Hot Springs

Summary

Hot Springs Campground in Garden Valley, Idaho offers visitors a variety of activities including fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking and soaking in the hot springs. It includes three accessible group sites and is situated at the foot of a forested hillside with towering pines and summer wildflowers. The Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway, offers scenic views and various hiking opportunities.

Overview

Hot Springs Campground is located just east of Garden Valley, Idaho along the Banks-Lowman Highway at an elevation of 3169 feet.
Visitors enjoy rafting, kayaking, fishing on the South Fork Payette River, and soaking in the hot springs at the river's edge.

Recreation

The South Fork Payette River is across the road from the campground, offering fishing, whitewater rafting, and kayaking. A natural hot springs soaking pool is located on the river directly across the road and down a staircase.

Facilities

The campground contains three accessible group sites with picnic and serving tables, grills and campfire circles with benches. Sites 1 and 2 can accommodate up to 200 people each; Site 3 can accommodate up to 50 people.

Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Because of its proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected.

Natural Features

The campground is situated at the foot of a forested hillside. Towering Ponderosa pines are scattered throughout the site, offering partial shade. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway. The area offers scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks, and several hiking opportunities. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the South Fork and Main Payette Rivers. Several companies in the area offer guided half and full-day trips.