Hot Springs Campground boise

Are you an Idaho local dreaming of a serene escape where you can connect with nature and enjoy the unique luxury of natural hot springs? Hot Springs Campground, nestled along the scenic Banks Lowman Road in Garden Valley, offers an exceptional opportunity for just that. This campground is a true gem in the Boise National Forest, providing a clean, easygoing, and incredibly beautiful setting for your next outdoor adventure. It's an ideal choice for Idahoans looking to unwind, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories amidst the stunning landscapes of their home state.

Hot Springs Campground stands out not just for its picturesque location, but for its inviting atmosphere and the convenience it offers. It's designed for campers who appreciate well-maintained facilities and the added bonus of direct access to a natural hot spring, allowing for a unique blend of rugged outdoor living and soothing relaxation. The consistent positive feedback from visitors highlights the friendly camp hosts and the overall pleasant experience, making it a highly recommended destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and memorable camping trip in Idaho.

Whether you're planning a quick overnight stop or a longer stay to truly explore the area, Hot Springs Campground promises a refreshing and authentic Idaho experience. It's a testament to the state's natural beauty and commitment to providing accessible outdoor recreation for its residents.

Hot Springs Campground is ideally situated just east of Garden Valley, Idaho, along the scenic Banks Lowman Road (State Highway 17), with an elevation of approximately 3,200 feet. This location places it within the vast and beautiful Boise National Forest, offering stunning natural surroundings and a true sense of being immersed in the Idaho wilderness.

The campground's primary geographical advantage is its immediate proximity to a natural hot spring soaking pool. As visitors consistently note, the hot spring is "just across the road and down some steps" or "a short walk to the hot springs." This direct and easy access to a natural hot spring at the river's edge is a significant draw, allowing campers the unique luxury of a warm soak right near their campsite.

Accessibility to the campground is straightforward for many Idaho residents. From Boise, one typically takes State Highway 55 north to Banks, then turns east onto the Banks-Lowman Road (State Highway 17) and continues for approximately 17 miles to reach the campground. While it's located directly off the highway, some noise from passing traffic may be expected due to its proximity. However, the convenience of the location generally outweighs this for most visitors.

Hot Springs Campground offers a range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and pleasant camping experience for its visitors. Based on abundant positive customer reviews and information from official sources, here are the key services you can expect:

• Well-Maintained Campsites: The campground features 8 single sites and 3 accessible group sites. Each site comes equipped with a "fire pit area," "nice benches," and a "picnic table." Reviewers consistently note that it is a "nice, clean" campground.
• Clean Restrooms: The restroom facilities, which are vault toilets, are frequently praised for their cleanliness. Visitors describe them as "clean and pleasant" and note that an "Attendant kept bathrooms clean daily." This dedication to hygiene is a significant positive for campers.
• Potable Drinking Water: "Drinking water available on site" is a crucial service, ensuring campers have access to fresh water for cooking and hydration. This is typically provided via a hand pump or a pressurized system.
• Trash Service: The campground provides "trash bins," making waste disposal convenient for campers and helping to keep the area clean. This is a valuable service that reduces the need for campers to pack out all their trash.
• Friendly and Helpful Camp Hosts: A highlight repeatedly mentioned by visitors is the presence of "friendly" and "easy going camp hosts." They are often available to provide "wood from the hosts" for purchase and enhance the overall welcoming atmosphere. Some reviews even mention that hosts "had some sweet animals to pet," adding a charming touch.
• Firewood Availability: For those who don't bring their own, firewood is often available for purchase directly from the camp hosts. Additionally, campers might find "plenty of wood nearby while hiking for the fire pit."
• Reservable Sites: All 8 single sites and 3 group sites are reservable via Recreation.gov, allowing campers to plan their trip and secure a spot, especially during peak seasons. Group Sites 1 and 2 can accommodate up to 200 people each, while Site 3 can hold up to 50.
• Affordable Pricing: Based on one review, the cost was "$20 for the night," making it a reasonably priced option for a campground with hot spring access and good amenities.

Hot Springs Campground boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for Idaho locals seeking a unique and relaxing outdoor adventure:

• Direct Hot Springs Access: The most significant highlight is the campground's immediate proximity to a natural hot springs soaking pool. It's "just across the road and down some steps," offering campers the rare luxury of a "quick dip" as a "cozy way to wake up" or to unwind after a day of activities. This is a major draw that sets it apart from many other campgrounds.
• Beautiful and Clean Environment: Visitors consistently describe the campground as "such a nice, clean, easy going camp ground in a beautiful spot." The presence of "Lots of trees for shade" (primarily towering Ponderosa pines) and summer wildflowers contributes to a picturesque and inviting atmosphere.
• Friendly and Welcoming Atmosphere: The "friendly" and "easy going" camp hosts are a standout feature, contributing significantly to a positive experience. Their presence ensures facilities are clean and assistance is readily available, making campers feel welcomed and comfortable.
• Proximity to South Fork Payette River: The campground is located directly across the road from the South Fork of the Payette River, offering opportunities for "fishing, whitewater rafting and kayaking." This provides additional recreational activities right at your doorstep.
• Accessibility and Open Sites: Despite its popularity, some visitors found "quite a few open sites" even when arriving later in the evening, suggesting good availability at times. Its location off Banks-Lowman Highway makes it "really easy to find."
• Spacious Sites with Benches: Campsites are well-equipped with "nice benches" around the fire pit, enhancing comfort and group gatherings, in addition to standard picnic tables.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Being situated within the Boise National Forest along a scenic byway (Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway), the area offers opportunities for "wildlife watching," adding another layer of natural appeal.
• Suitable for Various Activities: Beyond hot spring soaking, the area around the campground provides "several hiking opportunities" and is popular for river sports, catering to diverse interests.

For Idaho locals planning a rejuvenating visit to Hot Springs Campground, here is the essential contact information:

Address: Banks Lowman Rd, Garden Valley, ID 83622, USA

Phone: (208) 737-3200 (This number is associated with the Emmett Ranger District of Boise National Forest, which manages the campground, as found in public data.)

Mobile Phone: +1 208-737-3200 (Same as above, typically direct to the ranger district)

It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for group sites or during peak seasons, by visiting Recreation.gov or calling 1-877-444-6777. For specific questions about the campground's current conditions, amenities, or fire restrictions, contacting the Emmett Ranger District at the provided phone number would be the most reliable option.

Hot Springs Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Idaho locals for numerous compelling reasons. Its paramount appeal is the direct, easy access to a natural hot spring soaking pool right across the road. This unique feature allows residents to enjoy the therapeutic and relaxing benefits of Idaho's famous hot springs with ultimate convenience, offering a perfect way to unwind after a day of outdoor activities or simply to start the morning in a cozy fashion.

For locals, the campground’s "nice, clean, easy going" atmosphere, combined with the presence of "friendly" and helpful camp hosts, creates a welcoming and stress-free environment. The well-maintained restrooms and readily available drinking water further enhance the comfort of the stay, removing common camping worries. Despite its popularity, the possibility of finding "quite a few open sites" at times makes it a viable spontaneous option, while the reservation system ensures a guaranteed spot for planned trips.

Moreover, the location in the Boise National Forest along the South Fork Payette River provides ample opportunities for typical Idaho outdoor pursuits like fishing, kayaking, and hiking. This blend of natural recreation and a unique hot spring experience, all within a reasonable driving distance for many Idahoans, makes Hot Springs Campground a perfect local escape to refresh, relax, and appreciate the unparalleled natural beauty of their home state.

Hot Springs Campground boise

Banks Lowman Rd, Garden Valley, ID 83622, USA