Kirkham Campground

📌 Idaho City / Lowman Area 📍 44.072351,-115.542901 ⛰ 3,972 ft

Kirkham Campground and Hot Springs is located along the South Fork of the Payette River northeast of Lowman. This area burned awhile back so there are few mature trees here. The elevation is less than 4000 feet, so the summer sun heats things up. This campground is across the Payette River from Hwy 21, offering little privacy. People don't seem to mind the public atmosphere as the hot springs is always busy.

Amenities

Campsites

There are 16 tent / RV camping sites. Many of the sites have a covered picnic table and all have a fire ring with grill. The road and driveways are paved. This will be a pleasant campground when the trees mature. 10PM to 6 AM quiet time.

Water

The water in Kirkham Campground is on a pressurized system and is better than most.

Restroom

The toilets are vault style outhouses and are very clean. In fact, they smelled disinfected.

Firewood

Firewood is not available. You will need to provide your own.

Pets

Pets are allowed in the campground on a leash, but are restricted from the hot springs area.

Picnic Area

There is a picnic area at the parking area if you are using the hot springs. There is a $5.00 fee to use this area.

Handicap Access

Kirkham Campground is much more accessible to the handicap than most campgrounds.

RV Dump Site

There are no dumping stations in this area that I have found.

Host On-Site

There is a host on site.

Phone Service

I had no cell reception on my ATT phone. There is a pay phone to the west at Lowman, and another at the Sourdough Lodge which is about 9 miles east on Hwy 21.

Garbage Services

There is garbage service here.

Recreation

Fishing

Fishing is available up and down the Payette River. However, the banks at the campground are very steep and rocky.

Boating

Rafts and Kayaks are the "boats" of choice here. There are no facilities at the campground for them.

Swimming

No swimming! The river is very swift at Kirkham Campground.

Recreation

The primary recreation at this campground is Kirkham Hot Springs, but one could fish, hike, ride the trails, view wildlife, practice your photography, and many other mountain activities in the nearby areas. Kirkham Ridge Trailhead is 1/4 mile east on Hwy 21 if you are ready for a hike.

Wildlife

There could be deer and bear.

Fees & Reservations

Fee Schedule

Double sites are $30.00, single sites are $15.00, and your extra vehicle or day use is $5.00 per day.

Reservations

These sites are reservable at recreation.gov. I would never suggest that you not reserve your site ahead of time, but Kirkham Campground had many open sites on a Saturday in the middle of July.

Fees & Res.

These sites are reservable at recreation.gov. I would never suggest that you not reserve your site ahead of time, but Kirkham Campground had many open sites on a Saturday in the middle of July. Double sites are $30.00, single sites are $15.00, and your extra vehicle or day use is $5.00 per day.

Getting There

From Boise, I would recommend taking Hwy 55 to Banks. Then the Banks Lowman Road to Lowman. Turn left on Hwy 21 and the campground is 4.4 miles east of Lowman. If you are traveling light, it is quicker to take Hwy 21 to Idaho City and up over Mores Creek Summit to Lowman. It is a very steep road down from the summit to Lowman if you are taking this route.

7-Day Forecast

National Weather Service

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