RV parks near Bancroft, Idaho offer camping options in southeastern Idaho's highland region at approximately 5,600 feet elevation. The area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters, making most campgrounds seasonal operations. Several RV campgrounds provide river access with fishing opportunities and mountain views characteristic of this region.
What to do
River activities at Lava Hot Springs: The Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park offers prime river access. "It was fun to sit and watch the river go by. Along with the people coming down the river on inflatable rafts," notes camper Bill B. For those seeking water recreation, tubing is extremely popular with shuttle services available.
Hot springs soaking year-round: Campgrounds within walking distance of hot springs pools make winter camping viable. One camper at Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park mentions, "We choose this site because it is directly across the street from the hotspring pools. The temps were below freezing but they have frost free spigots."
Golf and camp combined: At Caribou Highlands Golf & RV in Grace, campers can enjoy a 9-hole links-style golf course. "They also have a driving range," reports one reviewer, making this a unique option for RVers who golf.
Trail exploration: Many campers enjoy the walking paths along local rivers. At Lava Hot Springs East KOA, "There is a path near the hot springs pools that follows the river and is paved," allowing for easy walks to natural attractions.
What campers like
Riverfront sites: Many campers specifically request riverside camping spots. At Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park, campers appreciate "Our spot #6 was on the river. 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."
Proximity to town amenities: Walkable access to restaurants and activities rates highly. "The small 15 space campground is right on main street and you can walk to a large number of sites, restaurants, shops, historic museum and buildings and a small market," says a reviewer about Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park.
Clean facilities: At Batiste Springs RV Park near Pocatello, campers note "Super clean, nice host and easy pull through sites. Full hook ups and a pretty creek to walk the dog along. Even have washrooms and laundry." Clean bathrooms and shower facilities consistently receive positive mentions.
Natural springs access: Some campgrounds provide access to natural springs. As one Batiste Springs visitor explains, "You can walk down the path and go to the bridge. You are standing over Batise Spring! I got in! Bob said it was 52° and I believe it! But it made me so much more comfortable afterwards."
What you should know
Train and highway noise: Several campgrounds experience significant noise. A Devils Creek RV Park camper notes their location is "located right off I-15, it sits right upon the Devil Creek Reservoir," while Lava Hot Springs East KOA reviews warn about train noise: "be prepared to hear trains roll through right beside you all night long."
Reservation requirements: Weekend bookings fill quickly, especially during summer months. "During the week its pretty wide open but they do fill up on the weekends. Reservations are made on Campspot," advises one Caribou Highlands Golf & RV visitor.
Winter operations limitations: While some parks operate year-round, winter visitors face reduced services. One visitor to McCammon RV Park reported the campground was "closed due to water main break," highlighting infrastructure vulnerabilities during colder months.
Navigational challenges: Some RV parks have difficult access roads. One camper at Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park warns, "Please, Please, DON'T take the gravel road that splits off to the right or you will be in trouble due to S 2nd E entrance from N 3rd AV alley way."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Tubing opportunities exist directly from some campgrounds. A Cub River Lodge & RV Park visitor mentions "I have been so blessed to have shared fun times on razor rides on all the many trails up the Mountainside," showing recreational diversity.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Lava Hot Springs East KOA has "Horse shoe pits, volleyball, and playground" according to a reviewer, providing on-site entertainment for children.
Central grass areas: Common spaces allow family activities. One reviewer at Cub River Lodge & RV Park noted "There is a center grass location that's great for kids to play," offering space for games and gatherings.
Limited cell coverage considerations: Some rural locations have connectivity issues. A camper at Cub River Lodge reported "There is no cell service here but they do offer Wi-Fi. Not sure if it was due to the amount of people, but the wifi was useless," which may affect families needing reliable communications.
Tips from RVers
Electric capacity limitations: Many parks offer limited amperage. "There is only one 30amp service so if your planning to run AC, plan to be the first in or coordinate with your neighbor," advises a Devils Creek RV Park visitor, highlighting power management needs.
Site spacing concerns: RV site proximity varies significantly between parks. At Cowboy RV Park in Pocatello, "Only weird thing is pull thru sites are not exactly but sometimes pull thrus," which requires planning for larger rigs.
Tree clearance issues: Watch for overhead branches at certain sites. A Caribou Highlands Golf & RV reviewer cautions "A few of the sites have large trees so you will want to watch your sides and roof," suggesting careful positioning for slide-outs.
Dump station availability: Not all parks offer on-site dump facilities. As a Batiste Springs RV Park visitor notes, "Looking for electric site around Pocatello, ID due to extreme heat. Easily made a few day reservation for one of their 12 Pull Through, FHU sites," showing that heat can make hookups especially valuable.
