Quick FactsOverview
About Haven Hot Springs
Haven Hot Springs, Idaho is a small, privately run geothermal resort on Highway 21 near Lowman, on the north bank of the South Fork Payette River in the Boise National Forest corridor. The property features a 75-by-30-foot outdoor mineral pool divided into warmer and cooler sections, four motel rooms each with a private outdoor soaking tub, RV and tent camping, a cafe, and a convenience store with ethanol-free fuel. The resort has been in operation since 1951 and is open year-round.
The mineral pool draws water from a geothermal source at around 148 degrees Fahrenheit, cooled to a soakable range before entering the pool. The pool runs between 95 and 97 degrees in the cooler section and between 101 and 104 degrees at the warmer end. Private soaking tubs attached to the motel rooms are unadjusted, temperature-adjustable, and untreated.
For those seeking a hot spring resort near Lowman Idaho with private soak options and a full overnight setup, Haven sits on the Highway 21 scenic byway, one of the most geothermally active corridors in central Idaho. Kirkham Hot Springs, one of the most visited natural hot springs in the state, is just a few miles down the highway.
Location & Access
Getting to Haven Hot Springs
Haven Hot Springs is located at 7655 Highway 21, approximately 4 miles east of Lowman and about 80 miles northeast of Boise. From Boise, take Highway 55 north to Banks, then turn right onto the Banks-Lowman Road (County Highway 17) and follow it east to the junction with Highway 21. Turn north on Highway 21 and continue approximately 4 miles past Lowman. The resort is on the left side of the highway. The drive from Boise takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes on fully paved roads.
The Banks-Lowman Road and Highway 21 are paved and accessible year-round, though winter conditions can include ice and snow in canyon sections. Any standard vehicle can reach the resort in good conditions, but winter travelers should check Idaho road reports before departure. The highway follows the South Fork Payette River and wildlife crossings are common, particularly at dawn and dusk.
For those seeking hot springs near Lowman Idaho along the Highway 21 corridor, Haven sits near several other geothermal sites within a short drive. Kirkham Hot Springs is just a few miles east. No cell service is available at the resort or along much of the approach. Free Wi-Fi is available on the property. Download maps and reservation details before leaving town.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit Haven Hot Springs
Haven Hot Springs suits a wide range of visitors including families with children, as the large outdoor pool accommodates swimmers and soakers of different ages, the motel rooms with private soaking tubs offer a more contained option for couples or small groups, and the campground and cafe make multi-day stays practical without leaving the property.
Clothing-optional norms apply in private areas: the motel room soaking tubs are private and clothing-optional, while the main shared pool operates under standard swimwear norms during daytime reservation sessions. Visitors should confirm the current policy for the shared pool directly with the resort when booking.
For families seeking family hot springs near Lowman Idaho in a self-contained resort setting with meals and overnight options, Haven is the primary developed choice along the Highway 21 corridor. The cafe, convenience store, and fuel pump add practical value for visitors on the scenic byway who may not have planned ahead for supplies.
The resort is not wheelchair accessible, with some uneven terrain and steps across the property. Dogs are welcome and permitted near the pool area on a leash, but not in the water. The property is a small, informal operation with a relaxed atmosphere suited to visitors looking for a genuine mountain getaway. Children are welcome but must be supervised closely at all times near water.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Haven Hot Springs
Haven Hot Springs is generally safe to visit as a staffed private resort, though the geothermal source temperature of around 148 degrees Fahrenheit is high and pool conditions can shift with season and weather. Always confirm current pool temperatures on arrival. The warmer end of the main pool runs at 101 to 104 degrees, which is toward the upper end of comfortable soaking for most adults.
Private motel room soaking tubs are adjustable using a cold water hose. First-time visitors should start with a cooler setting and adjust gradually. Tubs reach up to 110 degrees at full heat, which is too hot for extended soaking. Exit and cool down if you feel unwell, lightheaded, or overheated. Pregnant visitors and those with cardiovascular conditions should consult a doctor before using the hotter pool sections or private tubs.
Children must be supervised by an adult within arm's reach at all times in and around the pool and tubs. Pool edges and wet surfaces can be slick. The resort posts rules on site, particularly the no-glass rule in the pool area, which should be followed at all times. Broken glass is difficult to see in water and can cause serious injury.
Highway 21 runs close to the property. Children and pets should not be left unattended near the road. No cell service is available on site. In a medical emergency, the nearest hospital services are in Boise, approximately 80 miles southwest. The campground is subject to Boise National Forest fire restrictions during high-risk periods. Pack out all waste from the camping area as trash collection is limited at this remote location.
