OutReserve

Helende

HELENDE
HELENDE
HELENDE
HELENDE
HELENDE

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 closed - Opens on May 19

Sites & Availability

9 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: HELE
No Hookups
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 002, Loop: HELE
No Hookups
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 003, Loop: HELE
No Hookups
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 005, Loop: HELE
No Hookups
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 006, Loop: HELE
No Hookups
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 007, Loop: HELE
No Hookups
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 008, Loop: HELE
No Hookups
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 009 - Double Site, Loop: HELE
No Hookups
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 010, Loop: HELE
No Hookups
$24.00
/ per night

Reviews (38)

What Guests Are Saying

The Helende campground features friendly and attentive camp hosts, clean restrooms, and a well-maintained environment, making for a generally positive camping experience. However, the removal of many trees and the presence of debris from a recent storm have affected the campground's appeal and privacy. While there are concerns about shade and aggressive wildlife, the campground's proximity to outdoor activities and its quiet atmosphere are notable positives.

Review Summary

4.3
38 reviews
5
65.8%
25
4
13.2%
5
3
13.2%
5
2
2.6%
1
1
5.3%
2

Juliet B

Verified

June 2, 2025 Stayed at: 006, Loop: HELE

4

Great hosts, clean campground & restroom. Garbage service & Water provided. This is a great middle point for day hikes and other exploration around Lowman area.

Kyle W

Verified

August 21, 2024 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HELE

5

Campground was small, quiet and well maintained. Host was very knowledgeable, friendly.

Kristen B

Verified

June 25, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: HELE

1

I’m so sad. Half of the trees have been cut down or are marked to be cut down. It seems like they’re building another campground right behind this one and it just won’t fit. Very little privacy. Bathrooms were awful on the first day.

Someone created a small fire pit out of rocks next to the fire pit and the campsite was a mess. Branches and pine needles everywhere. We spent thirty minutes raking it away from the fire and clearing a spot for the tent. All in all Helende isn’t what it used to be. So bummed.

Dave M

Verified

September 12, 2023 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HELE

4

Nice peaceful setting, very large sites, beautiful stretch of river nearby, campground host was helpful. We enjoyed our stay very much. Only negative was no potable water because contamination had been detected in the well, and the pump was deactivated until the well tests clear again. It made the water situation a bit inconvenient, and this information could have been posted on the site or emailed to people making bookings.

Trinity N

Verified

August 28, 2023 Stayed at: 009 - Double Site, Loop: HELE

3

The camp host was really rude and nosey. The campground was awesome tho

Heather S

Verified

July 22, 2023 Stayed at: 010, Loop: HELE

5

It gets cold at night even in July at this elevation. Remember to look for Kirkham hot springs and don't go where the big white and black sign says hot Springs pool with an arrow pointing uphill. That's private land. The campground host was friendly and helpful.

Heather O

Verified

August 14, 2022 Stayed at: 007, Loop: HELE

5

This was a great campsite. Very quiet and just a short walk to the river. Would love to go back.

Jeralyn M

Verified

July 22, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: HELE

5

What an absolutely beautiful, idyllic spot to go camping. We loved being in such a secluded campground. We were at 001, and we thought that that spot, or 003 were the best of them all. It was close to the river, had some nice tree cover, and the campsite and bathroom were clean and well maintained. We went during a brutal heat wave, so that was miserable because we went with young children and there was little relief from the sun. At the hottest times of the day I did wish there was more shade. But we loved the chipmunk visitors, the proximity to the river, the peace and quiet, and the view!! It was so gorgeous to look out around us into the forest. I’m truly glad we went to Helende.
Oh I almost forgot - the campsite is absolutely filthy … with dirt. Our feet were brown all day and night, and anything that went near the ground was covered with powder-fine dirt. So get ready to be dirty! But it’s easy to clean when you get home.

Michael O

Verified

July 4, 2022 Stayed at: 003, Loop: HELE

5

Dave the camp host was great! We had a wonderful time. We rented the whole campground for a family reunion and enjoyed our time together immensely!

Andy B

Verified

July 3, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: HELE

5

This was our first stay. We really liked it and will return. Very quiet. Nice walks to the river.

Location Helende

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

Latitude & Longitude: 44.0928 / -115.476

Elevation: 1277 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Idaho OHV Safety Message

General

Maximum two vehicles per site; additional vehicles must use parking lot and pay a fee

General

Day use fee for non-campers is $5

General

Additional sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis

General

Please contact the Lowman Ranger District at 208-259-3361 for off-season camping information

General

Click here for more information on the Boise National Forest

General

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.

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