A campground host is on-site. Visitors enjoy soaking in popular Kirkham Hot Springs on the banks of the river and exploring the scenic Kirkham Ridge Trail. The bath house used to contain pools and tubs, but the soaking here now is done in river pools. Take caution walking on rock surfaces near the hot springs. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. By recording your visit on FreeArenas.com, you'll have a collection of all the great places you've been and provide valuable information for yourself and others in the future. All of this wilderness is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Mono (pronounced "MOE-no") Hot Springs is tucked away in the Sierra Nevada south of Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Lakes, and it's about halfway from the Valley to the East Side. Go early and grab the best spots. Glass bottles should never go near a hot spring. Bring a lunch. Disrespectful practices like litter and vandalism led to the permanent closure of one of Idahos famous hot springs near Banks called Skinnydipper. Youll come to a couple of pools before reaching the Payette River. On the Routt National Forest, the stay limit is 14 days in a 30-day period while dispersed camping. Its important to remember that while private pools are maintained by staff, public hot springs are kept up by their users. Popular recreation locations include Big Red Park, Crane Park, Elkhorn Mountain,Hahns Peak, Hinman Park, and Seedhouse, just to name a few. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game manages the South Fork of the Payette River as a wild fishery. Kirkham Hot Spring Price: $5.00 day use fee per vehicle (bring cash) Opening Hours: Open from sunrise to sunset Directions: See below for directions from nearby towns Kirkham Hot Spring Temperature: The source is 120 F, cools down to between 95 and 110 Camping at Kirkham: There used to be a campground on-site, but it's now permanently CLOSED. The Laramie Peak area is located in east central Wyoming, stretching from southeast of Casper to west of Wheatland. This area is located in northwestColorado, just south of the Colorado/Wyoming border and the Sierra Madre Range. There are several single-family sites ($15/night) and one double site ($30/night) and vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection is included. There are 340 hot springs throughout the Gem State, and 130 of those are soakablethe most of any state. Map Information. It is open to hiking, mountain biking and horses. Turn east and travel on Forest Highway 24/Banks-Lowman Highway to Lowman. This lovely route is worth the drive alone. This area burned awhile back so there are few mature trees here. You can also camp in Boise National Forest at Amanita Campground and Rainbow Point Campground. The temperature is lovely.. the cascading waterfalls of hot springs and natural pools are gorgeous, and they are so big, theres room for loads and loads of people! 2. Also if there are specific hours? Head south on Highway 9 to find a variety of free camping. Theyre open year-round but closed on Tuesdays for cleaning. Elkhart, Indiana, might be the RV capital of the world, but most travelers would be surprised to Signup for Roadpass Pro to get premium access to all of these great road travel apps. Kirkham Hot Springs Campground - Camp and Hot Springs near Lowman, Idaho, Camp, Canoe, Hike, Hot Springs, Kayak, Whitewater, https://deepcreekhotsprings.net/dchs/showhs.php?state=ID, Kirkham Hot Springs - Boise National Forest - IdahoHotSprings.com, http://www.idahohotsprings.com/destinations/kirkham/, https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/hot-springs/kirkham-hot-springs/, Plan The Perfect Trip To Kirkham Hot Springs In Idaho, https://www.themandagies.com/kirkham-hot-springs/. Hot Springs Fee: $6 adults Monday-Thursday, $8 adults Friday-Sunday and Holidays, varied lower prices for children and there are also different family group rates. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 to Banks. They have ice, pop, gas, propane and even burgers. This pool is owned and operated by the Mountain Village Resort and works on a reservation system. Wildflowers dot the landscape. Sarvis Creek Wilderness is located within Gore Range and Colorado Highway 134 runs through the south end of the area. Nothing could wipe the childlike joy off our faces standing beneath this hot waterfall! Numerous geothermal springs of varying temperature await at the bottom . Pools are below the historic Sunbeam Skillern hot spring is located in Fairfield, Idaho. The elevation is less than 4000 feet, so the summer sun heats things up. Located in the Salmon River Valley, Challis Hot Springs is a 5th generation family-owned campground with hot mineral spring-fed hot pools. Holy smokes.. this hot spring is so cool!! He told us about the Sawtooth Wilderness. