Baumgartner Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Generally operates from Memorial Day weekend through September 30th. Opening and closing dates are weather dependent. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Over-Snow Vehicle and Bicycle Prohibitions
This order covers over-snow vehicle and bicycle use on the Fairfield and Ketchum Ranger Districts and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Sawtooth Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use
This order covers occupancy and use requirements for the Sawtooth Wilderness area on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Hemingway-Boulders and Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness Areas - Occupancy and Use
This over covers occupancy and use requirements of the Hemingway-Boulders and Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness Areas on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Forestwide Occupancy and Use
This order covers occupancy and use prohibitions on all National Forest System lands and roads within the Sawtooth National Forest.
Occupancy and Use - Food Storage
This order covers requirements for possessing and storing food while visiting the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area - Occupancy and Use
This covers occupancy and use requirements, including stay limits, for the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
About
Baumgartner Campground is situated alongside the South Fork Boise River in Sawtooth National Forest, nestled beneath towering ponderosa pines at 5,200 feet elevation. The campground comprises 39 units including 33 single sites, 6 double-family sites (up to 16 people each), and 1 multi-family group site (up to 32 campers). A campground host is on-site during operating season. The centerpiece of the campground is Baumgartner Hot Springs, where 98-111°F water is piped into a large concrete soaking pool. The pool is open dawn to dusk, drained nightly, and pressure washed Tuesday mornings (reopening around noon). Swimsuits are required, and no pets, soaps, alcohol, or glass are permitted near the pool. The South Fork Boise River provides excellent fishing for wild and stocked rainbow trout, with a popular swimming hole accessible via paved path at the eastern end of the campground. An accessible path leads to a bench overlooking this swimming and fishing area. The campground offers a 1/4-mile interpretive nature trail beginning at the hot springs and climbing through the forest. The John Baumgartner Gravesite is a short walk from the hot springs. Multiple trail systems begin nearby, including Kelley Creek/Iron Mountain, Virginia Gulch, Willow Creek, Van Gulch, and Big Water trails. The Ponderosa Trail Learner's Loop, approximately 1 mile west, provides beginner-level terrain for young ATV and dirt bike riders. The historic Iron Mountain Lookout is accessible via a 12-mile one-way trip along Kelley Creek trail (open to vehicles 50" or less in width). ATVs, UTVs, and off-road motorcycles cannot be ridden within the campground but may be trailered in and out if the trailer fits within your 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 Baumgartner Campground sign, turn right and cross the bridge to the campground on the left.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 76ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 70ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 764-3202 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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