Kirkham Hot Springs
Swimming hole in Lowman, Idaho · Spring
Kirkham Hot Springs near Lowman, Idaho is a Boise National Forest riverside soak on the South Fork Payette. Day-use parking is about $5 per vehicle; the gate typically runs 7 a.m.–9 p.m. with overnight camping closed. Walk in across the bridge to the pools.
Typical season: Late May through September when the day-use site is listed open
About Kirkham Hot Springs
**Kirkham Hot Springs** sits on the **South Fork Payette River** about five miles east of Lowman on Highway 21. a Boise National Forest day-use soak, not a free undeveloped tub. Parking is about **$5 per vehicle** (America the Beautiful / Boise NF day passes accepted when valid). Walk in across the bridge, then down to riverside pools where scalding runoff mixes with cooler river water. **Overnight camping is closed** until further notice; the gate typically runs **7 a.m., 9 p.m.** Dogs stay in the picnic area. not in the pools. Confirm fs.usda.gov alerts before the Boise mountain drive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- Highway 21 (approx. milepost 77), Lowman, ID
- Water type
- Hot Springs
- Water body
- South Fork Payette River hot springs
- Fee
- Paid day use — $5 per vehicle (America the Beautiful / Boise NF day pass accepted); confirm fs.usda.gov
- Nearest town
- Lowman
- State
- Idaho
- Coordinates
- 44.07237, -115.54165
- Best season
- Late May through September when the day-use site is listed open. Dawn and weekdays beat weekend crowds.
- Access difficulty
- Easy walk from the gate across the bridge, then stairs/trail down to the pools.
- Restrooms
- Limited — see facilities notes
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Camping
- CLOSED for overnight camping until further notice — day use only.
- Land manager
- U.S. Forest Service
- Activities
- Hot soaking, riverside picnicking
- Facilities
- Vault toilets, changing rooms, picnic tables. Potable water is not currently available on the FS page.
- Listing last updated
- September 30, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitLate May through September when the day-use site is listed open. Dawn and weekdays beat weekend crowds.
- AccessEasy walk from the gate across the bridge, then stairs/trail down to the pools.
- FacilitiesVault toilets, changing rooms, picnic tables. Potable water is not currently available on the FS page.
- Camping nearbyCLOSED for overnight camping until further notice. day use only.
Highlights & features
- USFS riverside hot springs
- $5 day-use
- Day use only — no camping
- Boise National Forest riverside geothermal pools
- $5 day-use parking (passes accepted)
- Overnight camping currently closed — day use only
How to get there
Highway 21 near milepost 77, ~5 miles east of Lowman, ID.
1. From Boise, take Hwy 21 through Idaho City toward Lowman (mountain day trip — watch weather).
2. Continue ~5 miles east of Lowman to the signed Kirkham day-use entrance.
3. Pay the day-use fee / display a valid pass even if you park along the highway corridor where required.
4. Walk across the bridge and follow stairs/trail down to the pools.
Do not plan to sleep in the lot. overnight camping is closed.
Plan your visit
Late May, September is the practical window when the site is listed open. Dawn and weekdays beat weekend crowds. Bring flip-flops for hot rock, drinking water (potable water is not currently advertised), and a towel. Pair with a Lowman or Garden Valley meal rather than lingering past gate hours.
Access & fees
Day use only (~$5/vehicle). No overnight camping. Pets leashed in picnic area only. not in pools. Confirm USFS gate hours and seasonal closures before travel.
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp at Kirkham Hot Springs?
No. The Forest Service currently lists day use only — overnight camping is closed until further notice.
How much is Kirkham Hot Springs parking?
About $5 per vehicle per day. America the Beautiful and Boise NF day passes are accepted when valid.
Are dogs allowed in Kirkham Hot Springs?
Not in the pools. Leashed pets belong in the picnic area only.
Where is Kirkham Hot Springs from Boise?
Highway 21 about five miles east of Lowman — a mountain day trip from Boise and Garden Valley.
How much does Kirkham Hot Springs parking cost?
About $5 per vehicle per day, even if you park along Highway 21. Interagency and Boise NF day passes are accepted when valid.
Are dogs allowed in Kirkham Hot Springs pools?
No. Leashed pets belong in the picnic area only — not in or beside the hot springs.
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Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Reference sources
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