Helende

HELENDE
HELENDE
HELENDE
HELENDE
HELENDE

Featured amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
River Access River Access
Fire Pit Fire Pit

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

9 total sites

RV Sites

9 sites

About Helende

Helende Campground is located 10 miles east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,100 feet. The South Fork Payette River lies a few hundred yards away. Visitors enjoy fishing and rafting on the river, soaking at nearby Kirkham Hot Springs and exploring the extensive Kirkham Ridge Trail.

Number of accommodations: 9

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Sep 8 to Sep 30

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
River Access River Access
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Fire Pit
Water Access

Water Access

  • River Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

9 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: HELE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 002, Loop: HELE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 003, Loop: HELE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 005, Loop: HELE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 006, Loop: HELE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 007, Loop: HELE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 008, Loop: HELE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 009 - Double Site, Loop: HELE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 010, Loop: HELE RV
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (48)

What Guests Are Saying

Helende campsite is praised for its cleanliness, friendly and helpful camp hosts, and quiet atmosphere, making it a great choice for families and groups. The proximity to the river and availability of firewood are additional highlights. However, some visitors noted the presence of loose dirt, limited shade, and aggressive chipmunks as minor drawbacks, along with occasional issues with restroom maintenance. Overall, it provides a pleasant outdoor experience.

Review Summary

4.3
48 reviews
5
64.6%
31
4
14.6%
7
3
12.5%
6
2
4.2%
2
1
4.2%
2

Kendra C

Verified

August 16, 2026 Stayed at: 002, Loop: HELE

4

The campsite was perfect for a group - it was flat so it was easy to see the kiddos running between multiple sites. It was quiet, small, and the bathrooms were clean! The river was a short walk away which was very appreciated in the hot days. There’s a lot of loose dirt, all around the sites and pathways, so expect to need to wash everything down and take 3 showers when you get home to feel clean. All in all, a good site.

Patrick R

Verified

August 14, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HELE

5

Having camp hosts was great. Restrooms were cleaned and stocked. It was a quiet week and no incidents or issues.

Julie Q

Verified

August 3, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HELE

5

We had a great weekend at Helende. We are so grateful for Richard and Andrea, the camp hosts. They came to our rescue when we had an issue with our trailer. They are awesome hosts and we hope they will be there again next year.

Kim E

Verified

July 23, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: HELE

5

Great Campground. Great campground host. Great fishing in the area. I'm there many times a year.

ENJOY OUTDOORS!

Dan M

Verified

July 22, 2026 Stayed at: 002, Loop: HELE

3

Nice quiet campground.

Nicole P

Verified

July 6, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: HELE

5

This campsite was fantastic! Clean, beautiful view, and very quiet. Seems like a very family friendly spot to tent camp or RV camp. We will definitely stay there again!

Ginger R

Verified

July 5, 2026 Stayed at: 009 - Double Site, Loop: HELE

4

Unfortunately we were camping during a major rainstorm. However, the sites are nice and large, the tent areas are pretty level and there are glorious trees everywhere. We were the only people there one night, but the sites are far enough apart that you’re still able to have some privacy. Plenty of downed trees to scavenge firewood. There are only two pit toilets in this campground. There is a large trash receptacle. There is potable water on site by way of a hand pump. There is grass in the water, but we spoke to the ranger who informed us the water is tested regularly and it is perfectly safe. The sites are well marked and there is plenty of parking. Fire rings with grills are provided, as are picnic tables. Helende is on the Lowman highway, so there is road noise.

Patrick R

Verified

June 26, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HELE

2

There is no camp host, which was fine but no one cleaned or stocked the bathrooms for 5 days. This is unacceptable when fees are charged.

Andy B

Verified

June 19, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: HELE

5

Small, but delightfully quiet when we were there. We will return when it opens next spring for sure. Good water and well-tended outhouse.

Cadee C

Verified

June 17, 2026 Stayed at: 003, Loop: HELE

5

This spot was so great! The river was a quick 10-minute walk away from the campsite, with beachy spots to relax and fish. Definitely recommend!

Location Helende

Address:
7359 Hwy 21
Lowman, ID, 83637
United States

Elevation: 1277 feet

Distance to downtown

9.5 mi drive to downtown Lowman (about 15 min)

Policies & Rules

General

  • Idaho OHV Safety Message
  • Maximum two vehicles per site; additional vehicles must use parking lot and pay a fee
  • Day use fee for non-campers is $5
  • Additional sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Please contact the Lowman Ranger District at 208-259-3361 for off-season camping information
  • 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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 6, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service