Challis Hot Springs — Hotel in Challis

We visited October 2020 (couple’s trip) and we absolutely can’t wait to visit again. We seriously talk about it all the time - we had an amazing time here. I chose this place randomly after we had been visiting Yellowstone and we needed to RELAX! All of the staff were so friendly and we even got some great Idaho travel tips from a lady at the front desk. We had a perfect campsite and for the price you cannot beat it. Right on the river! Waking up to the sound of the river every morning was beautiful. As for the pools... first off, this place should be adults only. It’s really not a place for children and it’s not a “swimming pool”, it’s a geothermal wonder than you can soak in and truly revitalize yourself. I would appreciate no kids under 14, as there were a couple times during our stay where younger children were being a bit too rambunctious. After all, this is a place to RELAX. Get a babysitter and come take some time for yourself! The pools were two temperatures and we liked them both. The warm one was great because you could just float for any length of time, while the hot one was good for a quick dip to warm up and soothe your muscles. The showers and overall facilities could be updated, but we were happy with everything for the price we paid. The RV area looked nice, but the tent camping areas are a bit away from the main area (very short walk) so it was private and quiet.

Challis Hot Springs - keep it up. You are doing an awesome job at providing an amazing place to come relax. Huge thanks to all the staff at the front! We...

This is a hidden gem. Do not hesitate, do it! You will be a repeat customer. My only complaint is that during out visit, the porta-potties nearest our tents were both full. However, there was a local event going on that weekend in Challis, so think more people descended on the campground than usual. They will take reservation without a CC. Most of the spots have very large shade trees. The place was packed, we had managed to reserve the last tent site on the same morning we planned to arrive. There are also a ton of very well maintained RV spots. The grounds are very well maintained and the natural hot pool is something everyone should experience. The do allow pets and there was no shortage of people walking dogs, but we never heard any barking. Some of my pictures show RV's and tents in a large field, that is called "The Field", it is the overflow area used when all the normal sites are occupied.

Please note that I do not agree with some of the negative reviews- The staff was awesome and did a great job, we had no problems. Very friendly and helpful. As for kids under 18 not being allowed in the hot pools unless you're staying in the campground, personally, I think the hot pools should be only used by guest. We only noticed a few people coming to exclusively use the hot pools, everyone else had...

I grew up near the hotsprings & have great childhood memories of the place. It has changed over the years, but still well worth a visit--we have stayed in the rv park both in spring & fall. It does get busy as soon as the weather is nice, but I would really recommend a visit in the fall: the crowds are gone for the most part, the weather is crisp but beautiful. Soaking in the pools, you will either be alone or joined by locals, hunters, & some travelers, but it's pretty quiet.

The rv park has nice level spots, mostly in the trees, with extra parking for atvs & such. There is plenty of grassy area for tent camping, & some amenities for groups including a big fire ring & bbq area. We have stayed when the rv park is full & the spots are arranged nicely to not feel crowded.

The rv park itself has some nice walking trails & a play ground for the kids, plus great showers piped in from the mineral rich hotsprings.

You are likely to see tons of wildlife even on the drive in: lots of deer & antelope in the fields, big horn sheep like to hang out in the hills near the springs, lots of ducks & other waterfowl including herons & cranes, & we saw lots of fluffy tailed bunnies on the drive in.

Well worth a stop if you are traveling through the area, & even better if you can stay a few...