Featured amenities
Picnic Table
Restrooms
River Access
Fire Pit
Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates9 total sites
RV Sites
9 sites
About Helende
Number of accommodations: 9
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Restrooms
River Access
Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Fire Pit
Water Access
- River Access
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Rates, Sites & Availability
9 Sites Available
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Site Details
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9 Sites Available
No available sites
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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.
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
Kris G
VerifiedJune 27, 2022 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: HELE
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
VerifiedJune 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: HELE
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
VerifiedMay 30, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: HELE
Camp host was excellent. Campsite was cleanable and the bathrooms were the best we have ever used.
Kim H
VerifiedAugust 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: HELE
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
VerifiedJuly 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: HELE
Had a great time and enjoyed the open space.
Courtney H
VerifiedJuly 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: HELE
Great little campground! Short drive to the river with very few people, great fishing!
scott r
VerifiedJuly 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: HELE
Beautiful stand of Ponderosa Pine and close to river access. Very clean park.
Robert G
VerifiedJuly 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: HELE
Great trip
Richard H
VerifiedJune 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: HELE
The facilities were very clean and the campground was well maintained.
Melanie M
VerifiedJune 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: HELE
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
Elevation: 1277 feet
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.
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Last updated: September 6, 2026
