Tucked by the South Fork Payette River, Hardscrabble Campground is a pure gem, especially with its secret hot springs. During Kelly & Jordan’s session, we soaked in warm, steamy pools tucked between Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine, then captured cozy embraces by the riverside.
The setting feels like a time capsule, rugged, serene, and deeply intimate. Imagine candid laughter in the steam, golden light on misty poolside rocks, and adventurous couples emerging from the springs with glowing smiles.
This spot is perfect for couples who crave authentic connection, sensory experiences, and Off-the-grid charm—no crowds, just you, nature, and heartfelt moments.
Clean campground with great river access at all perimeter sites. River is about 75 - 100ft wide and relatively shallow and flowing mildly through summer at about 24in. with many safe pockets and places for children to play in the water.
Only 6 spots and they tend to be reserved fairly quickly. I have been able to go on a Thursday and get a spot, but on weekends - forget it.
There is fresh water, restrooms, and access to the river. However, there are many 'free' / 'unoffical' campsites nearby that get rowdy. The last time we went, there was very loud hispanic music blasting until 2:30am. When you go somewhere to get away and enjoy nature, this is not ideal. But if you are looking to just get in the woods - this area is ideal. It is also significantly cooler (~20 degrees). 7/10
It was closed but I wandered. Great location, just off the river. Good sized lots with gravel beds for tents as well. Decent spacing and wooded trails nearby
***No drinking water*** , fill up at Tie Creek campground, or elsewhere. 3.4 miles of dusty dirt road to get there. It is right on the Middle Fork Payette, with good birding, and a hotsprings nearby if the river is low enough to wade across.
This is a very small Forest Service Campground adjacent to Middle Fork Road about 11 miles north of Crouch, Idaho. There is occasional minor noise from vehicles on the road, but the campground is otherwise very quiet. There are only 6 camp sites two of which are drive-through, and one of which will accommodate a combined length of 50'. There is access to the Middle Fork of the Payette River from several of the sites, providing wading and fishing. There is one "hole" in the river with water about 4 1/2 feet deep for the adventurous. The biggest drawback is that the ground is fairly dusty. We enjoyed it and will return
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