27 miles additional travel (approx. 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Cascade, Idaho (~28 miles away) offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Penny Springs Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Penny Springs Campground are mixed. While some appreciate the quiet and scenic atmosphere, others have concerns about road conditions, wildlife, and behavior of fellow campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes the peaceful setting, spacious campsites, and proximity to fishing spots and hot springs.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints highlight the dusty access roads, frequent visits to the vault toilets by passersby, and nuisance wildlife such as squirrels. Some users also found other campers' behavior disruptive.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips for visitors include securing all belongings to avoid issues with wildlife and bringing a bear canister. One user recommended good shoes for visiting nearby hot springs due to the steep trail.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Users mention summer activities like wildflower viewing and huckleberry picking. Another user noted the campground being quiet during their stay, which could vary by season.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The squirrels were in attack mode the entire time I was there.'
2. 'The only reason I didn’t give 1 star is because the hot springs nearby are amazing.'
3. 'The Forest Service lady cleaned the...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews are not provided, but general mentions of spacious sites and maintenance are noted.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no reviews addressing accessibility.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are mentioned, as dogs are required to be on a leash.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025