Within Boise National Forest, Cold Springs Campground provides a small-scale camping experience directly off Highway 55. The US Forest Service manages this established campground, which accommodates RVs up to 12 feet and welcomes tent campers. Four similar campgrounds cluster in this immediate area along the Payette River corridor.
The campground features shaded sites with reasonable privacy between camping spots. Campers can access the area by multiple methods including drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in options. Basic amenities include toilets, picnic tables, and firewood availability, while fishing opportunities exist nearby. Cell service remains limited according to visitor reports. Canyon Campground sits less than half a mile south for those exploring camping spots near Boise National Forest. The season runs from mid-April through October.
Description
Overview
Cold Springs Campground is one of four campgrounds along Idaho's State Highway 55, next to the North Fork of the Payette River. This area is a popular location for river rafting trips and camping. This campground rests at 3,878 feet.
Recreation
The North Fork of the Payette River is a very popular location for expert kayaking. Whitewater rafting is nearby on the Main and South Fork sections of the Payette River. Anglers will find good to excellent fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout.
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.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in 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.
Nearby Attractions
Near the boat and kayak launch of the Payette River.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCold Springs Campground is located in Idaho near Banks
Directions
Cold Springs Campground is located in southwestern Idaho, 41.5 miles north of Boise. Take State Highway 55 north to Banks (35 miles). Proceed north on Highway 55 (6.5 miles) to campground on westside of highway. Watch for recreation signs.
Address
EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT
1857 HIGHWAY 16, SUITE A
Emmett, ID 83617
Coordinates
44.1933333 N
116.1127778 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/18/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/30/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/18/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/18/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/30/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/18/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 26 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 10 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 45 min from Lewiston, ID
- 4 hrs 38 min from Walla Walla, WA







