Banbury Hot Springs, Idaho: Pools, Private Tubs and Camping

Where Banbury Hot Springs sits in the Hagerman Valley

The resort address is 1128 Banbury Road, Buhl, Idaho, on the north side of the Snake River in the Hagerman Valley, roughly between Twin Falls and Hagerman. From Twin Falls the drive runs west on US-30 through the valley, then across the river to the Banbury road; from Buhl it is a short run north. Plan on a vehicle, since there is no town within walking distance and services are in Buhl, Hagerman or Twin Falls.

This is a developed geothermal resort rather than a primitive forest soak, so access is by paved and gravel roads to the property itself. Parking is on site, and the pools, tubs, campground and cabin share one base. That makes it a practical anchor for a Hagerman Valley day: you can soak, eat at your campsite and drive to nearby trailheads without moving camp.

The swimming pool: layout, diving board and riverfront tubs

The main pool is fed by both hot and cold springs, with a shallow end for wading and a deep end for divers and swimmers. Banbury Hot Springs lists a diving board, a floating log for balance games and a basketball hoop, which makes this the family-friendly side of the property. Groups of up to six adults can book private tubs that face the river, each with its own changing area and temperature controls, in 90-minute sessions.

Decide between the two when you plan: the shared pool is the social, all-ages option, while the private tubs give a group its own space and adjustable heat. If you are traveling with children, the pool is the obvious pick; if you want quiet conversation and river views, reserve a tub. Both are on the same property, so a group can split up and meet at the campground afterward.

Water temperatures: the 138°F source and the cooled pool

The artesian mineral water comes out of the ground at 138 degrees Fahrenheit and is cooled before it reaches bathers, according to Banbury Hot Springs. The main pool is adjusted seasonally, from about 89°F in summer to 104°F in winter, so the soak feels comfortable in both hot and cold months. The water carries calcium, magnesium and silica, which the resort highlights as the mineral character of the soak.

Treat the source temperature as a sign of how hot geothermal water can be: avoid submerging your head in untreated spring water, and test any tub before you settle in. Private tubs have temperature controls, so you can dial the heat to your group's comfort rather than accepting whatever the pool is set to. In winter the pool runs at the warm end, which makes a cold-weather visit appealing.

Camping, RV and van sites at the resort

The campground has RV, tent and van sites arranged around a large grassy area with fire pits, so you can cook outside and settle in for the evening. Pool access is a separate fee from camping, which matters when you budget a weekend: the campsite does not automatically include soaking. Book the site and the pool time as two decisions.

Camping here works best as a base for the Hagerman Valley rather than a destination in itself: you get a flat pitch, a fire ring and a short walk to the pools. Bring your own drinking water and cooking setup, and plan meals around the fire pit rather than counting on a camp store. For a quieter night, ask about site placement away from the pool area when you reserve.

The Queen Cabin and overnight options

The Queen Cabin sleeps two in a queen bed with bedding, electricity, a mini fridge, heat and air conditioning, and it is a dry cabin a short walk from the shared campground bathrooms and showers. Swimming is included in the cabin price, which makes it the simplest overnight choice if you want a soak without booking pool time separately. It suits couples or two friends who want a bed instead of a tent.

Choose the cabin if you are arriving late or traveling in shoulder season when nights are cold, and the campsite if you want a fire and more space. The cabin is small, so it is not the pick for a family or a group of four. Both options put you within a short walk of the pools and tubs.

Fees and booking

Banbury Hot Springs sells pool admission, private tub sessions, campsites and the cabin as separate items, and the booking pages on the resort site are where current rates and availability appear. Reserve the private tubs ahead if your group has a fixed date, since 90-minute sessions limit how many groups fit in an evening. For the pool and campsites, book through the same site so your arrival and soak times line up.

Budget for the pool fee on top of your campsite, and for a tub session on top of general admission if you want privacy. Ask about group sizes when you book: the private tubs are set up for up to six adults, and the regular layout matters if you have children. Bring a card and confirm the payment method when you reserve.

