Outdoors NearbyBaumgartner Hot Springs
A concrete soaking pool fed by a hot spring sits inside a Forest Service campground on the South Fork Boise River east of Featherville. The pool is drained every night. You can soak at Baumgartner Hot Springs for free.
| Access | Free, public land Concrete soaking pool inside Baumgartner Campground on the Sawtooth National Forest; day-use parking is provided and no soaking fee is listed. |
|---|---|
| Type | Developed pools, 1 pool |
| Location | Featherville, ID Managed by USFS Sawtooth National Forest, Fairfield Ranger District Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | 98 to 111 °F |
| Prices | Campsite: $10 (single unit per night; $20 double, $40 group) Checked October 2026 on the operator's site |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk; pool drained nightly and cleaned Tuesdays (may open at noon) |
| Season | Generally mid-May to September 30, depending on conditions |
| Parking | Day-use parking at the campground; overflow lot west of the entrance past the South Fork Boise River bridge |
| Clothing | suits required |
| Dogs | Not allowed |
| Facilities | restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables |
| Camping | Baumgartner Campground (0 mi) |
| Website | fs.usda.gov |
| Phone | 208-764-3202 |
Best time to soak: Baumgartner Hot Springs
Baumgartner Hot Springs is about 57 miles east of Boise, ID, measured in a straight line.
Soaking feels best when the air is cool. From November to April average highs around Featherville stay at 29 to 54 °F, with nights down to 9 °F. From October to April lows average 9 to 29 °F, so paths and decks around the pools can ice over and dirt roads may close.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29 °F | 9 °F | 7 |
| Feb | 32 °F | 12 °F | 4 |
| Mar | 42 °F | 21 °F | 4 |
| Apr | 54 °F | 29 °F | 4 |
| May | 65 °F | 35 °F | 4 |
| Jun | 75 °F | 40 °F | 3 |
| Jul | 85 °F | 47 °F | 1 |
| Aug | 85 °F | 45 °F | 1 |
| Sep | 76 °F | 37 °F | 2 |
| Oct | 61 °F | 28 °F | 3 |
| Nov | 43 °F | 20 °F | 5 |
| Dec | 30 °F | 11 °F | 7 |
More to do nearby
- Smith Falls (waterfall, 27 mi)
Pack for the hot springs
- Cold-day pick SUN CUBE hooded changing robe poncho Change in and out of a wet suit at a trailhead with no changing room, and stay warm after a winter soak. View on Amazon
- Earth Pak roll-top waterproof dry bag Keeps your phone, keys and dry clothes safe on wet rocks next to the pool. View on Amazon
- Battery-free floating water thermometer Check a pool before you get in. Natural springs can run hotter than they look. View on Amazon
We haven't tested these ourselves; we chose them by size and specs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Check the current price on Amazon.
Hot springs in the area
- Skillern Hot Springs Free
- Worswick Hot Springs Free
- Atlanta Hot Springs Free
- Russian John Hot Springs Free
- Easley Hot Springs Day pass
- Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs Free
- Kirkham Hot Springs Free
- Bonneville Hot Springs Free
Sources
Access, prices and rules come from these official pages, checked October 2026. Hot springs close for weather, repairs or high water, so confirm before you go.
Something changed? Tell us.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Baumgartner Hot Springs cost?
Yes. Baumgartner Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee; day-use parking at the campground; overflow lot west of the entrance past the South Fork Boise River bridge.
How hot is Baumgartner Hot Springs?
98 to 111 °F.
Is Baumgartner Hot Springs clothing optional?
No, suits required.
Can you bring dogs to Baumgartner Hot Springs?
No, dogs are not allowed.
When is Baumgartner Hot Springs open?
Dawn to dusk; pool drained nightly and cleaned Tuesdays (may open at noon). Generally mid-May to September 30, depending on conditions.
Can you camp near Baumgartner Hot Springs?
Baumgartner Campground (0 mi).
How far is Baumgartner Hot Springs from Boise?
About 57 miles from Boise in a straight line; the drive is longer.