Boiling Springs Campground

Boiling Springs Campground is located north of Garden Valley along the scenic Middle Fork of the Payette River.

Natural Features:

The Campground is located in a narrow mountain valley situated between a hot springs, a stream and the Middle Fork Payette River. The surrounding mountains are steep and densely forested with conifers.

Wildlife enthusiasts may spot nesting ospreys along the Middle Fork Payette River. Elk and deer are often spotted grazing along its banks. Bald eagles, hawks, quail and a variety of waterfowl also inhabit the area.

Recreation:

Numerous hiking, biking, horse and off-road vehicle trails are in the vicinity, including the Middle Fork Trail. Many miles of groomed snowmobile trails crisscross the area in winter. Snowshoer's and cross-country skiers can also use the trails in winter.

The Middle Fork Payette River offers opportunities for rafting, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Anglers can fish for rainbow and bull trout. Big game hunting is a popular activity in the surrounding mountains.

At a Glance

Reservations: No reservations are necessary.  The campground is on a first come, first serve basis. This is a fee campground.  Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance.  Bring cash or check.  Extra vehicle fees may apply.
Open Season: Mid-May - End of September
Closest Towns: Garden Valley, Idaho
Water: Drinking water is available
Restroom: Vault

General Information

Directions:
  • From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 north 35 miles to Banks, Idaho.

  • Turn east onto the Banks-Lowman Highway 17 and proceed to Crouch, Idaho.

  • At Crouch, proceed on Forest Service Road 698 north for approximately 24 miles. 

  • Watch for recreation signs.

Alternate Route:

  • Take Forest Service Road (FS) 698 from Crouch to Trail Creek Campground (17 miles).

  • Turn right on FS Road 671 to Silver Creek Plunge.

  • Turn left at FS Road 678 and drive 7 miles to the campground.

  • Total mileage from Crouch to the campground via the alternate route is 38 miles.


If you reserve the Boiling Springs Cabin in winter, all access is over snow: 

  • From Crouch, take Middle Fork Road (Forest Service Road 698) north 13 miles to the snowmobile parking lot at the end of the plowed road on FS Road 698 just north of Tie Creek Campground.

  • Distance to the campground from the trailhead is 11 miles.


General Notes:

Facilities:

There are 9 units with a capacity of 8 people per unit.  Units can accommodate a maximum RV length of 30 feet.  All units have tables, grills, and fire pits.  The campground is located between a geothermal hot springs, a stream and the Middle Fork Payette River.

The Middle Fork Payette River / Wet Foot Trailhead is near the campground and includes a hitching rack and visitor information.

It serves Middle Fork Payette River (#033) and Wet Foot (#441) / Skunk Creek-Wet Foot (#041) trails. 

Southeast from the trailhead across the river is a dispersed camping area that will accommodate horses. The trailhead is located near Boiling Springs Campground and Boiling Springs rental cabin. 


Parking:

All trailheads have space for parking.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Total of 9 sites.

River and Stream Fishing

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game manages the river fisheries. Fishing is good to excellent most of the year. Fishing occurs from the riverbanks. Whitefish and rainbow trout are the predominate species.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Day Hiking

There are several trails located in easy reach of this campground. Most trails in this area are motorized. The Wetfoot Trail is open to motorized vehicles. The Middle Fork Trail is non-motorized. Trails provide access to high mountain peaks and some hot springs. Some trails access the Landmark and Stolle Meadows areas.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Big Game Hunting

Hunting is good on both sides of the river during the legal season. Due to the heavy highway traffic, hunting is best on the higher slopes. Big game (deer, elk & bear) is located throughout the surrounding mountains.
Difficulty Level: Difficult

Picnicking

Picnic tables are in the surrounding area.

Scenic Driving

The area consists of high, forested mountains along the Middle Fork of the Payette River.

Boating - Non-Motorized

The Middle Fork of the Payette River can be boated with rafts or canoes during high flows but is too shallow for most of the season. Inner tubes and kayaks may be able to access the river during low water.

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
44.35917

  Longitude : 
-115.8601

  Elevation : 
4,053