Challis Hot Springs & Campground

The natural mineral springs at the Challis Hot Springs are fed from an underground geo-thermal source. The water bubbles up through our two gravel bottom pools at nearly 3 cubic feet per second. The gravel bottoms allow for the mineral springs to continually fill, providing a constant circulation of fresh water. This constant flow provides a healthier environment for our guests as the need for chemical treatments is minimal.

• Day-use passes are available for adults $10/day.

This is one of the prettiest campgrounds we've ever been to (flowers everywhere), and the hot spring pools are immaculate. Our campsite, #23, was right by the Salmon River. Highly recommend this slightly off the beaten path gem of a campground.

RV camping plus use of hot springs: $38/night

We planned on driving right through Challis to make in to a boondocking sight in Sun Valley but by the time we pulled into Challis we were exhausted. A quick look on our All Stays Camp and RV app and we were heading to Challis Hot Springs. I would recommend everyone do this. We requested a dry camp sight so they pointed us to a beautiful wide open field and let us park wherever we wanted. We were still in very close walking distance to the hot springs and were also able to connect to their wifi from the field. Our nightly rate included unlimited access to the pools. The hot springs were by far the coolest ones I have ever been in. The water was so clear I almost wanted to drink it. The rock bottom and close mountains made it feel so natural. There was a shallow play area for our kids. The temperature of the big pool was absolutely perfect. We played for hours without getting to hot or to cold. On the morning of our departure we just had to slip in one more swim. We didn't end up pulling out until 1:00 but they didn't seem to mind.

We called on Thursday and they miraculously had space for Sunday and Monday. We were looking for a place where we could get a good shower after days of heat and lots of bug spray; we found a kind of paradise. Once we got here we were so happy that we asked for another night in the same space and they had another night available! How lucky is that?

Access is from a well-marked turn off the highway, 4miles down to the end of a country road. The gates take you through to beautiful flower beds and rustic old farm plows on display in front of the bed and breakfast. The desk person was welcoming, kind, and informative; she explained the setup for showers, the warm swimming pool, and the hot pool.

Since we are having the luckiest, most amazing road trip ever we lucked out on THE MOST BEAUTIFUL site we could wish for (site 23, their “most requested site”). The level site is shaded by cottonwoods and sits above the gorgeous Salmon River. All of the rv sites on the left and the far end along the river would be great choices with several long enough for the biggest rigs. The middle of the loop is a well maintained grassy meadow with trees for shade near some of the spots. They have some long sites for big rigs that are set up as 2 sites. If you are there first or leave last it would work as a pull through site, otherwise you’ll have to back up one way or the other. (See the map on their website)

Leashed pets are allowed which was a good thing for us traveling with our cattle dog. Polite dog people and great maintenance meant we didn’t encounter leftover poop on our walks. As far as we could tell no one left their dogs unattended either - no barking dogs, just friendly pooches.

The tent sites are located in the mown, grassy areas back a little from the sites with hookups. Several people used tents or other setups in the rv sites so they had water and power. Lots of space.

The views are spectacular. The little store has basic goodies and some T-shirts. You can get ice and wood there. Free wi-fi available. The hosts are friendly and do a fine job maintaining those surprise, fabulous flower beds (lambs ear, daisies, hollyhocks, lavender, mullein, sunflowers). The showers are basic and included in the park fee, as are the hot pool and swimming pool.

The pool! It is clean and warm (around body temp). They drain it each night so the water is fresh and inviting. They have dressing rooms and a separate shower/bathroom space as well as a covered, gravel sitting area. When we were there it was quiet with no more than half a dozen people at a time - not a splashy, loud, crowded place because it’s summer and the Salmon River is right there; plus, many people went out (respectfully, slowly, quietly) on dirt bikes or ATVs for most of the day.

The RV campgrounds in the town of Challis were right along the highway and I would only stay there if I had no other choice (but this is central Idaho and i have a million choices . . .).
This is not a corporate, squeeze-them-in-there place. It is family run, spacious and well cared for. Challis Hot Springs is just far enough out of town to feel a little wild but close enough to go get supplies and the best sweet potato fries and local burger ever (Y Inn - but that’s a different review).

Our blog post says it all.

This place is great. The hot springs pools are great to relax in. One that’s hot hot and another larger one that’s good for family as the temp is not as hot. The people here running the place are friendly and helpful. There are play grounds, volleyball nets and things to do in the campground. Burn pits and picnic tables in great shape. There is fishing, 4 wheeling, site seeing and tons to do around here.

What a perfect RV park with beautifully maintained grounds and perfect hot springs! The Salmon River runs alongside the park and red rock cliffs on the other side. The hot springs are so clean and therapeutic!

We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 27 for 2 days in early August. The campground is well maintained and quiet and there is a walking trail on the property. AT&T coverage was good, with 3 bars of LTE and speeds up to 15 MB/s. Although the CG has WiFi, we were never able to connect to it. We were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site. There were no OTA channels to be had with our fixed omni antenna.

My second year to enjoy the clear warm waters of the hots springs fed pool and expansive grounds of Challis Hot Springs RV Resort. Space 23 is right on the Salmon River and a more private location. The nightly draining and refilling of the pool by USMC Master Gunnery Sergeant Mike, ret., caretaker of the grounds is a special experience as the springs refills the pool from under the gravel bottom. Water and electricity at each RV sure and spacious tent sites as well. Complimentary dump station at the entrance, playground for the kids and a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views of the Salmon River Mountains.