Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site
RV Guide
Introduction
Located in Swanlake, Idaho, Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site is an amazing place that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It is accessible by water or land. Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site is the perfect area for anyone who loves the outdoors. It runs along the Bruneau River, allowing visitors to experience a plethora of water activities including kayaking, fishing, and swimming. If you plan on enjoying water activities during your stay, you will need to register for floating, but it's free! Many people also enjoy going for a hike or horseback ride on one of the many trails.
You can camp right at Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site or stay at one of the few nearby campsites. Parts of Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site are located on private land, which should be respected at all times. The area also has amazing activities for those looking for something relaxing. You can enjoy floating down the river or going wildlife watching. You may even spot a bear or timberwolf. Idaho is an underrated state and isn't often visited by those living out of state. Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site is the perfect place to check out during your stay.
RV Rentals in Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site
Transportation
Driving
Getting to Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site can be a bit tricky compared to other areas that are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. First off, the roads that lead to Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site can be quite intense. They are very rugged and should be accessed using a high profile vehicle such as a truck or RV.
The majority of people will access Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site by taking Highway 51 south towards Bruneau, Idaho. In order to get specific directions to Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site, you will need to contact the Bureau of Land Management.
It is crucial to keep in mind, no matter what type of vehicle you're driving, you should not try to enter Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site if the roadway is wet, as it becomes impassable and dangerous. Once you arrive at the site, there are multiple ways to get around. The most common are on foot or water. You can also bring your horses to ride around and explore the area.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site
Campsites in Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site
First-come first-served
Heart Mountain Springs
Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site allows visitors to camp throughout the area. There are four designated campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There you will find picnic tables, fire pits, and grills at each campsite. It's located at an elevation of just under 6,000 feet, making it the perfect area to go stargazing. The area is surrounded by trees and a river to allow people to immerse themselves in nature.
If you're traveling during the summer months, you'll be able to take advantage of the watering hole that is in the springs. As you've read, there are a variety of activities that you can enjoy while staying at the springs. In the summer there are plenty of water activities such as paddling and swimming. During the winter, you'll be able to enjoy a bit of wildlife viewing while resting your head at the springs.
Cherry Creek Campground
Open from the beginning of June through September, Cherry Creek Campground offers five campsites that are available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is available for both RV and tent campers. There is potable water available, as well as toilets. People who stay at Cherry Creek Campground during their visit to Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site get to use picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite as well. You can access this campground by driving or by boating in from the nearby river.
The river also makes a peaceful soundscape to fall asleep to. There are tall trees that tower over the hiking and biking trails that this campground has to offer as well. The five campsites are fairly dispersed, allowing you to enjoy privacy and quiet while you stay there. If you're wanting a place that allows you to be surrounded by nature, but still have quick access to modern activities during your visit to Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site, Cherry Creek Campground is a great option
Malad Summit Campground
Last, but not least, Malad Summit Campground is an amazing place for solo travelers and families to stay during their visit to Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site. This campground is open from the beginning of May through September. There is a massive group campsite there that can hold up to 125 campers. There you will find plenty of amenities such as picnic tables, a grill, campfire rings, a serving table, tent pads, and more.
You will also have access to vault toilets and drinking water. The area is surrounded by dense douglas fir trees and a river, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors at its finest. Easily the most popular activity for people staying at Malad Summit Campground to enjoy is hiking. There is easy access to multiple different trails for campers. This is a beautiful campground to stay at when visiting Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site, especially if you're looking for a bit of seclusion.
Seasonal activities in Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site
In-Season
Hiking
As far as peak season activities go, hiking is easily one of the most common when visiting Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site. There are plenty of hiking trails in the area that you can access throughout the Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site. You will find a few easy-to-hike trails, but many of them are for experienced hikers.
Be sure to wear a high-quality pair of hiking boots to give you the best grip on the rough terrain. Hiking is also a great way to explore the area and get amazing views of Idaho.
Boating
Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site also has plenty of boating and water activities that you can enjoy if you're traveling during the summer. You have your choice of watercraft including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or boats.
This is the perfect way to spend a steamy summer afternoon under the sun. Hit up Stockton Creek for a calm place to take a swim as well! Make sure all children or inexperienced swimmers are wearing life jackets when in the water.
Fishing
Anglers who visit Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site enjoy throwing in a hook in hopes of catching one of the many fish that are in the area.
Whether you're casting a line in one of the creeks or rivers in Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site, you'll have the opportunity to catch sturgeon, kokanee, cutthroat trout, bass, whitefish, or rainbow trout. This can be a fun activity for the whole family and a great way to have some freshly caught dinner!
Off-Season
Horseback Riding
Due to all the hiking trails in the area, many people enjoy using those same trails for horseback riding. For this activity, you will need to bring your own horses, but it is a unique and fun way to travel around the Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site.
There are plenty of level areas where the gravel isn't too rough to ride your horse. When you go horseback riding in the summer, be sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your horse.
Picnicking
After an afternoon of horseback riding or hiking, you're going to be hungry. Easily one of the best off-season activities that everyone should enjoy while visiting Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site is picnicking. This is a great way to submerge yourself in nature and fuel up for the rest of the adventures that you have planned. Just be sure to clean up any trash or scraps of food to help preserve Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is a laid back activity that can be enjoyed by visitors of any age. There are many wild animals that call Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site home.
What you see will depend on the time of year you visit and where in Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site you explore. You are most likely to see white-tail deer, American black bears, timberwolves, grizzly bears, elk, and moose. Remember to respect the animals and never approach them for any reason.
