Established Camping
Boise National Forest Helende Campground
Boise National Forest Helende Campground is located near Lowman, Idaho, surrounded by forested terrain. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Kirkham Hot Springs and the Sawtooth Wilderness, offering opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
Description
US Forest Service
Boise National Forest
Overview
Helende Campground is located 10 miles east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,100 feet. The South Fork Payette River lies a few hundred yards away. Visitors enjoy fishing and rafting on the river, soaking at nearby Kirkham Hot Springs and exploring the extensive Kirkham Ridge Trail.
Recreation
The South Fork Payette River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing. The Deadwood and Danskin River Access areas are nearby. Popular Kirkham Hot Springs is less than 5 miles west of the campground along Highway 21. A trail with staircases leads down to the soaking pools on the riverside. Kirkham Ridge Trail is one of the Lowman Ranger District's premier trails. It begins near Kirkham Campground and stretches through beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. It is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Sections of the trail are open seasonally to off-road vehicles.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in a dense forest of lodgepole and Ponderosa pine, which offers plentiful shade in most sites. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape. Deer and elk may be seen wandering through the area on occasion.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway and Highway 21, the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. Both byways offer scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks and several trail opportunities. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the South Fork and Main Payette Rivers. Several companies in the area offer guided half and full-day trips.
Fee Info
There is a $5 fee for vehicles entering the campground for day use.
Location
Boise National Forest Helende Campground is located in Idaho
Directions
From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 to Banks. Turn east and travel on Forest Highway 24/Banks-Lowman Highway to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21. Campground is located at milepost 82.
Address
7359 Hwy 21
Lowman, ID 83637
Coordinates
44.0927778 N
115.4758333 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonPoor
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
Drive Time
- 1 hr 42 min from Boise
- 3 hrs 17 min from Twin Falls
- 4 hrs 31 min from Pocatello
- 4 hrs 46 min from Lewiston
