Helende
FSU.S. Forest Service — LOWMAN · Idaho · Boise National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Boise National Forest |
| Location | LOWMAN · Idaho · Boise National Forest · 44.09278, -115.47583 · Map |
| Sites | 10 public sites counted from the federal listing — 10 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 10 sites Water hookups at 0 of 10 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 10 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 10 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 65 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 10 sites · 30 ft: 9 sites · 35 ft: 6 sites · 40 ft: 5 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | There is a $5 fee for vehicles entering the campground for day use. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 1:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 4 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 10 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
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.
Directions, from the listing
From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 to Banks. Turn east and travel on Forest Highway 24/Banks-Lowman Highway to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21. Campground is located at milepost 82.
Nearest federal campgrounds
4 mi straight-line · LOWMAN IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServicePark Creek (Idaho)
6 mi straight-line · Lowman IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceMountain View
6 mi straight-line · Lowman IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceWarm Springs Guard Station
8 mi straight-line · LOWMAN IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceBonneville
9 mi straight-line · Idaho
Trip Card — Helende
LOWMAN · Idaho · Boise National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | LOWMAN · Idaho · Boise National Forest |
| Fees | There is a $5 fee for vehicles entering the campground for day use. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 65 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 10 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232310 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.