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Established Camping

Baumgartner Campground

Baumgartner Campground, near Fairfield, Idaho, is a fantastic place for those looking to unwind in nature. With its proximity to the stunning Sawtooth National Forest, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering pines and the soothing sounds of the nearby river.

This campground is known for its hot springs, which many visitors rave about as a perfect way to relax after a day of exploring. The sites are spacious, and even when the campground is busy, you can still find a sense of seclusion. One camper noted, “The vault toilets were clean, and though the campground was nearly full, we still felt secluded in our site.”

If you’re into fishing or just want to soak up some sun, you’re in luck. The South Fork Boise River is right next door, offering opportunities for both. Plus, there’s a mix of paid and free camping options, making it accessible for different budgets. As one happy camper shared, “There’s so much to do here! You’re close to a lake, you can fish the river, and there’s even a town close by if you forgot any essentials!”

While the campground doesn’t have showers or electric hookups, it does allow fires in approved spots, so you can enjoy a cozy evening under the stars. Just remember to keep your food and drinks secure, as the local wildlife is known to be curious. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned camper, Baumgartner Campground offers a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of outdoor fun.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Sawtooth National Forest

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.

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.

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Location

Baumgartner Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

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.

Address

102 First Street East
Fairfield, ID 83327

Coordinates

43.6125 N
115.0802778 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2023

Amazingly Relaxing

I really enjoyed our 2 night stay. The hot spring was super enjoyable, but the pines and river were also just as relaxing. The vault toilets were clean, and though the campground was nearly full, we still felt secluded in our site (A11).

SiteA11
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Baumgartner Campground by Joshua D., July 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Baumgartner Campground by Joshua D., July 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Baumgartner Campground by Joshua D., July 2, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2022

Great for first time

Great campsite for a first timer. They are very helpful and easy to get to. Only hard part is that all the spaces fill up on Wednesday. But you might get lucky like me and get a spot early Saturday

SiteBaumgartner 3
Month of VisitJuly
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Reviewed Jun. 26, 2022

First time here

Very good looking site, super close to the river. didn’t find much hiking trails. Seemed like a lot activity was mostly dirt bikes or ATVs. The hot springs pool was very crowed the whole time

Site7
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Baumgartner Campground by Christian R., June 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Baumgartner Campground by Christian R., June 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Baumgartner Campground by Christian R., June 26, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2020

Loved it!!!

Nice little campground with paid on one side and free FF on the other next to S. Fork Boise River. Paid side is paved road/spots. The free side is dirt but easy in/out. Vault style toilets and little hot spring pool on paid side but both sides can use. Fires in approved spots only.

  • Review photo of Baumgartner Campground by Jon W., June 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Baumgartner Campground by Jon W., June 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Baumgartner Campground by Jon W., June 22, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2019

Awesome Getaway!

My in-laws would go here every year and the took me after I married into the family. There’s so much to do here! You’re close to a lake, you c an fish the river, (we also panned for gold,) and there’s even a town close by if you forgot any essentials!

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2018

Bears lik dr. Pepper

Hotsprings, hiking, biking, fishing, and beautiful scenery. I love this place and all the wildlife. It can get busy but Its nice to spend the day fishing or hiking and end the day with a soak in the hot springs. Lots of bears in the area and they love dr pepper so hide your soda.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Baumgartner Campground?

    Baumgartner Campground allows vehicles up to 76 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Baumgartner Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Baumgartner Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Baumgartner Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Baumgartner Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Baumgartner Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Baumgartner Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Baumgartner Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Baumgartner Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Baumgartner Campground?

    There are 31 campsites at Baumgartner Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts