Cabin camping near Bancroft, Idaho centers primarily around the Lava Hot Springs area, situated at approximately 5,020 feet elevation in southeastern Idaho's Portneuf River valley. The region experiences cold winters with snow accumulation and warm summers with temperatures regularly reaching the 80s and 90s°F. Most cabins in the area remain accessible year-round, though winter visits require preparation for potential snow-covered roads.
What to do
Hot springs soaking: Lava Hot Springs offers natural mineral pools with varying temperatures. "We came for one night and stayed for two nights, so much to explore," notes a visitor to Lava Campground.
River tubing: The Portneuf River runs through many camping areas and provides tubing opportunities. According to a Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park guest, "It was fun to sit and watch the river go by. Along with the people coming down the river on inflatable rafts."
Local hiking: Trails near cabin properties offer opportunities for nature exploration. A camper at Malad Summit Guard Station shares, "There's a really cool spring and waterfall just a short hike up the road."
Winter activities: Several cabin locations remain open during winter months. A visitor to Downata Hot Springs remarked, "Cold winter months and you need to get away? Wow we rented a cabin three times this last winter. Great little cabins with bathrooms the hot pools were 100 feet away and a heated swimming pool."
What campers like
Riverside settings: Many cabins offer direct access to the Portneuf River. "Our spot #6 was on the river. We walked across the street to the hot spring pools and a park where in the summer you can tube the river," explains a reviewer at Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park.
Proximity to attractions: Cabin locations provide convenient access to local amenities. "This campground is right off the highway so there is some noise but not bad. Well run campground with clean bathrooms and showers. Right down the road of town and the hot springs," reports a visitor to Lava Campground.
Historic accommodations: Some properties feature unique historical structures. At Bristol Park Historic Cabins, a guest mentioned, "An amazing stat in an incredibly historic and rusty piece of Lava Hot Springs. The cabin we stayed in was an old miners cabin and they had 4 other smaller cabins that were further up the hill."
Seasonal options: Cabins accommodate different seasonal preferences. "We come here every year to meet family. Friendly staff, clean areas, reasonable rates. Busy time is between Memorial Day and Labor day. We always visit after Labor Day," says a regular at Downata Hot Springs.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway and train noise affects some properties. "The campground is hidden behind the Motel, on a small patch of land. There is a fireplace, potable water, sewer hook up. And 30 amp electric hookup," notes a visitor about Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park.
Cabin variety: Accommodation sizes and amenities vary significantly. At Downata Hot Springs, a camper explains, "We had returned but had got a cabin with a loft. There are only 3 loft cabins. They are super cozy, and come with a full kitchen. The loft above had 2 twin beds, the main floor had a full size bed, futon, closet, full kitchen and a bathroom with both shower and tub."
Seasonal maintenance: Spring visits may encounter muddy conditions. "We had a wet spring so it was a bit muddy in places, gravel on these roads would go a long way in keeping the mud down and the hole smaller. Next the grass had not been cut down and was very high, walking around in the morning ment wet shoes," cautions a spring visitor.
Limited cabin availability: Most properties have limited cabin numbers requiring early booking. "This KOA is within walking distance to Lava Hot Springs Main Street which has places to eat, hot pools, stores, ice cream place and more," shares a visitor to Lava Hot Springs East KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some properties offer dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Lava Hot Springs West KOA shares, "We were on site #1 which is by the playground and dog park, because we had both on our reservation. At first we were upset at our location, but it was actually great."
Water activities: Multiple options for water recreation appeal to families. "The downtown of Lava spring is a walk away and so is the large enclosed hot sprngs and pool. There is also an outdoor pool at the KOA and a small convenience store," notes a KOA visitor.
Off-season benefits: Visiting after summer offers less crowded experiences. "We stayed at the end of September. Leaves were beginning to turn and were gorgeous. This campground was always clean. Walking distance to restaurants and local shops," writes a fall visitor.
Varied sleeping arrangements: Cabins accommodate different family sizes. "The 1st time we stayed here, we were with a group of friends who rented out the Ranch House. It had 3-bedrooms with 5 beds, a couch that could sleep 3 grown adults. All 12 of us were comfortable and there was enough room for everyone," reports a Downata Hot Springs visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites vary significantly in size and amenities. At Pocatello KOA, a visitor notes, "Campsites are a little close with no privacy and there are no sewer connections at the individual sites. There are two dump sites on the backside of the store."
Leveling needs: Many sites require minor adjustments. "This KOA has mature trees and gravel rv pads. The sites are mostly level, but may need one block to be completely level," advises a Pocatello KOA visitor.
Wind protection: Some locations offer natural shelter. "It's down in a slight valley so the wind does not hit the campground as hard," mentions an RVer about Pocatello KOA.
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face limitations at some locations. A visitor to Malad Summit Guard Station shares, "We wanted to try this out with our 28' bumper pull. Luckily it was not a busy weekend, we had to move sites to one that would accommodate. Hard to maneuver in the campground as well as getting up the narrow road."
