Andrea C.
Scout
ScoutMorgans Bridge Campground
Very disappointed
Planned this trip for over a week. No where on any app or site does it say it’s closed for renovations. Drive an hour at 9mph on an unpacked gravel road and get here and it’s closed.
Camping near Bancroft, ID
131 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping options near Bancroft, Idaho range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. The Lava Hot Springs area, approximately 15 miles southeast of Bancroft, features several developed campgrounds including Lava Hot Springs East KOA and Lava Hot Springs West KOA, both offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping provides a free alternative for those seeking a more primitive experience on Bureau of Land Management property, while Portneuf Bend Campground offers 81 sites with electric hookups and basic amenities.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with many established campgrounds operating from May through October. The Lava Hot Springs West KOA specifically notes a season from May 5 to October 31, while Mary's Campground operates from May 15 to September 3. Winter access becomes limited as higher elevation areas receive significant snowfall. Most dispersed camping areas lack drinking water, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies. Cell service varies significantly, with stronger coverage near towns and limited or no service in more remote areas. According to one visitor at Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping, "This area used to be a state park but the state abandoned it and removed all their facilities. It is now under BLM jurisdiction."
Proximity to water features represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Several campgrounds, including Lava Spa RV Park, offer sites directly on the Portneuf River, providing both scenic views and recreational opportunities. A visitor noted, "The location is directly across the street from the hot spring pools. Our spot #6 was on the river." Highway noise can be a consideration at some locations, particularly at the KOA properties which are situated near major roads and railroad tracks. Campers seeking quieter experiences may prefer more remote options like Indian Rocks, though these typically offer fewer amenities. The region's natural hot springs remain the primary attraction, with multiple campgrounds positioned to provide convenient access to these geothermal features.
Best Campgrounds near Bancroft (131)
1. Lower portneuf campground
"We parked our 34 ft motor home right next to a river waterfall and did some fishing. A fire pit was already established. Excellent spot right outside of town with good cell service."
"Close to Highway and very close to railroad tracks. About 7 trains at night when I stayed. Very pretty water rushing made for great sleep sounds when train wasn’t passing."
2. Lava Hot Springs East KOA
"We had a patio site near the office, overlooking a weedy bit near the stream. While you couldn’t see the water from the patio, you could hear it and could enjoy gazing at the cliffs above it."
"The site itself is surrounded by water and even has a small water fall that you could sit in as if it were a small hot tub size. This KOA is clean and friendly staff."
3. Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access
"There’s a toilet located here, bring your own TP though. The river is fun to jump in and hang out in! The trains come frequently and at times are pretty loud but it doesn’t bother our group."
"Dispersed camping close to hot springs, don't miss the hot springs, thay are awesome."
4. Lava Hot Springs West KOA
"But it’s the perfect spot if you want to be around all the fun action of Lava Hot Springs. You’re walking distance to the river, restaurants, the pool and all the fun stuff in Lava."
"Kid, pet friendly, walking distance to food and fun. One of the best KOA’s we have stayed at."
5. Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
"GPS correct, no signage and just off highway West. Small 60x40 yard gravel/dirt lot a quarter mile up improved road with some potholes."
"Just take the exit for McCammon and turn right twice, entering the gravel road at the brown lava stone walls. The gravel covered road is in pretty good shape with minor potholes."
6. Lava Campground
"Walking distance to town where there are plenty of food choices and a nice local market for supplies. There is a walking trail that will take you to town."
"It’s a bit further outside of downtown, but easily walkable through the paths and KOA. It’s affordable, spacious and clean."
7. Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park
"Located very conveniently to the river and most of the activities in lava Hot Springs. We were only going to stay for two nights, but now we have stayed a full week."
"The sites are very close to each other but the location in town next to the river, resturaunts and the hot springs pools is the reason to stay here."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability8. Mary’s Campground
"There’s a paved trail around all of the camp sites for bikes and skateboards and the owners are incredibly friendly. Clean bathrooms /showers as well."
from $40 - $85 / night
Check Availability9. Goodenough Creek Campground
"We haven’t walked downtown yet but it looks like there are a lot of good restaurants and two bookstores! Spacing is tight. Bathrooms clean. Showers paid, $2 for 4 minutes. We have a FHU site."
"Nice hiking opportunities and off road vehicles seemed to be popular as well."
10. Lost Trail Resort
"Put our tent right next to the river on grass. Picnic table, fire ring. Horses and sheep in the background. Very picturesque ! 2 bathrooms were available and each had a shower."
