Kirkham

Summary

Kirkham Campground is located next to the South Fork Payette River in Lowman, Idaho, with popular hot springs, whitewater rafting and kayaking, and a scenic 35 mile Kirkham Ridge Trail. Facilities include accessible single-family and double sites with picnic tables, campfire rings and grills, vault toilets, drinking water and a campground host. Ponderosa pines provide some shade and wildflowers are present in the summer.

Overview

Kirkham Campground is located next to the South Fork Payette River just east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Visitors enjoy soaking in popular Kirkham Hot Springs on the banks of the river and exploring the scenic Kirkham Ridge Trail.

Recreation

Popular Kirkham Hot Springs is located at the river's edge within the campground. A trail with staircases leads down to the soaking pools and small steaming waterfalls.

The South Fork Payette River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing. The Deadwood and Danskin River Access areas are nearby.

Kirkham Ridge Trail is one of the Lowman Ranger District's premier trails. It begins less than 1/4-mile away and stretches through beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. It is open to hiking, mountain biking and horses. Sections of the trail are open seasonally to off-road vehicles.

Facilities

The campground contains several single-family sites and one double site, all of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Some sites have small picnic shelters for shade.

Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. A campground host is on-site. Roads and parking spurs are paved. A small gas station/cafe and mechanic are nearby.

Natural Features

The campground offers little shade, though a few Ponderosa pines are scattered throughout the site. The campground can be very hot and sunny during the summer. Wildflowers dot the landscape.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, and the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway. Both byways offer scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks and several trail 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.