Helende
Closed — Closed for the season. Contact the Lowman Ranger District at 208-259-3361 for off-season camping information. Reservations available through Recreation.gov when open.
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.
Atlanta Area Roads 268M & 268MX1 Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public health, safety and natural resources along two short roadways associated with the community of Atlanta's transfer station.
Granite Creek Seasonal Road Closure for Snowmobile Grooming
National Forest System Road 327 (also known as Granite Creek-Rabbit Creek Road) is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles beginning near its junction with Hwy. 21 and ending at the North Fork Boise River bridge near Deer Park.
Lava Fire Road Closure
Updated closure of National Forest System Road 625, and portions of NFSRs 653 and 624 due to safety hazards resulting from the 2024 Lava Fire. These routes are closed to motorized and mechanized travel, but open to foot and livestock use.
Public Safety Occupancy and Use on all Boise National Forest Lands
This Order applies to all National Forest System lands and roads within the Boise National Forest for purposes of public health and safety.
Flat Fire GNA Salvage Road and Trail Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during timber operations near the Flat Fire burn area. These will be in effect from June 20 through December 31, 2025.
Lowman Ranger District Dispersed Camping Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect undeveloped campsites along portions of Highway 21 and National Forest System Roads 582 and 524 from overuse and to let highly impacted areas to recover.
William Pogue and Roaring River Trail Closure Order
Portions of the William Pogue and Roaring River Trails are closed.
South Fork Salmon Road Closure
This order prohibits motor vehicles on the South Fork Salmon River Road having more than 10,000 lbs on the steering axle and tire width less than nine inches, or more than 300 lbs per inch of tire on all axles, from March 15th through June 1st annually.
Rainbow Basin Occupancy and Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources values and public health and safety within Rainbow Basin.
Grimes Creek Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and natural resources.
Occupancy and Use
Details camping stay restrictions for more than 14 days during any 30-day period throughout the year.
Wilson Creek Trail System Temporary Closure to Motor Vehicle Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect big game during critical life stages.
About
Helende Campground sits at 4,100 feet elevation along Highway 21, about 10 miles east of Lowman. The South Fork Payette River flows a few hundred yards from the campground, offering excellent whitewater rafting, kayaking, and trout fishing opportunities. The campground is situated in a dense forest of lodgepole and Ponderosa pine that provides plentiful shade, with summer wildflowers dotting the landscape and occasional sightings of deer and elk. Nearby attractions include Kirkham Hot Springs, located less than 5 miles west along Highway 21, where a trail with staircases leads down to riverside soaking pools. The Kirkham Ridge Trail, one of the premier trails in the Lowman Ranger District, begins near Kirkham Campground and extends 35 miles through beautiful backcountry. The trail accommodates hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, with some sections open seasonally to off-road vehicles. The area is also part of the scenic Banks-Lowman Highway (Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway) and Highway 21 (Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway).
Directions
From Boise, take State Highway 55 north to Banks. Turn east on Forest Highway 24 (Banks-Lowman Highway) to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21 and continue east 10 miles to milepost 82.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 65ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 65ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 259-3361 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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