Peaceful Paradise
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). read more