Established Camping
Kirkham Campground -- Temporarily CLOSED (Day Use Only)
About
National Forest
Boise National Forest
Overview
Kirkham Campground is located next to the South Fork Payette River just east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Visitors enjoy soaking in popular Kirkham Hot Springs on the banks of the river and exploring the scenic Kirkham Ridge Trail.
Recreation
Popular Kirkham Hot Springs is located at the river's edge within the campground. A trail with staircases leads down to the soaking pools and small steaming waterfalls. The South Fork Payette River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing. The Deadwood and Danskin River Access areas are nearby. Kirkham Ridge Trail is one of the Lowman Ranger District's premier trails. It begins less than 1/4-mile away and stretches through beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. It is open to hiking, mountain biking and horses. Sections of the trail are open seasonally to off-road vehicles.
Facilities
The campground contains several single-family sites and one double site, all of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Some sites have small picnic shelters for shade. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. A campground host is on-site. Roads and parking spurs are paved. A small gas station/cafe and mechanic are nearby.
Natural Features
The campground offers little shade, though a few Ponderosa pines are scattered throughout the site. The campground can be very hot and sunny during the summer. Wildflowers dot the landscape.
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
LegendHotter than heck, but worth it
I was here in the thick of summer with no A/C and not even a fan, so I sweltered and felt like I lost my body weight in sweat. That said, this is the closest spot to the Kirkham Hot Springs and I would totally recommend it for that reason alone. I ended up going on something of a hot spring tour throughout Idaho and Montana and it is so cool to see these geothermal wonders. As a camper, you are much closer than other visitors who have to park outside the gate. There are a couple of different pools with different temperatures, so you can find one that suits your fancy (and isn’t as crowded as the others, hopefully). Tons of trails in the area.
** NOTE: I was recently informed that the camp section of this area is not open as of July 2022 and it is day use only, but the campground is expected to reopen at some point after renovations. Check conditions on the ground before you go.
LegendRight on the river
This is a very popular campsite all year round. It is right on the river and hot springs. Close to other hiking and other forest activities. Can be crowded.
TravelerGreat hot springs... but
Great place for a day trip. Close to town, Boise, about an hour and half out. Springs are awesome and there are several. We stayed the over night and it became a little rowdy and a bit of nudity in one of the hot springs... my sons will always remember this place! All in all it is really a good place to visit and stay over night, just be ready for it.
Location
Kirkham Campground -- Temporarily CLOSED (Day Use Only) is located in Idaho
Directions
From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 to Banks. Turn east onto the Banks-Lowman Highway and travel to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21. The campground is located 5 miles east at milepost 77.
Address
7359 Hwy 21
Lowman, ID 83637
Coordinates
44.0722222 N
115.5422222 W