• Roystone Hot Springs is a historic site offering an enjoyable soaking and swimming in mineral-rich water
Roystone Hot Springs sits in the quiet farming community of Sweet, about 13 miles northeast of Emmett and roughly an hour’s drive from Boise. The setting is rural and open, with ranchland and low hills surrounding the property.
The hot springs history dates back to the 1800s, when Native Americans and early settlers used the springs for bathing, laundry, and irrigation. Over time, a large concrete pool was built.
Today, Roystone operates as a managed soaking facility, with controlled water temperatures and modern amenities Now, it is aoday’s managed soaking experience with controlled temperatures and modern facilities.
Roystone Hot Springs Water and Soaking
Hot water emerges from the ground at approximately 143°F (62°C) and is cooled before usage.
A main pool is roughly 50 feet in length, that make it suitable for casual swimming and relaxed laps. It is kept at a temperature near 98°F (37°C)
A smaller jetted tub has average temperature around 104°F (40°C). It can accommodates about a dozen people and offers the classic hot-spring feel with bubbles and gentle jets.
The mineral water is sodium-bicarbonate dominant with a slightly alkaline pH of around 7.5, and the pools are lightly chlorinated. Swimwear is required. On-site facilities include heated changing rooms, showers, a reservable party room, and an event center. Outdoor amenities add to the experience, with a picnic shelter, sand volleyball court, splash pad, and casual-use sports equipment available.
Day use is available by reservation, with both the pool and hot tub booked in hourly sessions by phone or online.
Things to Do at Roystone Hot Springs
You can easily pair a soak with nearby activities: float or fish the Payette River, bike quiet backroads, or stop at fruit stands and u-pick orchards around Emmett.
Wildlife is common in the surrounding ranchlands—watch for herons, raptors, deer, and songbirds along creeks and fields.
If you’re extending the day, follow Highway 55 toward Cascade and McCall for mountain scenery or explore local cafés and shops in Emmett and Horseshoe Bend.
Roystone Hot Springs Camping and Lodging
Roystone Hot Springs offers guest house rooms along with on-site tent and RV camping, complete with picnic tables and fire pits. The event center and party room can be reserved for gatherings and group events.
Additional lodging is available in Emmett and throughout the Boise metro area, all within about an hour’s drive, making it easy to combine a soak with regional sightseeing.
Roystone Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 13 miles northeast of Emmett • Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: A large warm swimming pool and a small hot soaking pool with jets and bubblers
Clothing: Required
Amenities: Changing rooms, shower, event center, picnic areas and tables
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use: Yes (hourly sessions), reservation is required
Elevation: 2,600 ft (792 m)
Water T° (source): 143°F (62°C)
Water T° (large pool): 98°F (37°C)
Water T° (soaking pool): 104°F (40°C)
Water acidity level: Slightly alkaline (pH=7.5)
Springs Type: Sodium Bicarbonate
Chemical used: Yes, chlorine
| Cations Sodium (Na) - 160 Mg/L Calcium (Ca) - 8.7 Mg/L Potassium (K) - 7.7 Mg/L Magnesium (Mg) - 0.6 Mg/L | Anions Bicarbonate (HCO3) - 187 Mg/L Silica (SiO2) - 120 Mg/L Sulfate (SO4) - 110 Mg/L Chloride (Cl) - 62 Mg/L Fluoride (F) - 16 Mg/L Phosphate (PO4) - 0.4 Mg/L |
More Adventures
Directions to Roystone Hot Springs
From Boise,
- Head northwest on State Street/ID-44 to Highway ID-55
- Turn right onto ID-55 and follow 19.5 miles north to Highway ID-52
- Turn left onto ID-52 and continue 10 miles west to the destination on the right.
Phone: 208-584-3371
Email: kathyjohns10@gmail.com
roystonehotsprings.com