Outdoors NearbyHot Springs Campground hot spring
A riverside soaking pool on the South Fork Payette River just east of Garden Valley, across the Banks-Lowman Highway from the Forest Service's Hot Springs Campground. Expect highway noise. Hot Springs Campground hot spring costs nothing to visit.
| Access | Free, public land A natural soaking pool on the South Fork Payette River across the road from Hot Springs Campground, reached by a staircase. No separate soaking fee is listed. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Garden Valley, ID Managed by USFS Boise National Forest, Emmett Ranger District Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | 124 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980) |
| Facilities | vault toilets, drinking water (campground) |
| Camping | Hot Springs Campground (group sites, some first-come single sites) |
| Website | recreation.gov |
Best time to soak: Hot Springs Campground hot spring
From Boise, ID it is roughly 34 miles northeast as the crow flies.
Hot water is most welcome on cold days. From November to April average highs near Garden Valley stay at 33 to 60 °F, with nights down to 19 °F. Freezing nights from November to March mean icy steps and possible road closures; traction for your shoes helps. From July to August highs reach 89 °F. Hot water on a hot day dehydrates you fast, so soak in short sessions and drink water. December is the wettest month with about 10 days of rain or snow, and creekside springs can flood or cool down after heavy runoff.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34 °F | 19 °F | 10 |
| Feb | 41 °F | 22 °F | 8 |
| Mar | 52 °F | 27 °F | 8 |
| Apr | 60 °F | 32 °F | 6 |
| May | 69 °F | 38 °F | 5 |
| Jun | 78 °F | 44 °F | 4 |
| Jul | 89 °F | 48 °F | 1 |
| Aug | 89 °F | 46 °F | 1 |
| Sep | 79 °F | 39 °F | 2 |
| Oct | 64 °F | 31 °F | 4 |
| Nov | 44 °F | 26 °F | 8 |
| Dec | 33 °F | 20 °F | 10 |
More to do nearby
- Big Falls (waterfall, 9 mi)
Pack for the hot springs
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Illustration SIMARI quick-dry water shoes for women and men Grip on slick rock and gravel pool bottoms, and they dry fast on the walk out. View on Amazon - 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
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.
More hot springs nearby
- Pine Flats Hot Springs Free
- Rocky Canyon Hot Springs Free
- The Springs Day pass
- Kirkham Hot Springs Free
- Silver Creek Plunge Day pass
- Bonneville Hot Springs Free
- Vulcan Hot Springs Free
- Trail Creek Hot Springs Free
Waterfalls nearby
- Big Falls (9 mi)
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 Hot Springs Campground hot spring cost?
Yes. Hot Springs Campground hot spring is on public land with no soaking fee.
How hot is Hot Springs Campground hot spring?
124 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980). Pool temperatures are usually lower than at the source and change with the season.
Can you camp near Hot Springs Campground hot spring?
Hot Springs Campground (group sites, some first-come single sites).
How far is Hot Springs Campground hot spring from Boise?
About 34 miles from Boise in a straight line; the drive is longer.