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. With cool glacial lakes, dense pine forests, and the famed Presidential Mountain, These camping trailer rentals and rental tips make it easy to get out for the weekend. The area lies against the western ridge of the Continental Divide and theRoutt National Forest. RV Dumping Site: There are no dumping stations in this area that I have found. The South Fork Payette River lies a few hundred yards away. Kirkham Campground is right at the hot springs and is open during the summer months each year. Alternatively, there are several other camping options close to the city of Stanley. Their large swimming pool remains at a balmy 100F year-round and two smaller box baths hover around 113F. And its all free! Fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout, and whitefish. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Some of these hot springs are heavily-guarded secrets, after all. Sigel, PA 814-226-1901 Reservations: 888-727-2757 Official Website. It is a stunning six mile hike. If youre not up for camping, check out places to stay in Lowman or Idaho City.}. Free camping, or dispersed camping, is allowed in all national forests, unless noted otherwise. Kirkham Ridge Trailhead is 1/4 mile east on Hwy 21 if you are ready for a hike. Be the first to add a note for 12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping! The Flat Tops area is managed by theYampa Ranger District and offers many recreation opportunities for all seasons. Lucky for us, we have this pool to ourselves tonight. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor I supposed thats what to expect with it being just over an hour away from Boise. Skinnydipper is Idaho's most Roystone Hot Springs in Sweet, Idaho, is the best location to relax and have fun! Just make sure that you follow a few simple, 10 Tips for Making Van Life with Cats Easier, Stanley, Idaho Hot Springs | 5 Hot Springs within 15 Minutes of Town, Google will take you right to the Kirkham Hot Springs Idaho, Finding The Best Sunsets in Sedona | Our Top 5 Sunsets in Sedona Locations, Feel The Airport Mesa Vortex | A Complete Sedona Vortex Guide, Not Your Average One Day in Sedona Itinerary | sunrise to sunset, Airport Mesa Hikes | Vortex + Airport Loop Trail + Sedona View Trail, Hot Spring Etiquette | 11 things to remember when visiting hot springs. Both the pools and hot waterfalls can be seen from a large pullout off highway 21 on the west side of the campground. Rate and Comment, Copyright 2023 Idahocampgroundreview.com | ICRRoger@gmail.com. This place is a remarkable bargain for family camping " more. The river is usually low enough by late June that the pools are exposed again. And because of that, the mineral pools are developed, beautifully maintained, and right off of Main Street in the small town of Lava Hot Springs, in a bend of the Portneuf River. The nice chill to the air and dryer conditions are perfect ingredients for a hot spring adventure. We literally camped in the very last spot to get the sun in the morning. This will be a pleasant campground when the trees mature. Kirkham Hot Springs - Day Use Only - No Camping. There are also ten log cabins for rent of varying size. Not too far off of I80 (12 miles). Probably a little less than 2 miles from the entrance to the hot spring. Easley Hot Springs is a family-friendly, full-sized swimming pool, with two smaller warmer tubs. 4. Moderate difficulty. This part is awesome and you get to enjoy hot springs shower. Idaho hot springs are a lovely way to enjoy the outdoors. If you're not up for camping, check out places to stay in Lowman or Idaho City.} For campground inquiries, please call: 208-259-3361, Learn more about gear rental options for your trip. HOTWORX offers members unlimited, 24-hour access to a variety of virtually instructed, infrared sauna workouts. Kirkham Hot Springs is located on Highway ID-21 just east of Lowman. Easley Campground is a less than 1/4th of a mile from the lodge and pools, and Wood River and Prairie Creek Campgrounds are a short driving distance away. No one has reviewed this Campground. That means it takes a little more planning, but youll end up with a whole hour of uninterrupted zen. Both pools are gravel-bottomed and constantly filling with fresh, natural mineral water. Want to escape the congestion of the city while hitting all the hot spots in LA? However, our minds quickly changed when we came across the viewpoint of Kirkham Hot Springs. Hearing Impaired This can mean driving up a forest access road to a pullout where you can park your small RV. Kirkham Hot Springs, located near the official Boise National Forest campground of the same name, features somewhat shallow rock pools (unimproved) with sand/rock bottoms next to the river. No stocking occurs along the river. Just make sure that you follow a few simple wild camping rules, and stay only where there are signs allowing dispersed camping. A small gas station/cafe and mechanic are nearby. People don't seem to mind the public atmosphere as the hot springs is always busy. While social media and other online posts can increase access and help us find new places to explore, its always a double-edged sword of sharing the love for places, and also dealing with the impacts of overuse. 