Goldbug Hot Springs
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
RV travelers exploring Idaho's backcountry will find plenty to love at Goldbug Hot Springs, a Bureau of Land Management destination known for its natural geothermal pools and rugged mountain setting. The area features six geothermal pools fed by waterfalls in the mountains of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. You won't need a reservation to visit Goldbug Hot Springs, but arriving early is a good idea because the small trailhead parking lot fills up quickly. Goldbug Hot Springs does not offer developed campgrounds or RV amenities, but dispersed camping is permitted in the surrounding BLM land for visitors prepared for a more primitive camping experience.
Quick Facts About RVing in Goldbug Hot Springs
• RV Friendly: Limited
• Max RV Length: 32 feet
• Camping Type: Dispersed camping
• Reservations: Not required
• Hookups: None
• Dump Station: None on-site
• Potable Water: Bring your own
• Cell Service: Limited to none
• Pets: Allowed if leashed
• Roads: Well-maintained dirt/gravel access road; hike required to reach the springs
• Best Seasons: Spring and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Easy one-night stop along US 93
• Compact-rig-friendly access
• Good fit for boondockers
• Dispersed camping near hot springs
• Scenic drives through the mountains
• Convenient stop between Salmon and other central Idaho destinations
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Goldbug Hot Springs via Warm Springs Trail
This out-and-back trail is the route you'll need to hike to reach the Goldbug Hot Springs. The trail begins with an uphill climb before leveling out and meandering beside a gentle creek. After that, there's a steep climb to reach the hot springs. This final climb can be challenging, and you'd be wise to bring along plenty of water and a snack or two. You're welcome to bring your dogs, but they'll need to remain leashed.
Length: 3.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Henry Creek Loop
This scenic loop trail is located within Salmon National Forest. The trail is a popular destination for both hiking and mountain biking, and the ideal times to visit are between May and December. As you navigate the trail, you'll enjoy magnificent views of distant mountains and the surrounding grasslands. Dogs are welcome at the trail and can be off-leash in certain areas.
Length: 3.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Slump Gulch Loop
This loop trail near Salmon, ID is a great hiking spot, but it's mainly known as an excellent destination for mountain biking and horseback riding. The trail takes visitors over rolling hills covered in beautiful wildflowers. During your visit, you'll have a good chance of observing a variety of birds and other local wildlife.
Length: 7.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
The Salmon River flows only a short distance from the Goldbug Hot Springs, and as its name suggests, it's a great fishing destination. Anglers can reel in a variety of trout and salmon species in the river. Steelheads are the most common catch, but cutthroat trout are abundant as well. If you want to spend a day boating, your best bet is to head to the nearby Williams Lake. There, you can take your motorized or non-motorized boat out on the water and fish for rainbow trout.
Climbing
The area surrounding the Goldbug Hot Springs isn't known for its rock climbing opportunities. However, in and around the nearby town of Salmon, there are scattered rock formations that offer varying opportunities for bouldering. A few examples are the 3 Bar Boulder, Carmen View Boulder, Cookie Jar Boulder, and Four Brothers Boulder. Several of the boulders in the area require hikes to access, and the areas where they're located provide excellent views.
Wildlife Viewing
As you lounge in the Goldbug Hot Springs and hike through the surrounding area, there are several wildlife species you may spot. Some of the species inhabiting the area include elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, cougars, moose, and white-tailed deer. Salmon National Forest, which is located just west of the BLM site, also provides great opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird-watching.
Picnicking
Although there are no established picnic areas at the Goldbug Hot Springs BLM site, the site is still a wonderful picnicking destination. You can bring a picnic blanket and lunch with you as you hike to the springs, and when you get there, you can enjoy a peaceful meal beside the water. Alternatively, you could travel to the nearby town of Salmon and have a picnic at the lovely Salmon City Park.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
There aren't any official Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the Goldbug Hot Springs BLM site. However, you can still enjoy BLM RV camping if you're willing to set up your own campsite. That said, you won't have access to any RV hookups, services, or amenities. If you're looking for more comfortable accommodations, you could stay at the nearby Salmon Gypsy Bed & Breakfast. If you'd prefer to stay at a modern RV park, the closest option is Elk Bend RV Park.
Developed Campgrounds
Goldbug Hot Springs has no developed campgrounds or RV sites with hookups. RV travelers looking for amenities will find campgrounds in Salmon, about a half-hour drive to the north.
Dispersed Camping
Free dispersed camping is permitted on the BLM land surrounding Goldbug Hot Springs, but campsites must be at least 500 feet from the pools. Most RV travelers use nearby dispersed sites or camp at the trailhead area before hiking in, as the hot springs themselves are only accessible on foot. The terrain is rugged, but you'll find scenic campsites near Warm Spring Creek, many with existing fire rings and excellent night skies due to the area's minimal light pollution. BLM camping limits generally allow stays of up to 14 days within a 28-day period. There are no potable water stations or trash receptacles on the trail, so visitors should bring everything they need and pack out all waste when they leave. For additional help, check out our guide on RV water fill and dump stations.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
You’ll have to take a dirt road to reach the Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead, but it's well-maintained and easy to navigate. The trailhead parking lot has space for only about five vehicles, which means many visitors have to park on the dirt road. If you can’t find a spot in the lot, look out for "no parking" signs and make sure you don’t block a driveway. Because parking is limited and vehicles longer than 32 feet are not recommended, smaller RV classes tend to be best for a visit to Goldbug Hot Springs.
Camper Vans: A camper van would be a great choice for visiting Goldbug Hot Springs. You’ll be pretty comfortable, and you won’t have any trouble fitting into a parking spot.
Travel Trailers: The combined length of your tow vehicle and travel trailer can make parking difficult, so many travelers prefer leaving their trailer at camp and visiting with only their tow vehicle.
