Within Boise National Forest, Bonneville Campground sits tucked into a forested valley where the sound of flowing water replaces highway noise. This Forest Service facility accommodates RVs up to 100 feet with full hookups, though the access road presents some challenges with potholes and rough sections that require careful navigation.
The campground divides into distinct tent and RV sections, each with vault toilets and water pumps. Sites near the creek fill quickly, as campers appreciate the constant white noise from the moving water. Kyle J. notes that "the only real noise you hear is the birds and the creek," since the campground sits far enough from the highway to block traffic sounds. Getting down to the water requires sturdy shoes and good knees, as no formal trail exists, but small pools offer spots to cool feet during warmer months.
The main draw lies a quarter-mile walk through the trees to natural hot springs, where multiple pools offer varying temperatures. Walk-in sites along this trail provide the most privacy, separated by low shrubs and tall conifers that accommodate hammock setups. Both camping loops feature dumpsters and maintained facilities, with camp hosts providing helpful guidance on fire restrictions and local conditions.
Reservations through Recreation.gov secure spots during the May through September season, when rates range from $20-40 per night. Will M. found "clean bathrooms and great sites right by the creek" during his multi-day stay. The campground's location makes it accessible for places to camp around Lowman, serving as a base for forest exploration and fishing opportunities. Off-season visits offer free camping with limited amenities, attracting those who don't mind fewer services in exchange for solitude.
Description
Overview
Bonneville Campground is 19 miles east of Lowman, Idaho just off Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Warm Springs Creek runs alongside the campground and the South Fork Payette River lies across the highway. Visitors enjoy soaking at Bonneville Hot Springs a short distance above the campground, and fishing in the creek and river.
Recreation
A 1/4-mile hiking trail leads from the campground to Bonneville Hot Springs, where a soaking pool awaits. Warm Springs Creek offers good trout fishing. The South Fork Payette River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing. The Deadwood River Access area is located near Lowman.
Facilities
The campground contains several accessible single-family sites and one double site, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. A campground host is on-site.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on a bluff overlooking Warm Springs Creek. A forest of towering Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir covers the campground. Most campsites have plentiful shade. 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 Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, and the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBonneville is located in Idaho
Directions
From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 to Banks. Turn East on Banks Lowman Highway 17 to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21. The campground is located at milepost 91.5.
Address
LOWMAN
ID
Coordinates
44.15165 N
115.3116306 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 53 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 28 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 4 hrs 5 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 4 hrs 21 min from Pocatello, ID
