At 147°F, the source water at Wardrop Hot Spring is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
Wardrop Hot Spring discharges at 147°F with USGS-confirmed temperature of 64.8°C, pH of 9.3, and total dissolved solids of 211 mg/L. The sodium-dominant water contains almost no magnesium (0.01 mg/L). Located at 5,155 feet in Camas County, it sits 147 meters from Corral Creek Road.
The spring emerges in the rolling sagebrush-and-grass high country of south-central Idaho between the Soldier Mountains to the north and the Bennett Hills to the south. At 5,155 feet, the landscape is open rangeland broken by willow-lined creek bottoms and scattered stands of Douglas fir on north-facing slopes. Annual snowfall averages 90 inches, and precipitation totals 21.8 inches. The surrounding terrain is characteristic of Idaho's high desert transition zone, where volcanic geology meets sedimentary basins.
History of Wardrop Hot Spring
Historical documentation for Wardrop Hot Spring is minimal. The name likely references an early homesteader or rancher in the Corral Creek area. Land ownership information is not recorded in available databases, distinguishing it from many neighboring springs on clearly delineated federal lands. The spring remains undeveloped with no built infrastructure at the site. Bowns Campground, the nearest developed site at 25.2 km, sits along Big Smoky Creek.
Best visited late spring through early fall when Corral Creek Road is clear of snow. The area is remote with limited cell service. Source water at 147°F requires extreme caution. Fairfield, the nearest town, provides basic supplies but limited services. Bowns Campground is 25 km away and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with 10 sites along Big Smoky Creek. Bring all water and supplies. Check road conditions locally before driving in.
Is Wardrop Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Wardrop Hot Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
21°Jan
25°Feb
32°Mar
40°Apr
50°May
60°Jun
71°Jul
70°Aug
59°Sep
45°Oct
31°Nov
20°Dec
Annual Precip: 21.8 inAnnual Snow: 90.2 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 20°F · Water 147°F · +127° contrast
JanuaryAir 21°F · Water 147°F · +126° contrast
FebruaryAir 25°F · Water 147°F · +122° contrast
December offers 51°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
148.6°F
(64.8°C)Measured May 03, 1989
Water ChemistrySampled 1989-05-03
The water at Wardrop Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 9.3) with 211 mg/L total dissolved solids.
Bowns Campground, located 25 miles east of Featherville and 18 miles north of Fairfield, is a developed campground composed of 10 units along Big Smoky Creek. Two of the camp sites are double family units. Camping, fishing, hiking, and picnicking are popular activities. Campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water (seasonally) and restrooms. Miller Creek Trail (#087) starts just south of the campground and is open to motorcycles.
What is the water temperature at Wardrop Hot Spring?
Wardrop Hot Spring has a water temperature of 147°F (64°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Wardrop Hot Spring located?
Wardrop Hot Spring is located in Camas County, Idaho at 5,155 feet elevation, near Fairfield. Coordinates: 43.3830°N, 114.9310°W.
How do I get to Wardrop Hot Spring?
Wardrop Hot Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Corral Creek Road (482 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Wardrop Hot Spring?
Yes, Bowns Campground is located nearby (15.7 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Wardrop Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.3 (alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 211 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Wardrop Hot Spring?
The water at Wardrop Hot Spring reaches 147°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Wardrop Hot Spring crowded?
Wardrop Hot Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Wardrop Hot Spring?
Essentials for Wardrop Hot Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.