Helende Campground Boise National Forest Idaho

Helende Overview

Helende Campground has 10 campsites and is located just off Highway 21 (Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route) and next to the South Fork Payette River. A dense forest of lodgepole and Ponderosa provide great shade to most sites.

The campground is generally open mid May to late September. Amenities include potable (drinking) water, vault toilets and trash collection. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Each site also has a gravel parking spur (ranging in size from 25 to 65 feet), table, fire ring and grill. Cell service is not available.

Helende Campground – Area Recreation & Activities

Outdoor recreation in the area includes fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, OHV trail riding and picnicking. Wildlife viewing is also good.

Several 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 also offer pretty scenery, wildlife viewing, historical information kiosks and trail opportunities.

Whitewater rafting and kayaking are also popular activities on the South Fork and Main Payette Rivers; several companies in the area offer guided half and full-day trips.

Other campgrounds in the area include Park Creek, Pine Flats, Bonneville, Howers and Barneys.

Make a Reservation for Helende

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Campground Host
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Drinking Water
• Equestrian trail
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Firewood Available
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Grills
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Trash Collection

Activities

• ATVing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Fly Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Hot Springs
• Hunting
• Kayaking
• Mountain Biking
• OHVing
• OTV Trails/Riding
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Rafting
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Whitewater Kayaking
• Wildlife Viewing