Rules and pool etiquette

This is a developed resort, so Banbury's posted pool rules govern the soak: follow signage at the pool deck and around the tubs. Keep glass away from the water and pool deck, shower before you get in, and supervise children at the shallow end and diving board. The private tubs are booked for groups, so keep your session within the reserved time to leave the tub ready for the next party.

Because the pools are fed by geothermal water, keep your head above the surface and step out if you feel overheated. The pool deck and tub surrounds can be slick, so walk rather than run between the water and your towel. Cool off in the shade or at your campsite between soaks instead of staying in the hot water for long stretches.

Crowds and the best time to visit

Summer weekends bring the biggest crowds, when the pool is at its coolest setting and families fill the grassy campground. Spring and fall give you the same valley with fewer people and cooler nights that make the pool's warmer winter setting appealing. Winter is the quietest season and the pool runs warmest, though you will want the cabin or a well-insulated sleeping setup.

For a private tub, aim for a weekday evening when the river light is good and the sessions are easier to book. If you want the pool to yourself, arrive near opening rather than mid-afternoon. Check the resort's events page before you go, since holiday weekends can fill the campground and tubs.

Nearby soaks: Miracle Hot Springs and the Hagerman area

Miracle Hot Springs, a separate resort a short drive away in Buhl, runs four outdoor geothermal pools kept between 96 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit, plus private pools and massages. It requires reservations for all soaking services and is closed on Sundays, with hours running 8am to 10pm Monday through Thursday and 8am to 11pm Friday and Saturday. That makes it a complement to Banbury rather than a replacement: Banbury for the family pool and camping, Miracle for a reserved private soak or a massage.

For a broader tour of developed and primitive soaks across the state, see this guide to hot springs in Idaho, which covers the range from resort pools to forest tubs. If you are building a longer Idaho road trip, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, is the classic resort town stop in the southeast, with its own pools and a walkable main street. Travelers comparing resort-style soaks by state may also find the Oregon hot springs guide useful for sizing up similar developed pools.

Other Hagerman Valley stops: Blue Heart Springs, Balanced Rock and Box Canyon

Kayak access to Blue Heart Springs, Thousand Springs and Ritter Island starts at Banbury on the Snake River, with rentals and tours bookable through Kayak Blue Heart seasonally Monday through Saturday. Paddling to Blue Heart is the signature Hagerman Valley outing, and launching from the resort saves you a shuttle. Book the kayak before you arrive, since boats and guides fill on summer weekends.

Balanced Rock, a 48-foot pinnacle perched on a narrow pedestal, is about a 25-minute drive from the valley and visible from the road, with a short climb from the parking lot to the rim for sunrise and sunset views. Box Canyon Springs, the 11th largest spring in North America, has a trailhead about 30 minutes from the valley in Wendell; the descent to the waterfall and ponds is steep and assisted by a rope and rails, so wear shoes with grip.

Add the Thousand Springs Visitor Center on Highway 30 in Hagerman for context on the Hagerman horse fossils and the spring-fed valley, and pair it with a hatchery visit if you have children in tow. Shoshone Falls near Twin Falls, about 45 minutes away, is best in spring when snowmelt swells the flow. Build the day so the soak comes last, after the hiking and paddling.

What to bring for a pool-and-camp weekend

Pack two towels per person, water shoes for the slick pool deck, and a cover-up for the walk between the pool and your campsite or the cabin. For camping, bring a shade structure, drinking water and a camp stove, plus layers for cool valley nights even in summer. A dry bag keeps phones and keys safe on the kayak and around the water.

For the private tubs, bring a small bag for valuables and your own robe or towel if you want more coverage on the walk back. Skip glass entirely and use reusable bottles and cups instead. If you are hiking Box Canyon, bring grippy shoes and a trekking pole for the rope-assisted descent.

Plan Your Soak

Banbury Hot Springs works as a full Hagerman Valley base: soak in the main pool, book a riverfront tub for your group, camp or take the Queen Cabin, and paddle or hike the surrounding valley the next morning. The private tubs and cabin reward planning ahead, while the pool and campground suit a spontaneous weekend. Check current conditions and booking details with Banbury Hot Springs before you drive out.