HELENDE
USFS · Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Hours
- End of May- End of September
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Redfish RV Dump Site · 28.0 mi
- Coordinates
- 44.0928, -115.4758
- Last verified
- September 19, 2026
About this place
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.
From the USFS.Official page
Is HELENDE free?
No. HELENDE charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to HELENDE?
From Boise, Idaho, travel north along State Highway 55 to Banks, Idaho appoximately 38 miles. At Banks, turn right (east) onto State Highway 17 (Banks/Lowman Road) and travel to Lowman, Idaho approximately 31 miles. At Lowman, turn left at the intersection of State Highway 17 and State Highway 21. Proceed 10 miles east towards Stanley, Idaho along State Highway 21. Helende Campground is located at milepost 82.
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