"Short drive to the Hot Springs. $48 for a tent spot. Full hookups. Tables and fire ring. On the river."
Drive Time
- 58 min from Pocatello, ID
- 1 hr 31 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 1 hr 35 min from Logan, UT
- 1 hr 55 min from Ogden, UT
Recent Camping Photos near Bancroft, ID
67 Photos of 131 Bancroft Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Bancroft, ID
407 Reviews of 131 Bancroft Campgrounds
- BBrenna W.
TravelerTincup Campground
Adorable site
This site just has 5 very basic sites on a loop. It's very cute, and has a beautiful river near by you can hear road noise in the morning but it's very quiet at night. Despite what the app says though, there are NOT bathrooms so just keep that in mind :).
Catie R.ScoutBingham County Park Rose Campground
Signage prohibiting overnight camping
We were able to spend the night here and it was fine but we were definitely not welcome per the signage around. (slept in car)
Tyler M.ScoutAlbert Moser
Great out of the way place!
Loved this spot. Only recommendation would be to make each spot to the parking a little more clear.
- Rachel M.
GuideWillow Flat Campground
Horrible host, questionable reservations
The first night of our two night reserved and prepaid campsite was in a different site for an rv. The camp host was drunk and gave our site away to another family that didn’t have a reservation. Since they were all set up, we were tossed into the only other available site left. That site was a no show so I guess we got “lucky.” I paid $8 extra just to reserve. Otherwise it’s $20 a night for a tent site. The host yelled at his son in front of us, too. He wasn’t a young child and was actually super nice and tried to help. It was so uncomfortable. The campground itself was not bad. A weird layout for a few sites. I would stay again if there was a new host. We were right next to the water. The second night we were able to move into our actual reservation. Then it rained and hailed. Funny how that seems to happen on the weekends. We survived. It definitely was an experience with the weather that time. lol there’s trails and a lot of trees surrounding. Really nice location.
- Rachel M.Guide
Big Springs - Caribou
First time camping as an adult
The wind and rain was ridiculous. Can’t say it was the worst thing ever. It definitely was an experience. Utah took over the other sites nearby so we ended up here. The tent pad had grass clumps that were terrible. The second night, we moved under the shelter in the gravel. It was so much better. Trails nearby, water spigot, vault toilets. Camp hosts were so amazingly nice. Close enough to Lava to go into town during the day. Road to the campground is long and gravel. Train crossing at the turn from the main road. Lots of noise during the loud hours from atvs. People having fun. $20 per tent site. Picnic table under shelter with concrete and metal fire pit.
- Janette K.Guide
Blackfoot Reservoir Campground
Great site stayed awhile
The campground is nice and for the most part, quiet. People don't follow the 10 mph speed limit and yesterday someone running their dog down the road next to their vehicle hit their own dog!!! The bathrooms are clean. Like the cleanest vault bathrooms I have seen anywhere!The horseshoe pit with horseshoes is a nice touch. Although we have been cleaning up after our dogs 💩 most don't. Doesn't seem to be enforced. The moose visit the area regularly and they can be easy to find once someone points out where they are. One evening they came to us! Standing in the sandbox near the main information board and bathroom area. Would stay again for sure. The tables are covered with ramadas but the birds have taken over them all. I would bring my own table.
- Janette K.Guide
Blackfoot Reservoir Campground
Alright stay over spot
First, make sure to go to soda springs and see the geyser and other things. The campground has bird nests all around the tables so they more or less become unusable. The tables and fire pits sit to the back of the spots Potable water is near by (at the end of our site) but does need to be hauled or filled prior to pulling in. The lake is huge and people are fishing and waterskiing Game and Fish has been on the lake daily! We have seen moose in the evenings at the north end of the campground. The vault toilets are the cleanest I've ever seen and have hand sanitizer in them. There is also a horseshoe pit with horseshoes to play with.
Natalie G.GuideDownata Hot Springs
Great for kids! Very famiky friendly!
We camped here with our 4 boys on a Wednesday and Thursday night end of July. We almost had the place to ourselves!
Super family friendly! The kids loved the waterpark. The slides were a blast! Big water slides for our older boys, and a baby pool, splash pad and little kid water slide for the 3 year old.
The pool is on the warmer side, 90°-95°F. It can feel a bit warm on a hot day. But the kids never complained. Very budget friendly for the price. Tons of lifeguards, which was nice for added safety.
Pool has a cool history, and feels very vintage in a good way! Super charming.
We never did the hot soaking pools because it was too hot. But would be awesome in winter!
Trailer/rv sites D49-D57 seemed the best in the park. Tons of shade, and backed up to an open space for the most incredible sunsets!