12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping, Wells Nevada. Kirkham Hot Springs is located at the river's edge. You can camp closer to the springs and the road keeps going beyond with more spots along the creek. Southwest of Saratoga, Wyo. The Laramie Ranger District, Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District, and Parks Ranger Districtmanage portions of the Snowy Range. Kirkham Campground and Hot Springs is located along the South Fork of the Payette River northeast of Lowman. Go 1.3 miles. A place just up the road that he said was just like the Dolomites in Italy. 2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S. There is a pay phone to the west at Lowman, and another at the Sourdough Lodge which is about 9 miles east on Hwy 21. If you are traveling light, it is quicker to take Hwy 21 to Idaho City and up over Mores Creek Summit to Lowman. At Lowman, turn left at the intersection of State Highway 17 and State Highway 21. It begins less than 1/4-mile away and stretches through beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. If you do run into a crowd, be respectful about sharing the place with other visitors. After leaving theBoise National Forest,we made our way up the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway towards,Stanley, Idaho. At the end of a potholed dirt road, Gold Fork is like a spa oasis. Check out Mormon Bendor the Salmon River Campground. " dry camping for all the rest of the parking lots. If youre going to a riverside spring or more primitive pool, bring water-friendly shoes to wear until youre soaking (and during, if you feel like it) because the rocks can be slippery! Location: Payette National Forest north of McCall. Is it a good place to view stars from, is it far enough and is your view obstructed? The waters have been carbon dated to over . This is in my top three favorite hot springs for variety, heat, and views! The United States Congress designated the Flat Tops Wilderness in 1975, and it now has a total of 235,214 acres. Change into bathing suit in outhouse; wear water shoes to descend bank over sharp rocks to river. This area burned awhile back so there are few mature trees here. Help us inspire and inform every person to enjoy life and the great outdoors in a responsible way. This portion of the Medicine Bow National Forest is part of the Laramie Range and is dominated by the jagged 10,274 foot crest of Laramie Peak. The most popular of Bonneville Hot Springs are a series of soaking pools that are the most popular activity for visitors to Bonneville Campground outside of Lowman Idaho. This area is very popular for activities such as snowmobiling, hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, and other various activities. {Travelers Tip Kirkham Hot Springs is right on highway 21, and really cant be missed. This one is easy to access, just a few feet from the highway. Sunny Gulch Campground is four miles south on Highway 75, with several campsites between the road and the Salmon River. Please keep them leashed at all times and away from the hot spring pools and runoff areas. We were there with only a handful of other cars, but only saw one other group of people. Moonlight reflects off the creek and steam rises around our faces. BLM has closed the hot springs for 5 years beginning in 2016. Turn right on Colorado Highway 106. Don't hog the pool. Tar Kiln Rd. A small gas station/cafe and mechanic are nearby. If you're looking for free places to camp near Breckenridge, then head to the Blue Lakes area. Idaho hot springs can be categorized in two ways: public and private. Check Out Our Perks and Open Positions, Lets Get Spooky! Tent site and teepees for camping at Joyful Journey Hot Springs in the San Luis Valley. It has a total of 159,935 acres. Or will be in July because of Covid. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground. Walden, CO 80480 Pine Flat Hot Springs is a popular soaking location near the Pine Flat Campgrounds. Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, and the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway. If you'd rather, we'd be happy to send you an occassional useful email instead. Stay at the Fairplex RV Park. After being on the cold water of the Payette River, the hot springs felt amazing. So, we must all care for these places together. The multiple hot waterfalls are quite the sight! For now, all were concerned with is enjoying the blissful warmth that wraps itself around us and a big starry sky. TheMount Zirkel/Park Rangearea is on the Routt National Forest in northwesternColorado. ( Kirkham Hot Springsis located next to the South Fork Payette River just east of Lowman, Idaho, along State Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. Orvis allows on-site camping for a fee that includes 24-hour access to the springs, though quiet hours go into effect after 10 pm. The public springs are somewhat rustic, usually free, but not maintained by any entity beyond its users. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Waiting for the sun, we walked around, letting Georgie get out and really explore while we made breakfast and had our coffee. There isa $5.00 day use fee for parking outside of the locked gate. Turn left on Highway 21. Pick a site that has been used before, instead of creating a new site. Leave it better than you found it. August flow ok. Heat about the same year round but might feel hotter in August. This means there are usually no amenities like at a campground. The property features a lodge, RV park, and campsites. Crowd seemed mostly to be in the 16-30 age range. Medicine Bow-Routt Be respectful of other people. Popular recreation activities on the Thunder Basin National Grassland include hunting, dispersed camping, OHV riding, recreational shooting, scenic driving, and nature viewing. Pets: Pets are allowed in the campground on a leash, but are restricted from the hot springs area. Kirkham Campground is located next to the South Fork Payette River just east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Popular Kirkham Hot Springs is less than 5 miles west of the campground along Highway 21. 10 LGBTQ+-Friendly Campgrounds Throughout the U.S. Video: 5 Amazing Places to Camp for Free in the Western U.S. 5 National Park Sites Where You Can Boondock (or Find Boondocking Closeby), Best Campgrounds Near 4 of Baja Californias National Parks, How to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Where to Camp, The Best RV Campgrounds for Stargazing Adventures, How to Visit Prescott National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, How to Visit Coconino National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, 5 Alternatives to Utahs Popular National Parks, 5 Mid-Atlantic State Parks Worthy of a Detour, Reviews of 12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping, Written by someone with an affiliation to the property, Duplicate review submitted by the same member, Multiple reviews submitted by members of the same household, Reviewer did not actually visit the location, lead_photo_url_cache => ["https://campcdn.com/photos/3/4/34500/274236/large/12-mile-hot-springs-dispersed-camping.jpg?v=1614361021", "https://campcdn.com/photos/3/4/34500/274236/large/12-mile-hot-springs-dispersed-camping.jpg?v=1633877519"], sq_lead_photo_urls => [[], ["https://campcdn.com/photos/3/4/34500/274236/sq/12-mile-hot-springs-dispersed-camping.jpg?v=1633877519", "https://campcdn.com/photos/3/4/34500/274237/sq/12-mile-hot-springs-dispersed-camping.jpg?v=1633877519"]]. All so natural and unspoilt. Find the nearest location to you. Essentially, "dispersed camping" is camping outside of a designated campground. Vehicles should stay within 100 feet on roads on Pole Mountain. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Pay attention to posted signs and always test the waters before you get in. The Douglas Ranger District manages Thunder Basin National Grassland. Site 001, Loop HELE, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 002, Loop HELE, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 008, Loop HELE, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 003, Loop HELE, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 009 - Double Site, Loop HELE, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 006, Loop HELE, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 010, Loop HELE, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 004, Loop HELE, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 007, Loop HELE, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 005, Loop HELE, Type Standard Nonelectric, Maximum two vehicles per site; additional vehicles must use parking lot and pay a fee, Additional sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, Please contact the Lowman Ranger District at 208-259-3361 for off-season camping information. If you're up for free dispersed camping, there is loads of it in this area, and actually in Idaho in general. Learn More, Put our locations on your website connected to the .gov website. If you brought it with you, bring it back out. {Travelers Tip Kirkham Hot Springs is right on highway 21, and really cant be missed. Kirkham Hot Springs, Lowman: Address, Kirkham Hot Springs Reviews: 4.5/5, . navigating the rocks is a bit tricky, colored