Sunrises, steaming hot spring pools, and no one else around – sounds like a dream right? We’re happy to report that this is a real place, and it’s called Worswick Hot Springs!
Worswick Hot Springs is the perfect getaway for those looking for one of the more remote Idaho hot springs.
Tucked away in the Sawtooth National Forest, it takes a little bit of effort and knowledge to reach. That’s where we come in!
Berty and I have seen this spot in many forms, and we’re here to tell you all the juicy details.
In this post, you’ll learn how to get to Worswick Hot Springs, what to expect, and things to do nearby (hint: more hot springs!).
Let’s get started!


- Worswick Hot Springs At-a-Glance
- Before You Visit
- How to Get To Worswick Hot Springs
- Best Time to Visit Worswick Hot Springs
- What to Pack For a Hot Spring Soak
- Where to Stay Near Worswick Hot Springs (Camping + Cabins)
- Pool Descriptions at Worswick Hot Springs
- Visiting in the Winter
- Things To Do Near Worswick Hot Springs
- More Idaho Hot Springs to Explore
Worswick Hot Springs At-a-Glance
- Location: Sawtooth National Forest
- Water Temperatures: Varies
- Number of Pools: 10+
- Popularity: 4/10, not well known, a little remote
- Nudity? Expected.
- Toilets on-site: Yes, pit toilets.

Before You Visit
Before visiting Worswick Hot Springs, it’s very important to know about your duties and safety as a responsible soaker.
If it’s your first time visiting natural hot springs (or really, 100th time!!) we’ve created a lot of helpful soaking guides. These blog posts will tell you everything you need to know about how to be a kind and courteous user of hot springs!
Hot Spring Etiquette 101: 15 Tips For Your Best Soak Yet
11 Unique Facts About Natural Hot Springs
The Ultimate Hot Springs Packing List (10 Must-Bring Items)

How to Get To Worswick Hot Springs
Worswick Hot Springs is located in the Sawtooth National Forest, 20 miles from Fairfield, ID.
However, it’s a part of the Sawtooths that aren’t easily accessible from a familiar place like Stanley, Idaho. From Fairfield it takes about 1 hour to reach.
The only access (well, least complicated way) to these pools is through the small town of Fairfield and onward north towards Soldier Mountain.
You could technically drive forest roads from Ketchum or even Boise, but we don’t recommend doing that. This is because we don’t know the conditions of these roads, and they can be closed/impassable in snowy conditions.

Here are some example routes we recommend from 3 common starting points in Idaho:
From Boise, Idaho: Go west on I-84 (122 miles / 2-hour 20-min drive) Drive east on Highway 84 until the turn off to Highway 20 to Fairfield. After Fairfield, take Soldier Creek Road until it turns into Couch Smt Road . Turn onto Little Smokey Road (FR 227) for 2.1 miles until Forest Service Road 465.
From Ketchum (Sun Valley), Idaho: (72 miles 1-hour 40-min drive) Drive south on Highway 75 for 26 miles, turn west onto Highway 20 for 26 miles. After Fairfield, take Soldier Creek Road until it turns into Couch Smt Road . Turn onto Little Smokey Road (FR 227) for 2.1 miles until Forest Service Road 465.
From Twin Falls, Idaho: (90 miles / 2-hour drive) Drive North on Highway 46 for ~40 miles. Take Soldier Creek Road until it turns into Couch Smt Road . Turn onto Little Smokey Road (FR 227) for 2.1 miles until Forest Service Road 465.
No matter how you arrive, look for the parking lot (a dirt area with light fencing) and a pit toilet to know you’ve arrived. The hot springs will be on your left as you enter FR 465.


Best Time to Visit Worswick Hot Springs
Visiting Worswick Hot Springs is ideal at sunrise, especially in the late summer and early fall!
This is when the air is crisp and cool in the morning, and steam is rising up from the pools on the hillside.
The prime soaking time is between late June and early October. This is when water levels are the best, they are most accessible, and it’s easy to adjust pool temperatures.

