Bonneville Hot Springs – Lowman, Idaho

Less than 20 miles from Lowman, Idaho, Bonneville Hot Springs is a relaxing geothermal area along Warm Springs Creek. Located in the Boise National Forest, these springs are within just a short walking distance from the Bonneville Campground.

Natural Hot Springs Pools

Bonneville Hot Springs Idaho — Bonneville Hot Springs. Photo by: Quenton Kilgore

These steamy geothermal pools are well-defined and desirable, showcasing rock walls and pebble bottoms to enhance that outdoorsy vibe. This pure natural spring water constantly flows and cascades down into the river below, adding to the impressive scenery. Clothing is optional for soaking, but know that the area sees a lot of traffic during the summertime.

For a more intimate experience, try the private “soak shack” in a small wooden structure with a bathtub. Visitors might mistake it for an outhouse, but it’s actually a secluded soaking room with untreated hot mineral water in its pipes.

The pools are easily reached from the Bonneville Campground on a roughly half-mile walk that takes around 15 minutes each way. This region gets a lot of snow during the winter, but the soaking area is accessible by foot even when the campground is closed.

Bonneville Campground

Traveling from Boise, the Bonneville Campground is only 93 miles away and overlooks the Warm Springs River. Offering 22 campsites at 4,700 feet, the grounds are open from May to September and is gated shut during the winter.

Most campsites are well-shaded by fir trees; during the summer, many beautiful flowers grow around the land. It’s not uncommon to see deer or elk strolling by, so keep your camera on hand.

All sites are non-electric and allow up to two vehicles in single spaces and four in doubles. No water or sewer hookups are available, but drinking water, toilets, and trash service are provided. Every spot also comes with a fire ring along and a picnic table. Visitors can rent sites for day-use at a cheaper rate, but all payments must be in cash or check.