Baumgartner Campground

About

Baumgartner Campground is nestled beneath towering ponderosa pines at 5,200 feet elevation alongside the South Fork Boise River in Sawtooth National Forest. The campground's centerpiece is Baumgartner Hot Springs, featuring 101-degree water piped into a large concrete soaking pool. The pool operates during daylight hours, is drained and refilled daily, and undergoes pressure washing on Tuesday mornings (reopening around noon). Swimsuits are required; no glass, alcohol, soaps, or pets are allowed near the pool. The 39-site campground includes single sites, six double-family units accommodating up to 16 people each, and a multi-family group unit for up to 32 campers. Site 100, located outside the main gates, offers nine sites with a large covered picnic area and grills. All roads and parking spurs are paved for accessibility. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets and potable water are available throughout. The South Fork Boise River provides excellent fishing for wild and stocked rainbow trout and cool swimming holes. A 1/4-mile interpretive nature trail begins near the hot springs. Kelley Creek/Iron Mountain, Virginia Gulch, Willow Creek, Van Gulch, and Big Water Trails are all accessible from the area. Ponderosa Trail Learner's Loop, about one mile west, offers beginner OHV trails. ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes cannot be ridden within the campground but may be trailered in if they fit within the camping spur.

Directions

Take I-84 to Exit 95. Go east on State Highway 20 to mile marker 127.5. Turn north and follow signs to Featherville. From Featherville, head east on Forest Road 227 for 11 miles on dirt road. At the Baumgartner Campground sign, turn right and cross the bridge to the campground on the left.