Payette River roars by as you soak in tranquil gravel lined hot pools surrounded by water sculpted. Its a good mix between rustic and developed. It begins near Kirkham Campground and stretches through beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. Follow posted instructions about showering before soaking/swimming. Learn more: Boondocking 101, Campendium users haven't asked any questions about 12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping. Keep your pets out of the water and never pee in thermal feature. I understand that these are ordinarily quite popular but I did have them all to myself for a brief period of time in the winter. This is one of the cooler hot springs in Idaho, which is perfect for kids or other swimmers who dont like to overheat. Prepare to engage with other soakers, because the pools are somewhat cozy. Helende Campground is located 10 miles east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,100 feet. GPS: 40.3291, -78.0848. The crowds also impact camping. Itll be helpful both for camping and hot spring adventures, no matter which one(s) you choose to visit. You can camp on site at Challis Hot Springs Campground and RV Park, which has 13 tent sites ($27/night) and 33 pull-through or back-up RV sites ($38/night). Restroom: The toilets are vault style outhouses and are very clean. Log Cabin on the Famous South Fork Payette Whitewater River, NEW! Cheap just a $5.00 fee for your car unless you have the park pass. The campground is located 5 miles east at milepost 77. Wildflowers dot the landscape. Hot Springs Fee: Day use: $10/adult, $5/children under 12. Both the pools and hot waterfalls can be seen from a large pullout off highway 21 on the west side of the campground. Sometimes, pitching a tent feels like a hassle. There is a $5.00 day use fee for parking outside the gate. From Boise, Idaho, travel north along State Highway 55 to Banks, Idaho approximately 38 miles. It is a very steep road down from the summit to Lowman if you are taking this route. With the Dolomites being one of our favorite places on the globe, we were happy to skip the morning dip and head straight to the Sawtooth Wilderness. Write a Review. Named for the famous battle between Indians and Fur Trappers in 1841, the 57-mile Battle Pass Scenic Byway runs through this area. Stanley rv + camp (formerly Elk Mountain RV) is just east of town and there are also multiple campgrounds at Redfish Lake. too low? The Laramie Peak area is managed by the Douglas Ranger District. Resources Kirkham Campground Things To Know Undeveloped hot springs, but vault toilets are available. The BLM always turns the heat up when we arrive. The Bear River corridor, Chapman and Sheriff Reservoirs, and Dunckley Pass are popular locations. Our members achieve their fitness goals with 3D Training- our powerful combination of heat, infrared energy, and exercise. To be a responsible hot springs visitor (anywhere, public or private) do things like: And if you do venture off the beaten path to find hot springs not on this list, consider keeping your discovery to yourself. Kirkham Ridge Trail is one of the Lowman Ranger District's premier trails. Hello! Visitors will approach a locked gate, then cross the bridge to enter the site. "Amazing first-come-first-served campground. An easy search on, {Travelers Tip If youre up for free dispersed camping, there is loads of it in this area, and actually in Idaho in general. While there is no on-site camping, youll find stellar National Forest camping in the Boise National Forest. Medicine Bow National Forest Camping Limits, Special Order; On the Thunder Basin National Grassland, the stay limit is 16 days in a 30-day period . Official websites use .gov A .gov The road and driveways are paved. In fact, they smelled disinfected. However, this location has long been an Idaho staple, so its worth mentioning and flagging for future camping trips. The pool itself is an in-ground cement pool with ledge benches and a sandy bottom, located inside a wood-walled cabin with changing rooms. It was a beautiful setting, and we were able to easily go from hot to cold water. It can get crowded so be aware. This is one of the best hot springs I've ever visited, the only one where the hot water comes from above, like a shower. Burgdorf was first established as we know it in 1870, so visiting this Idaho favorite is like stepping back in time. The campground contains several single-family sites and one double site, all of which are accessible. Self-guided Tours from $20.00 per group (up to 10) The area Best nearby Attractions 6 within 6 miles Starlight Mountain Theatre 33 Theaters Weilmuster Park 1 Parks Scenic Walking Areas Crouch Museum 2 History Museums See what other travelers are saying Mike C Lincoln, Nebraska200 contributions Loved It--Hot Springs GPS: 41.2428, -114.9482 Location . You can find