ID>Boise National Forest>Hot Springs Campground

**El Gordo** · 03-30-2019, 09:33

Any of you out-West folks have insights about hanging at or near the Hot Springs Campground at Boise National Forest?

Thanks!

**pgibson** · 03-30-2019, 12:47

Not much to say. Right on the highway. Sparse trees, might be thought to hang. Still snow in that elevation now...campground is likely closed until sometime in May.

**OlTrailDog** · 03-30-2019, 17:00

My regular haunt when I would travel between home in Bozeman, MT and the couple of years I worked in John Day, OR was the BLM campgrounds along the Salmon River. It is relatively low elevation, lacks snow fall, and heats up fast during the spring. It was a regular camping spot for the dogs and I. I also have some property near Kamiah just over the White Bird Hill from the Salmon. This is one of the areas the Nez Pearce wintered. They have a campground in town that folks can stay at too. Probably no facilities are open in any of these areas yet, but they are accessible. Lastly, if you want the amenities of home I would recommend the Lewis and Clark RV place just outside Kamiah. I have stayed there on occasion during the winter too.

Easiest way to locate the area is Riggins, ID.

**El Gordo** · 03-30-2019, 23:35

Thanks much, folks! This is advance planning for a trip in July.

**pgibson** · 03-31-2019, 00:17

That area will feel miserably hot in July. Head up River a ways to much cooler lusher and thicker forested areas. The entire Stanley basin about an hour NE would be a better choice. Better scenery and nicer camping areas. This is all my backyard for nearly 40 years. Happy to help.

**El Gordo** · 03-31-2019, 07:03

Again, thanks very much for your insight. I was hoping to get advice from a local - one of the reasons this forum is so great. Unfortunately, the 6th Annual Packraft Roundup is being held at the Hot Springs Campground in July - and, an hour away from the convention is probably too far. Maybe we should (shudder) bring the tent? I guess I'll cool off when I tip my Alpacka over!

**OlTrailDog** · 03-31-2019, 18:55

Originally Posted by pgibson

That area will feel miserably hot in July....

You really should wait until August to get the full effect of summer in Hell Canyon country. Even the rattlesnakes wear little hats with fans on top. Trivia the Snake River is deepest canyon in the US followed by the Salmon River canyon with the two divided by the Seven Devils Wilderness. So, move over not so Grand Canyon ;-).