
31
Total Campsites
Campground
19
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
30
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About BAUMGARTNER CAMPGROUND
Overview Baumgartner Campground is situated alongside the South Fork Boise River, 11 miles from Featherville, Idaho. The area offers excellent fishing, hiking and off-road vehicle riding opportunities. Baumgartner Hot Springs is located within the campground, where visitors can enjoy soaking in the pool while admiring the scenic, natural setting. Recreation The campground's main draw is Baumgartner Hot Springs. The 101-degree water is piped into a large concrete soaking pool. The pool is open during daylight hours and is drained and refilled daily. The pool is pressure washed Tuesday mornings and will not open until around noon. The South Fork Boise River provides great fishing for wild and stocked rainbow trout. Younger campers love splashing in the cool mountain waters. An accessible path leads to a bench overlooking the swimming/fishing hole on thenorth end of the campground. The John Baumgartner Gravesite is a short walk from the hot springs. A 1/4-mile interpretive nature trail begins at the hot springs and meanders up the hill through the forest. Kelley Creek/Iron Mountain, Virginia Gulch, Willow Creek, Van Gulch and Big Water Trails all begin in the area. Ponderosa Trail Learner's Loop is located approximately 1 mile to the west of the campground and offers beginner level trails for young ATV and off-road motorcycle riders. ATVs, UTVs and off-road motorcycles cannot be ridden within the campground. You may trailer them in and out of the campground but the trailer must fit within your camping spur. Facilities The campground's main draw is Baumgartner Hot Springs. The 101-degree water is piped into a large concrete soaking pool. The pool is open during daylight hours and is drained and refilled daily. The pool is pressure washed Tuesday mornings and will not open until around noon. The South Fork Boise River provides great fishing for wild and stocked rainbow trout. Younger campers love splashing in the cool mountain waters. An accessible path leads to a bench overlooking the swimming/fishing hole on thenorth end of the campground. The John Baumgartner Gravesite is a short walk from the hot springs. A 1/4-mile interpretive nature trail begins at the hot springs and meanders up the hill through the forest. Kelley Creek/Iron Mountain, Virginia Gulch, Willow Creek, Van Gulch and Big Water Trails all begin in the area. Ponderosa Trail Learner's Loop is located approximately 1 mile to the west of the campground and offers beginner level trails for young ATV and off-road motorcycle riders. ATVs, UTVs and off-road motorcycles cannot be ridden within the campground. You may trailer them in and out of the campground but the trailer must fit within your camping spur. Natural Features The campground is nestled beneath towering ponderosa pines at an elevation of 5,200 feet. The gentle South Fork Boise River runs along the site, offering beautiful scenery and recreation. A variety of wildlife is commonly seen in and around the campground, including deer and moose. Nearby Attractions Numerous hiking, biking, horseback and off-road vehicle trails crisscross the surrounding area. Kelley Creek Flats Recreation Area is adjacent with additional designated dispersed site camping and livestock corrals near Kelley Creek. The historic Iron Mountain Lookout is located to the south of the campground. It is approximately a 12 mile one-way trip along the Kelley Creek trail which is open to vehicles 50" or less in width.
- 31 total campsites listed.
- 19 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 30 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard nonelectric (29).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes BAUMGARTNER CAMPGROUND special
Baumgartner Campground is one of those rare places where you can soak in natural hot springs, sleep under the pines, and fish a mountain river all in the same afternoon. Situated along the South Fork Boise River about 11 miles east of Featherville, Idaho, the campground sits in a forested corridor of the Boise National Forest where the river bends through a narrow canyon of granite and evergreen. The star attraction is the nearby Baumgartner Hot Springs, a developed soaking pool fed by geothermal water and maintained by the Forest Service — it is free, open to all, and utterly relaxing after a day on the trail. The river itself offers solid fishing for rainbow and bull trout, and the surrounding forest is laced with trails for hiking and mountain biking. Sites are shaded by tall conifers and spaced along the riverbank, offering the soothing soundtrack of moving water day and night. The campground is popular for good reason, so summer weekends — especially the Fourth of July stretch — fill early. Reservations are strongly recommended from June through September, which is the prime season. Shoulder months can be cool but rewarding, with fewer visitors and golden fall color beginning to creep through the aspens and cottonwoods. Pack a swimsuit and a fishing rod, and you will have everything you need.
Campsite Inventory
31 sites to choose from
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
17
Reservable
29
Accessible
GROUP RV AREA NONELECTRIC
1
Reservable
0
Accessible
GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC
1
Reservable
1
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
ACCESSIBLE PIT TOILETS
Accessible Pit Toilets
ACCESSIBLE VAULT TOILETS
Accessible Vault Toilets
Accessibility
Yes
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Double, Quad, Single
Check-in time
2:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Condition Rating
Good
DRINKING WATER (PEAK SEASON)
Drinking Water (peak season)
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-through
Driveway Grade
Slight
Driveway length (ft)
24, 35, 36, 38
Driveway surface
Paved
Grills/Fire Ring
Yes
HOST
Host
Location Rating
Good, Prime
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
208-764-3202
Getting There
Take I-84 to Exit 95. Go east on State Highway 20 to mile marker 127.5. Turn north and follow signs to Featherville. Once at Featherville, head east on Forest Road 227 for 11 miles on dirt road. At Baumgartner Campground sign, turn right and cross the bridge to the campground, on the left hand side.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to BAUMGARTNER CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for BAUMGARTNER CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for BAUMGARTNER CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at BAUMGARTNER CAMPGROUND?
BAUMGARTNER CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (29), GROUP RV AREA NONELECTRIC (1), GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC (1).
Where is BAUMGARTNER CAMPGROUND located?
BAUMGARTNER CAMPGROUND is in Idaho near FAIRFIELD. Coordinates: 43.6125, -115.0803.
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