Baumgartner Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Recreation

Facilities

Name: Baumgartner Campground

We have revised our review from 2011 based on our observations from a visit on August 30, 2021 and is accurate as of that date.

Baumgartner Campground is located along the South Fork of the Boise River east of Featherville, Idaho. The area is heavily forested in shaded areas which fades to sagebrush on southern exposures. There have been some wildfire burns in the area also. The traditional campground with the hot spring pool and nature trails is on the south side of the river against the hills. Site 100 is a group campground on the north side of the river on the road into the main campground. Kelley Creek Flats is a semi primitive camping area scattered along the river from the entrance road extending downstream as much as a mile. Baumgartner Campground offers a wide variety of camp settings and activities.

Campsites: They say there are 39 campsites but since 8 of those are double sites there are really only 31, hmm?... So campsites 8 and 35 are pull-through sites. 14/15, 16/17, 18/19, 20/21, 22/23, 24/25, 32/33 and 38/39 are double sites. Sites 22-25 are considered one small group site, not available individually, per recreation.gov. I think this numbering system will be confusing to many people. Especially since every other campground I have reviewed gives each double site only one number. Campsites 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 13, 26, 27, 34 and 37 are first come first served sites. The roads and driveways in the main campground are paved and each site has a picnic table, fire pit with attached grill and a tent square. Site 100s road and driveways are all gravel. Each site there has a picnic table and fire pit with attached grill. Kelley Creek Flats offers primitive camping along the river and has at least one vault style outhouse available.

Host on Site: The host is located near the entrance.

Water: Yes, it is available through a pressurized system with fountains scattered throughout the main campground area.

Garbage Services: Yes.

Electricity Available: No.

Restroom: There are several vault style outhouses in the campground. One at the Hot Spring Pool, one in the Family Loop another near the host in a single loop. 

Handicap Accessible: Baumgartner Campground is very handicap accessible, including a short paved trail leading east along the river to a pool of still water in the river. 

Firewood: I didn't see any indications of firewood for sale.

Pets: Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.

Picnic Area: No.

Recreation: There are many recreational opportunities in this area. One of the main attractions at Baumgartner Campground is the hot spring pool. There is a nature trail with educational signs along the way. There are several hiking / riding trails in mountains nearby and motorized traffic is allowed on many of them. Check trail access through the state for info on these trails. There is also a horseshoe pit near the family loop along the river.

Fishing: Fishing for trout and white fish is available in the South Fork of the Boise River. Check the regulations for seasons and limits. The river was a trophy trout stream starting about a mile upstream the last time I fished it and we caught a 14 1/2" rainbow!

Boating: No.

Swimming: The best swimming area I found is found in the river above the campground beyond campsite 38/39.

Hiking: There are many trails in the surrounding area and a nature trail beginning near the hot spring pool.

Wildlife: Deer are common in this area and one should use caution when disposing of their garbage and when storing food to avoid trouble with black bear.

Additional Camping Opportunities: We have reviews for these nearby campgrounds; Anderson Ranch Reservoir Area, Abbot Campground, Dog Creek Campground, Elks Flat Campground, Chaparral Campground, Bird Creek Campground, Willow Creek Campground and Willow Creek Transfer Camp.

Phone service: There is a pay phone located near some garbage dumpsters along the road before you get to the main Baumgartner Campground sign at a split in the road.

RV Dumping Site: I don't know of a RV dump station in this area. If you are leaving to the east there is an RV dump station at Big Smokey Guard Station.

Location/Driving instructions: To find Baumgartner Campground I have include a GoogleMap from Mountain Home, Idaho. Enjoy your trip.

Coordinates: 43.605196,-115.081221

Elevation: 4895 Feet

Reviewed Date: June 2011

Fees And Reservations: To reserve a site for your camping trip go to recreation.gov. This includes Site 100 a Group RV camp. I saw no fee schedule for the Kelley Creek Flats camping area. Site 100 is available with a fee of $100.00 per day and can accommodate up to 100 people. In the main campground each site is $10.00 but the double sites cost $20.00.

This information is accurate as of the date of the review.