Burgdorf Hot Springs | Central Idaho

A picturesque rustic hot spring resort and ghost town, Burgdorf Hot Springs is sitting in the Payette National Forest Mountains, 30 miles north of McCall. The unique oasis surrounded by meadows and pine forest offers opportunities to relax in hot mineral water and get in touch with nature at the same time. During winter you can also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling here.

Geothermal mineral water flows out of the source at about 113 degrees F and cools down in the main pool to 93-104°F depending on weather conditions. The main pool is 50 by 75 feet and 5 feet deep and features a sandy bottom. The children's pool located below the large pool is two feet deep and cooler than the main one. A temperature of covered “Hot Box” small tubs is between 110 and 113°F. The mineral water flows at a rate of 150 gallons per minute, so no chemical treatment is required.

Visitors can stay in one of the 15 cabins. Keep in mind that there is no electricity and running water inside of cabins but each cabin has a wood stove and oil lamps. Everything else including bedding, utensils and other important items should be brought with you. This type of accommodation is referred to as "camping in a cabin", so prepare accordingly.

Make sure to reserve the cabin in advance and remember that credit cards are not accepted. If you prefer actual straight-up camping, there is an overnight campsite available one-quarter of a mile away. There is a small store at the resort with drinks, snacks, and a few grocery items.

During the dry summer season from June to October, the resort is accessible by any vehicle. During the winter months from December to April, the resort is only accessible by snowmobile. Snowmobile rentals are available in McCall. When the road becomes impassable which occurs twice a year in May and November, the resort is closed.

Before the first homesteader came here, the hot springs site was used by Native Americans as a gathering spot, as a place for spiritual ceremonies, for curing diseases and wounds, and as a sweat lodge for bathing.

A German immigrant and miner, Fred Burgdorf settled at the hot springs in the late 1860s and a few years later built a log hotel. The original cabin of the 1870s, abandoned old hotel and other structures remnants give a feeling of a ghost miner town.

In 1923 Fred sold his property and a new owner build a large log pool and cabins that are still in use.

In 1972, Burgdorf Hot Springs was added to the National Register of Historic Site.

Location: 30 miles north of McCall • Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round except for short periods in May and November
Development: Large hot pool, child pool, and soaking tubs
Clothing: Required
Amenities: Small store
Accommodations: Lodging at the resort cabins, camping in campgrounds of the Payette National Forest Mountains
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle during dry months of summer, snowmobiles from December to April
Day-use: Yes with fees (reservation required)

Elevation: 6,100 ft (1,859 m)

Water T° (source): 113°F (45°C)
Water T° (large pool): 93-104°F (34-40°C)
Water T° (soaking tubs): 110-113°F (43-48°C)
Flow rate: 150 gallon/min
Chemical used: None