Located in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest, close to the South Fork Boise River, Baumgartner Hot Springs is a concrete pool at the Baumgartner Campground. Set about 12 miles east of Featherville, this soaking area is a haven from big city life.
Natural Hot Springs Pool
The hot springs pool is 15′ x 20′ and maintains an average temperature of 111℉, which can fluctuate some during seasons. Open from dawn until dusk, this pool gets drained daily and has free-flowing waters so that no harsh chemicals are needed to keep it sanitary.
Swimsuits are required to get in the water, but changing rooms and vault toilets are next to the water for convenience. Inside the pool are concrete benches and a deck, making it user-friendly for all ages and physical capabilities.
Pets are not allowed by or in the water, and hazardous materials like glass should be kept away. Alcohol and soaps are prohibited from going in the pool, too.
Even though the geothermal water is located on the campground, visitors can still access it without staying there. There’s a fee to leave your car in the parking lot, and from there, it’s a short 0.4 scenic forest hike to the water.
Camping
Many people who visit the hot springs also camp at the Baumgartner Campground, which is open seasonally from mid-May to September. The forest road usually closes in October when snowfall arrives, although some visitors say the walking trail is still accessible by foot when the campground isn’t open.
39 standard non-electric campsites are available with drinking water for tent and RV camping, and most are handicap accessible too. Some sites can be reserved online, but others are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Motorcycles, UTVs, and ATVs are not allowed on the campgrounds.
Details
Address: Forest Road 70487C, Featherville, Idaho 83647
Season: May-September
3 Hot Springs Closest to Tucson, Arizona