Helende

Boise National Forest, ID · ≈49.1 mi to Boise
Sites
10
Max rig
65 ft
Pull-through
No
Hookups
None
ADA
To town
49.1 mi
Signal

✓ Best for

  • Small RVs and trailers
  • Campers seeking solitude
  • ADA accessibility needs
  • Off-grid camping

✕ Not ideal for

  • Large RVs or big rigs
  • Cell phone users
  • Convenience-focused campers

Connectivity

Plan to be offlineNo modeled cell coverage from any carrier. If you need connectivity here, a satellite communicator or hotspot device is worth considering.

What's here

10 Standards (no Hookups)
Rig compatibility

Will your rig fit?

Checked against every site's real dimensions.
Your RV length
35ft
35 ft
Your fit summary
See availability →

Amenities & features

Amenities
Campfires allowedPets allowedShade
Activities
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoric & Cultural SiteHuntingWildlife Viewing
Natural features
Riverfront
CampIntel Score

How we score

We score what we can verify.
Workable for mid-size rigsRig fit
Easy to reachAccess
Minimal servicesConvenience
Verdicts come from our Rig fit, Access & Convenience sub-scores — each built only from verifiable Recreation.gov data.

Where it is

Nearest town: Boise, ~49.1 miGet directions ↗

Nearby campgrounds

Closest options, ranked by score.

Photos

Photos: Recreation.gov

Overview

Overview Helende Campground is located 10 miles east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,100 feet. The South Fork Payette River lies a few hundred yards away. Visitors enjoy fishing and rafting on the river, soaking at nearby Kirkham Hot Springs and exploring the extensive Kirkham Ridge Trail. Recreation The South Fork Payette River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing. The Deadwood and Danskin River Access areas are nearby. Popular Kirkham Hot Springs is less than 5 miles west of the campground along Highway 21. A trail with staircases leads down to the soaking pools on the riverside. Kirkham Ridge Trail is one of the Lowman Ranger District's premier trails. It begins near Kirkham Campground and stretches through beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. It is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Sections of the trail are open seasonally to off-road vehicles. Facilities The campground contains single-family sites, all of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Natural Features The campground is situated in a dense forest of lodgepole and Ponderosa pine, which offers plentiful shade in most sites. 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 the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway and Highway 21, the Ponderosa Pine 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.

Managed by USDA Forest Service · Standard campground