places to camp on the side of main roads, or follow forest access roads (often gravel or dirt) to more remote sites. Both byways offer scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks and several trail opportunities. Flat Tops Wildernessspans the RouttNational Forest and White River National Forest. Many of the springs are great to visit in winter tooalthough camping might not be ideal during the coldest months. For all its benefits, though, there are some important things to know about dispersed camping. These NationalForest landsare on the west side ofwhat is known as "North Park," an open, sagebrush upland of 40 square miles. Shoes are recommended here! Newly Renovated Garden Valley Cabin w/Hot Tub, View all hotels near Kirkham Hot Springs on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field) (BOI), Motels near Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field) (BOI), Best of Milan Experience Including Da Vinci's The Last Supper and Milan Duomo, Las Vegas Strip Highlights Helicopter Tour, Full-Day Guatap (Pueblo de Zocalos) from Medelln, WhoDunnit Hoedown: Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Branson, 2-Days in Song Kul Lake as Nomad - horseback riding & Yurt stay, Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Kayak Tour. 6. Don't leave any sort of litter in the campground. During our trip to Idaho was passed by Kirkham Hot Springs and pulled in the see what it had to offer. Late May. Embed. The water isn't too deep. Burgdorf Hot Springs is called a rustic resort meaning its been developed, but its still pretty primitive and has an old west vibe to it. Sign In Don't have an account? These hot springs are right on the river, right by the highway. Be the first to add a video for 12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping! Primary access across the Snowy Range is by Highway 130, known as the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. The popular Kirkham Hot Springs has an adjacent campground with 16 sites . Be warned, this place is very popular during the summer and oftentimes winter season. Does anyone know of these springs are open ? Natural geothermal pools are home to a delicate balance of minerals and underwater flora, and more importantly, they are connected to the watershed. This area is home to many activities such as mountain biking, hiking, fishing, OHV riding, and various winter activities. The, 2022 The Dyrt, Inc | All rights reserved, 11 Steamy Idaho Hot Springs with Camping Nearby, 6 Private Campgrounds to Book When Your Favorite National Parks are Full. Can stand under hot water as it showers over the bank or sit in slightly cooler water as it mixes with much colder river water in a pool slightly separated by rocks. Reservations: at 970-724-3000 Address: Co Hwy 106, Kremmling, CO 80459 ( Map) Directions: From Kremmling go 2.3 miles south on Colorado Highway 9. This is the third largest Wilderness in Colorado. Pretty and has bathrooms. Kirkham Hot Springs tends to be one of the most popular, and several others in the area also see some crowds. Make sure your campfire is completely out before leaving it unattended. Location: Grandjean, between Lowman and Stanley accessed off Highway 21. Dispersed Camping There are some camping options nearby the park on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). A trail with staircases leads down to the soaking pools on the riverside. The south ridge of Heinen is a year round scramble that starts at the edge of the reservoir, climbs steeply up an old Jeep road, then traverses up and down a series of bumps along a ridgeline in and Galena Lodge is a community owned seasonal day lodge nestled in the Rocky Mountains, 23 miles north of the Sun Valley Resort and Ketchum, Idaho. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Approximately 55,000 acres in size, Pole Mountain is a popular area for recreation and the uniqueness of its terrain. This area has many activities such as hiking, fishing, mountain biking, camping, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing. They dont have the views but theyre the biggest and I loved them just the same. So even if your hot springs experience isnt very wild, your camping experience can be. Very relaxing. This byway is known for its scenic views, especially during fall when the colors are changing. We provide tools and tips to discover High Clearance Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) recommended for accessing 12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping Area. Dispersed camping is best way to find free camping . Kirkham Hot Springs, located near the official Boise National Forest campground of the same name, features somewhat shallow rock pools (unimproved) with sand/rock bottoms next to the river. The area offers little shade, though a few Ponderosa pines are scattered throughout the site.