Hot Springs Campground is located just east of Garden Valley, Idaho along the Banks-Lowman Highway at an elevation of 3,169 ft.
Visitors enjoy rafting, kayaking, fishing on the South Fork Payette River, and soaking in the hot springs at the river's edge.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
The campsite is well-maintained and clean, thanks to the diligent camp host. Visitors have consistently had positive experiences and enjoyed their time there. It's conveniently located near hot springs, with clear and easy-to-follow rules.
The campsite is nice and well taken care of. The camp host does a good job keeping everything clean and working. We've used the camp many times in the past and it's always been positive.
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Carl W
June 11, 2026
We had a good time
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Katherine S
September 7, 2025
Well cared for. Rules are easy to understand. Hot springs are nearby.
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Steve Wieland
November 15, 2023
Google Maps
We took our jack russell / beagle mix dog camping on 11/4/23 in national forest and he just vanished. We thought he was killed by a mountain lion. Ten days later we got a call from the Emmett Ranger District saying they had found our dog starving and dehydrated, but alive. They gave him a sandwich and kept him safe until we could come get him. We'll be forever grateful to these folks for saving the life of our little guy!
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jeremy shay
May 30, 2023
Google Maps
I have used Emmett ranger station several times for information. They have never let me down. The staff there are friendly and you can tell they are proud of their forest. That is why I always give my registration money to gem county
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Jeremy Ross
January 17, 2023
Google Maps
Ask for Michelle at the front desk. She is amazing. She went above and beyond to answer my questions, was very knowledgeable and used all of her resources to find information. Truly a great public employee.
Space was extremely misrepresented. It’s not nearly big enough for 5 RV’s. Camp hosts were nice, but told me that since I made the reservation I was responsible for making sure everyone follows the rules. Leash tickets for the group would be mine even though I didn’t even have a dog. So I’m supposed to play hall monitor to my friends just because I made the reservation?
Left after one day, but cannot connect with the “manager” to get a refund. He gave unclear instructions on how to request a refund. I reached out for additional help, but we’ve been playing phone tag and I’ve requested he text me the email address. Does not respond with text- will only returns my calls when I am unavailable. It’s the 21st century and he calls from an i-phone- texting an email address is a reasonable request which should be easy to do. Would not recommend this campground or any campground under this management.
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Location & Directions for Hot Springs
Emmett Ranger District, Emmett, ID 83617 United States
From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 north 35 mi to Banks. Turn east onto the Banks-Lowman Highway and go 17 mi to the campground, which is on the lefthand side of the highway.
Access to Hot Springs Campground is via State Highway 55, which connects to Boise and is approximately 35 miles away. The campground is also accessible from the Banks-Lowman Highway.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
12PM
General
Idaho OHV Safety Message
A maximum of 25 vehicles are allowed on Group Sites 1 and 2; 10 vehicles are allowed in Site 3
A fee will be collected for extra vehicles at the campground
Fees for additional people will be collected at the campground as outlined in the fee schedule if party size is larger than expected
Additional single-family sites are available on a first come, first served basis
Click here for more information on the Boise National Forest
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.