Has a swing set, sandbox, basketball court and volleyball court for kids to play.
Flushing toilets in multiple spots, showers that you have to pay quarters to use. If you use the pool, free showers in the locker room.
Had a good amount of basic supplies in the main office. And a fun snack bar with ice cream, swirl cones, pizza, nuggets, burgers, etc.
The spots are pretty close together. We really lucked out and had the whole row to ourselves Wednesday night. Almost completely full on Thursday night. Felt way more cramped with all the extra trailers.
The kids absolutely loved it, and so did we! Would definitely do this trip again!
Guide to Bancroft
Camping options near Bancroft, Idaho extend beyond the better-known Lava Hot Springs area. Located in Caribou County at approximately 5,400 feet elevation, Bancroft experiences cold winters with significant snowfall and warm summers with low humidity. Many dispersed camping areas follow a seasonal pattern with most sites accessible from late May through early October when overnight temperatures remain above freezing.
What to do
River recreation access: Lower Portneuf Campground offers immediate access to fishing and paddling opportunities. "Paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing are primo. Lots of privacy and zero dollars," notes Chelsey M., highlighting the free waterside camping options.
Hot springs visits: Lava Hot Springs West KOA provides convenient access to the town's thermal attractions. "You are about a 5-10 minute walk from the main town including the hot pools. Those pools are super relaxing and I would recommend going first thing in the morning before it gets crowded," advises Shad G.
Trail exploration: Goodenough Creek Campground connects to hiking paths suitable for day trips. "Great hiking and horseback riding trails, quiet, not too crowded," reports Sheri C. about the trail system that extends from the campground into surrounding public lands.
What campers like
Waterside camping: Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park offers sites with water features. "At the back of the RV park is a trail you can walk along the river and will come to a place where you can enter the river right into a hot spring," shares Debra M. about the hidden thermal features near the campground.
Budget-friendly options: Lower Portneuf Campground provides free camping opportunities near town. "Great open field. Some wooded spot are next to the river. 5 minutes from the small town," reports Madison M., noting the proximity to services despite being a no-cost option.
Shade coverage: Several campgrounds offer tree cover for summer heat protection. "There are mature trees around so there is part or full shade for most of the area," reports Michelle H. about the tent camping areas, providing natural temperature moderation during hot summer days.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Multiple campgrounds near Bancroft experience train disturbances. "The trains; however, were a drag at night. Not many ran during the day but at night we counted 8 that went by. The tracks are only about 100' from most of the spots," warns Brett T. about overnight noise levels.
Limited services: Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping requires self-sufficiency. "This area used to be a state park but the state abandoned it and removed all their facilities. It is now under BLM jurisdiction," explains Mike E., highlighting the transition to undeveloped camping.
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires careful driving. "The road had some major ruts so it wouldn't be suitable for large vehicles," notes Christopher E. about approaches to certain camping areas, suggesting arrival during daylight hours for first-time visitors.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mary's Campground offers features for children. "There's a paved trail around all of the camp sites for bikes and skateboards and the owners are incredibly friendly. Clean bathrooms/showers as well," recommends Chris Y., noting the family-friendly environment.
Site selection for privacy: Finding buffer space between sites helps maintain family comfort. "We had such friendly neighbors that we didn't mind at all. Very family friendly would definitely come back!" shares Rudy about their experience despite close site spacing.
Timing considerations: Morning visits to popular attractions avoid crowds. "I would recommend going first thing in the morning before it gets crowded," advises one camper regarding the hot pools, which can become extremely busy during midday, especially on summer weekends.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access accommodates larger rigs with limitations. "The roads a little rough for bigger fifth-wheel. Beautiful view, less than five minutes to Lava and much better than paying the crazy prices in the camp grounds," advises Earl J. about navigating to free camping with an RV.
Leveling requirements: Some camping areas offer naturally level sites. "Level and fantastic site for an overnight stay," reports Evan D., noting the train noise but praising the ease of setup without extensive leveling equipment.
Water and waste services: The KOA facilities near Bancroft provide water access for non-guests. "The KOA, just before the turn off, will let you fill your water tank for free but they charge $10 for a dump," shares a camper about resource access without staying at the full-service campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bancroft, ID?
What camping is available near Bancroft, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bancroft, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 131 campgrounds and RV parks near Bancroft, ID and 13 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bancroft, ID?
Which is the most popular campground near Bancroft, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bancroft, ID is Lower portneuf campground with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bancroft, ID?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bancroft, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Bancroft, ID.
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