Baumgartner Hot Springs

Baumgartner Hot Springs is the Featherville area’s developed soak: a commercial-style concrete pool inside Baumgartner Campground on the South Fork Boise River, about 11 miles east of Featherville in the Sawtooth National Forest. The 101°F water is piped into a 15×20-foot concrete pool with steps, a railing, and filters — and it is drained, cleaned, and refilled every morning during the season. Usage is extreme and families pack it; the standing local advice is simple: soak early.

Need to Know

• The pool is open during daylight hours in season and is drained and refilled daily; it is pressure-washed Tuesday mornings and does not open until around noon on Tuesdays.
• The Forest Service lists overnight camping fees only and states no day-use fee for the pool.
• Swimsuits are required — this is a family campground facility.
• The access road is open seasonally, generally mid-May to September 30, depending on snow.

The Pool

A deluxe-by-Forest-Service-standards concrete pool: 15×20 feet, with steps, a railing, and filtration, kept bright and clean by daily draining and refilling when the campground host is on site. The campground sits alongside the South Fork Boise River, with good fishing and a short interpretive nature trail starting at the hot springs.

Camping

Baumgartner Campground is the obvious base — developed sites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water — plus many primitive campsites near the official campground.

Baumgartner Hot Springs Soak Stats

• Season: Generally mid-May to September 30 (seasonally dependent on snow)
• Access Type: Roadside (developed campground)
• Public Land: Sawtooth National Forest
• Elevation: 5,200 ft
• GPS: 43.603, -115.070
• Water Temperature: 101°F
• Water Clarity: Clear
• Visibility: High
• Odor(s): None noticed
• Nearest Town: Featherville (11 miles)
• Wildlife: Deer, elk
• Usage Level: Extreme