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

Kris G

Verified

June 27, 2022 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HELE

5

Greatly enjoyed this campground. The host had perfect balance running the place. The generators turned on and off at reasonable hours. No prolonged barking dogs. A few short trails right out of the campground. Clean bathrooms and well run.

Susan S

Verified

June 23, 2022 Stayed at: 003, Loop: HELE

4

First time at Helende. Sites are nicely spaced and very clean. Camp was full both nights we were there, but it was very quiet and everyone was well behaved. The South Fork of the Payette is just a short walk from the camp. Camp host clearly keeps things clean and tidy, he also has a great personality. Only complaint was the water pump. It was hard to use and appeared to need some maintenance. Fix the water pump and Helende is just about the perfect campground for a few days of rest and relaxation.

Anthony Q

Verified

May 30, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: HELE

5

Camp host was excellent. Campsite was cleanable and the bathrooms were the best we have ever used.

Kim H

Verified

August 18, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: HELE

3

This is a nice, clean, quiet campground. Not great river access, but nice anyway. We were surprised that they allowed campfires. We thought there was a burn ban but there was one group having a fire.

Collin B

Verified

July 17, 2021 Stayed at: 005, Loop: HELE

5

Had a great time and enjoyed the open space.

Courtney H

Verified

July 13, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: HELE

4

Great little campground! Short drive to the river with very few people, great fishing!

scott r

Verified

July 9, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop: HELE

5

Beautiful stand of Ponderosa Pine and close to river access. Very clean park.

Robert G

Verified

July 7, 2021 Stayed at: 003, Loop: HELE

5

Great trip

Richard H

Verified

June 26, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: HELE

5

The facilities were very clean and the campground was well maintained.

Melanie M

Verified

June 25, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop: HELE

1

When I made my reservation in February 2021 (for June 2021), the camping sites could not be reserved over the weekend. The notification was that each site was first come first served over the weekends. I reserved Thursday night with the expectation of reserving Friday and Saturday nights upon arriving on Thursday. However, when we arrived on Thursday, all sites had been reserved for the weekend by one person. We went to the Lowman Ranger station to ask for an explanation. They were apologetic and said it was a problem with Recreation.gov. We had additional family members coming to join us, but there wasn't even service at the Ranger station so that we could call and cancel the camping weekend. I don't expect we will return to the Helende campground.

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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