Fifth Wheels: Finding a space long enough to park a pickup truck and fifth wheel could be very challenging at Goldbug Hot Springs.
Class A Motorhomes: The Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead is best suited for vehicles under 32 feet long, which means many Class A motorhomes won't fit comfortably in the available parking areas.
Class B Motorhomes: One of the benefits of renting a Class B motorhome is being able to park in areas that larger RVs cannot reach.
Class C Motorhomes: Smaller Class C motorhomes can work for a visit, but larger models may have difficulty finding suitable parking near the trailhead.
Free Camping 
If you decide to camp at or near the Goldbug Hot Springs BLM site, it will need to be Bureau of Land Management free camping. The terrain surrounding the hot springs is relatively rugged, but with some searching, you could find a peaceful, secluded spot near the water for your dispersed campsite.
RV Rentals Near Goldbug Hot Springs Plan your next adventure
Planning your Goldbug Hot Springs BLM trip
If you're planning a trip to the Goldbug Hot Springs, there are a few things you'll definitely want to bring with you. If you plan on soaking in the hot springs, bring along some kind of swimwear and a towel to dry off. If you're visiting the site during the winter, it's advised that you bring microspikes for navigating the trail to reach the hot springs.
If you intend to partake in dispersed camping at the BLM site, you should bring plenty of food that doesn't require special preparation. You should also bring along fire-starting equipment as the area can get very chilly at night. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Since no potable water, propane, or other fuel is available at Goldbug, rely on sources along US Highway 93. The closest is Elk Bend RV Park, a five-minute drive south of the trailhead. You may use a generator for dispersed camping as long as you minimize its noise and observe quiet hours.
Goldbug has no cellular service or internet access, but many travelers consider this a perk of the wilderness experience. Use offline GPS navigation instead. Salmon, ID, a half-hour drive north along US 93, is the closest town with groceries, local produce, and a hardware store with RV essentials and outdoor gear.
Before heading out, check the National Weather Service forecast for Salmon, and view the Idaho 511 Traveler Information Map for road closures and construction delays.The nearest emergency services and search-and-rescue resources are in Salmon.
Leave No Trace 
While visiting the Goldbug Hot Springs, please do your part to keep the natural area pristine. There are no trash receptacles at the site, so bring trash bags with you to pack out all of your trash and waste. Remember to always practice the "Leave No Trace" principles when visiting natures home.
Goldbug Hot Springs Location
To reach the Goldbug Hot Springs from Salmon, travel south on Highway 93 for approximately 23 miles. After you pass through the town of Elk Bend, turn toward the east on the county-maintained road and follow it for 0.3 miles. This will take you to the trailhead, and you'll need to hike to the hot springs from there.
Ready to visit Goldbug Hot Springs? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Goldbug Hot Springs BLM
• Morning: Work up an appetite with the 4-mile hike to and from the hot springs.
• Afternoon: After a hearty lunch, enjoy a scenic drive through Salmon River Byway.
• Evening: Return to your dispersed campsite to light a campfire and settle in for some stargazing.
Nearby Attractions
Goldbug Hot Springs BLM is an ideal one-night stop for RV travelers exploring central Idaho. The nearby dispersed camping makes it easy to combine hiking, scenic drives, and boondocking into a short stay. If you can spare more time, these attractions might interest you:
The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Educational Center: Named after the Native American woman who helped Lewis and Clark explore the Louisiana Territory, the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Educational Center educates visitors about this interesting and important chapter in American history. Allow 35 minutes for the drive from Goldbug.
Sharkey Hot Springs: You can drive your RV right up to Sharkey Hot Springs, about an hour’s drive away. This is a group of geothermally heated pools that are drained and cleaned every week.
The Salmon River Scenic Byway: This incredible scenic byway runs for 161 miles along the banks of the Salmon River. If you drive your RV on this stretch of U.S. Route 93, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and pass historic sites, including an eerie ghost town.
Salmon-Challis National Forest: Goldbug Hot Springs sits within the mountains of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, one of the largest national forests in the Lower 48. RV travelers can explore scenic drives, hiking trails, fishing spots, and dispersed camping opportunities throughout its more than 4 million acres of rugged Idaho wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park overnight?
Overnight camping and sleeping in your vehicle are strictly prohibited in the Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead parking lot. However, if you are backpacking into the hot springs, you may leave your vehicle parked overnight at the trailhead
How long can I camp for?
BLM rules allow dispersed camping for up to 14 days at a time, but most visitors to Goldbug Hot Springs stay for only one night. Visitors must carry all of the food, water and gear they will need.
Can I have a campfire?
Campfires are allowed as long as no fire restrictions are in place. You can visit the Idaho fire restrictions finder to learn more.
When is the best time to visit Goldbug Hot Springs?
Snow and ice can make the rugged trail to Goldbug Hot Springs treacherous, and hot and dry weather can make hiking in the summer uncomfortable. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit the area. Flowers will be blooming in the spring, and the foliage will be beautiful in the fall.
How difficult is the hike to the Goldbug Hot Springs?
The trail from the parking lot to the hot springs is only 1.3 miles long, but it's not an easy hike. There is a 900-foot elevation gain with the steepest section at the very end. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow, but there are sections where you will have to deal with large rocks and loose gravel.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
If you’re planning to visit Goldbug Hot Springs, renting the right RV can make your trip much more comfortable. A Class B motorhome or camper van is the ideal choice thanks to its compact size and ability to fit into smaller parking areas near the trailhead. Since you'll need to hike to reach the hot springs, a smaller rig also makes it easier to continue exploring other destinations in eastern Idaho, including the Salmon-Challis National Forest and nearby scenic byways.
Check out RV rentals in Salmon for your Goldbug Hot Springs vacation in Idaho.