What to Pack For a Hot Spring Soak
In order to have the best experience possible, it’s important to pack the right things for this primitive soaking location.
That’s why we made the ultimate hot springs packing list, so you don’t forget a single item!
Read the blog post version here, or sign up for our email list and get your free download below!

Where to Stay Near Worswick Hot Springs (Camping + Cabins)
Because the hot springs are on the remote side, there aren’t many options to stay overnight nearby! For the closest possible stay, you’ll need to go camping.
Camping is allowed near Worswick Hot Springs, but remember to always camp at least 200 feet from a water source. If you want to build a campfire, only do it in established rings – don’t make your own!
There are a few other reputable campgrounds in the Sawtooth National Forest.
Note that some are closed during certain times of the year, so it’s important to read reviews from the latest campers.
Hot Tip: One way we find campgrounds is via The Dyrt. It’s the largest campground finding tool on the internet, with over 5,000 sites to browse and explore! It’s worth it to be a Pro user because they have tons of features like offline maps, reservation discounts, and alerts for openings at sold-out campgrounds. Try it free for 30 days here!


Nearby campgrounds include Narrows Campground, Pioneer Campground, Carrie Creek Campground, and Little Smokey Campground.
Note that these are all primitive, which means you’ll have to pack in everything you need, AND pack it out!
Since Worswick Hot Springs is located in the Sawtooth National Forest, you can also go disperse camping. Read out guide on how to find free campsites to discover these hidden gems!

Pool Descriptions at Worswick Hot Springs
Worswick Hot Springs is a series of pools that meander down the hillside.
There are several pools to choose from, all with varying degrees. They all flow into the cool Little Smoky Creek, that runs along the lower part of the hillside.
The pools closest to the parking lots are the coolest, with temperatures between 90-105 degrees. These are best suited for families with small children, because the water isn’t too hot!
The farther you hike up the hillside, the hotter the pools get. However, ALWAYS test the water before getting in, because some pools are up to 140 degrees. That’s too hot for humans!
Most established pools have been built up in a circle to keep the water deeper. Take some time to wander the hillside and find your favorite pool!

Visiting in the Winter
The road is not serviced in the winter time, which is why we don’t recommend visiting when there is snow on the ground!
Most cars won’t be able to make it all the way through the bumpy and possibly treacherous roads.
There is a notable exception if you own a snowmobile – they can get through during the winter!
To deter you even further, there is no service out this far, so if you need to call for help, you’re probably out of luck!
Stay safe, and keep your visit to Worswick when the snow has melted, usually from late May to early November.
For other winter-friendly hot springs, check out Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs, Miracle Hot Springs, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, or Boat Box Hot Springs!
Note: We still don’t recommend attempting this road in the winter, but it’s always a good idea to make a winter car emergency kit and keep it in your trunk!

Things To Do Near Worswick Hot Springs
Camas County is full of cool things to do , from even more hot springs to hidden caves! If you want to stay longer in the area, here’s what we suggest exploring next:
Fairfied, ID: This is a great town if you’re needing services, food, or gas. The Wrangler in Fairfield is a great pit stop to grab a bite to eat!
Gooding, ID: Gooding is a town just south of Fairfield with a lot of history and cool things to do! Grab a bite to eat at Zeppe’s Pizza, or venture off into exploring Tea Kettle Caves or the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh.
Skillern Hot Springs: Located in the same part of the Sawtooth National Forest, Skillern Hot Springs is an excellent soaking spot, though it takes a little more effort to reach! For a closer soak, check out Pries Hot Springs – it’s small but reliable!
Have you visited Worswick Hot Springs? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
More Idaho Hot Springs to Explore
Plan A Trip To Kirkham Hot Springs in Lowman Idaho
How To Reach Rocky Canyon Hot Springs in Idaho
The Complete Guide To Bonnevile Hot Springs
How To Reach Sunbeam Hot Springs near Stanley, Idaho
The Ultimate Guide To Pine Flats Hot Springs near Lowman, Idaho
What To Expect at Trail Creek Hot Springs near Cascade, Idaho