Baumgartner Hot Springs
- Free
- 98–111°F
A concrete soaking pool fed by hot spring water inside Baumgartner Campground, on the South Fork Boise River east of Featherville in the Sawtooth National Forest. The Forest Service gives the water as 98-111°F, and the pool is drained nightly. Swimsuits are required, and soap, alcohol, glass and pets are not allowed at the pool.
Campground and pool generally close after Sept 30; check opening dates with Fairfield Ranger District
- Price
- Free
- Water
- 98–111°F
- Nearest town
- Featherville
- Reservations
- Check venue
Plan your visit
Hours & season
| Hours |
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|---|---|
| Season |
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Tickets & booking
| Price |
|
|---|---|
| Access | Free public access |
| Booking |
|
Rules
| Swimwear |
|
|---|---|
| Dogs | No |
On site
| Pools | 1 |
|---|---|
| Camping nearby | Yes |
Not stated by the venue: ages.
Water temperature
Soaking-pool temperatures as published by the venue or land agency; they vary with season and flow.
Mineral profile
Total dissolved minerals
193 mg/L
Lightly mineralized · Sodium–sulfate (sodium sulfate water)
- pH
- 8.7
- Temp at source
- 117°F
- Lithium
- 0.10 mg/L
- Fluoride
- 6.2 mg/L
- Boron
- 0.07 mg/L
Lab analysis of the source water at “03n 12e 07dcd1s Baumgartner Hot Spr” (0.3 mi from Baumgartner Hot Springs), sampled 1977–1981 by the USGS and partners (data). Pool water may be cooled, mixed or treated, and spring chemistry is generally stable over decades. We report measurements only; we don't make health claims.
The pools
| Pool | Temp |
|---|---|
| Hot spring poolLarge concrete pool in the campground; drained nightly | 98–111°F |
As published by the venue. Temperatures shift with the seasons and the weather.
Facilities
- Drained nightly and refilled daily
- Pressure washed Tuesday mornings
- Recreation.gov gives 101°F
- The FS page says 98-111°F
- Restrooms: yes
- Sauna: no
| Bring your own alcohol | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Glass containers | Not allowed |
| Good to know |
|
What's here
- concrete hot spring pool inside a Forest Service campground
- drained nightly
- 39-unit campground with host
- swimming and fishing hole on the South Fork Boise River
- 1/4-mile interpretive nature trail
- John Baumgartner gravesite nearby
Getting there
| Elevation | 4,908 ft |
|---|---|
| Road |
|
| Parking |
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Things to do near Featherville
Anderson Ranch Reservoir
Large reservoir with boat ramps and campgrounds near Pine, Boise National Forest
Campgrounds
Trailheads
- Pine Gulch Trailhead8.7 mi
- Bremner Trailhead10.9 mi
- Hunter Creek12.9 mi
- Solider Creek Trailhead13.9 mi
Straight-line distances. Campground and trailhead data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Nearby springs
Trinity Hot Springs
A members-club hot springs resort near Featherville on the South Fork Boise River, formerly known as Paradise Hot Springs. One fenced geothermal pool runs about 95-108°F in summer and 90-95°F in winter, booked in 2-hour slots. At least one person per party needs a $35 annual membership; lodging guests get pool access.
Skillern Hot Springs
A backcountry hot spring in the Sawtooth National Forest north of Fairfield, reached on foot by the Big Smoky Trail #072 from Canyon Transfer Camp on Big Smoky Creek. The Forest Service names it among the district's hot springs accessible in summer. NOAA lists the source at about 140F, so test the water before getting in.
Atlanta Hot Springs
A natural hot spring near the historic mining town of Atlanta at the head of the Middle Fork Boise River, about 60 miles of mostly dirt Forest Service road from Idaho City. The Forest Service names it, with Powerplant and Chattanooga, among the natural hot springs near its Atlanta Guard Station rental cabin. NOAA lists the source at about 140F.
Trinity Hot Springs: 11 mi · Skillern Hot Springs: 13 mi · Atlanta Hot Springs: 14 mi
Sources (5)
· checked November 2026
Prices, hours and rules are checked against the official site and land-agency pages. Spot something out of date? Let us know.