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Cold Springs Group ONLY Campground - reserve
Overview
Cold Springs Campground is a group campground located 12.5 miles north of Banks, Idaho just off State Highway 55 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The campground is one of 4 campgrounds that lie along State Highway 55, on the North Fork of the Payette River between Banks and Smiths Ferry.
The North Fork Payette River flows next to the highway, where whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities.
Natural Features:
The campground is situated is a scenic canyon just above Highway 55. The mountains are forested with a mix of Ponderosa and lodgepole pines and shade is plentiful within most of the campground. Summer days are warm, reaching 80-90 degrees; nights are cooler.
Recreation:
The North Fork Payette River is a very popular location for whitewater rafting and kayaking. The Payette Whitewater Roundup is held annually in July along different sections of the river.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | May - September |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Make your reservations at https://www.recreation.gov/ or by calling 1-877-444-6777. |
| Rentals & Guides: | Click here to download a "Print to Go" guide for Cold Springs Campground. |
| Area Amenities: | Toilets, Drinking water, Parking |
| Fees: | Maximum number of guests is 50. Extra vehicle fees may apply. |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | Horseshoe Bend, Idaho |
| Water: | Drinking Water |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Information Center: | Facilities: This campground has five sites situated as a group area, each with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets are provided. Because of its proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected. |
General Information
Directions:From Boise, Idaho travel north along State Highway 55 for approximately 38 miles to Banks, Idaho.
From Banks, continue north along State Highway 55 for approximately 12.5 miles to the campground sign.
Parking:
3 of the 5 units can accommodate a 25 foot long recreational vehicle.
Activities
Campground Camping
Cold Springs Campground Group ONLY - make your reservation today at: https://www.recreation.gov/
Group Camping
Group Campground available with a reservation through https://www.recreation.gov/
| Reservation required?: | Y |
|---|
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 |
|---|
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.Group Picnicking
Scenic Driving
The area is in high, forested mountains along the North Fork of the Payette River. Highway 55 is a State Scenic Byway.Boating - Non-Motorized
The Payette River is famous for white water kayaking. There are many small access sites along the river. During the summer you can observe rafts and kayaks on the river every day. Banks river access site is located 8.5 miles south on the highway. This site has been developed for this sport. It is also the mouth of the South Fork of the Payette River and the location of the Banks Store and Cafe.Amenities
| Toilets: | vault |
|---|---|
| Parking: | up to 25 foot long recreational vehicle |
| Drinking water: | From hand pump |