The Inkom, Idaho area encompasses several camping options ranging from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. Scout Mountain Campground, located about 25 minutes from town, provides both reservable and first-come, first-served sites with amenities including vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection. Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping offers a more primitive experience with no facilities but allows both tent and RV camping. Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site provides another dispersed option with basic amenities including picnic tables and vault toilets. The region also includes two KOA locations in nearby Lava Hot Springs that offer full hookups and cabin accommodations.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with most developed campgrounds operating from May through October. Scout Mountain Campground typically opens in late May and closes by the end of October. Access to dispersed sites varies based on elevation and road conditions. One camper noted, "GPS correct, no signage and just off highway West. Small 60x40 yard gravel/dirt lot a quarter mile up improved road with some potholes." Higher elevation areas may require vehicles with better clearance, particularly during spring runoff or after rain. Cell service is generally available near major roads but can be limited in canyon areas and at higher elevations. Fire restrictions are common during summer months.
Campers consistently mention the natural setting as a highlight of the area. Scout Mountain receives particularly positive reviews for its pine forest environment and hiking opportunities. A visitor described it as having "nice and shady" sites that are "perfect walking distance to clean vault toilets." The proximity to the Portneuf River provides fishing and water recreation opportunities at several locations. Noise levels vary significantly between sites - those near Interstate 15 or railroad tracks experience more disruption than more remote options. Dispersed camping areas like Indian Rocks offer more solitude but fewer amenities. The region's mixed terrain provides options for both forest camping and open views, with elevations ranging from valley floors to mountain settings.
"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."
"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."
"Big gravel parking lot and some hiking trails nearby. Close to the highway."
"Nice spot in a gravel parking lot surrounded by small mountains with toilets nearby. Park on the right as camping is prohibited on the left."
$20 - $120 / night
"We had gone up and had gotten site #20 which is the last site before exiting the campground. The site was quiet, and no one next to us."
"We stayed on site #3, nice and shady, perfect walking distance to clean vault toilets, water spigot not far, and off the road so you feel tucked away."
"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."
"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."
"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."
$80 - $120 / night
"About 12 miles off I 15 outside of pocatello Idaho, paved road all the way , I have a transit van and a 16 ‘ trailer and had plenty of room! The camp spots are pretty separated ."
"For &60/night you get access to A gazebo, water fountain, restrooms, grills, firepit, mink creek, and large grassy area."
"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."
ScoutNice clean RV park. Railroad tracks close so train can be annoying. Watch how gps guides you. Turn across from gas station other entrance over tracks is steep and will get your landing gear. We did manage to get our 45' 5th wheel in a spot.
GuideI was the only one here. Has about 8 pull through spots. They are close together. Some shade trees. Dump at rv site. Caution I did drive about 4 miles of gravel roads but not rough. Bathroom was basic. No to inside, and dead field mouse to greet me. Appears to have shower but I’m using my rv bathroom. The views are beautiful though and no one around to bother you. Their policy is no guns on rules…. Drive is about 20 mins to lava hot springs. I did have to go up and down a severe 6+percent grade to get to Grady.
GuideCame in here late after long drive. Can do same day book in and has pull through available. Longer campers beware. Sites are also not the most level. Good view of the river.
GuideOwner called and moved us to site 3, I’m so glad she did. You would never know that you were next to a RV storage. Lots of birds nesting and with babies. We sat for hours watching them from our campsite
TravelerIt's a beautiful place. You do come up on signs that tell you private private but it just to the house. Stay to the left. We had a 25ft rv .
ScoutNice grounds, developed sites. The "dirt" road is 2.1 miles to the site. Excellent road. No dust, very hard pack of the dirt, good cover with small gravel. Lots of birds, including pheasants.
Bring your mosquito 🦟 repellent.
Good turn around for campers with trailers.
GuideBeautiful drive in, even stopped to wait for a couple of wranglers moving the cows! Go to the end of the pavement, right before the gravel road starts. There's a pullover on the left, and a spot on the right where you can pull in. It's between the fence and the brook. There's plenty of room, and a unofficial fire ring. Some four wheeler traffic, people mountain biking, and locals coming & going, but very quiet in the evening/night. Definitely recommend!
GuideI pulled in to use the free dump station/fresh water, which were well maintained and easy to access. Plus, they had two of each.
The grounds & sites were clean. Didn't get a chance to use the toilet. The area was very nice along the river, with a paved hiking trail and plenty of picnic tables. Many people were fishing from the shore of the river.
It's not longer inexpensive, but $40/night. No electric options. I didn't stay due to the hefty fee.
ScoutThe road was very passable! Beautiful scenery with spots far apart. There was Highway noise but it was not obnoxious. Campsites were pretty level!
Camping spots near Inkom, Idaho range in elevation from 4,500 to 7,000 feet, with most dispersed sites located along river corridors or in the forested mountains of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The region transitions from high desert to pine forest environments, creating diverse camping conditions throughout the summer and early fall seasons. Weather patterns can shift quickly, with afternoon thunderstorms common during July and August.
Fishing access: Check out Lower Portneuf Campground where campers can fish directly from their sites. A visitor noted, "This place is gorgeous! 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. Paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing are primo."
Hiking opportunities: Several trails start from Scout Mountain Campground campsites. One camper mentioned, "The campground is nestled high in the mountain with a small road to reach the site. Some campsite lots are more suitable for tents and the tree cover provides an abundance of shade." Another visitor added, "There are hiking trails close by and a natural spring close by."
Hot springs relaxation: When staying at camping areas near Lava Hot Springs, the mineral pools are a must-visit attraction. "The hot mineral pools are open until 11 PM and are amazing, especially in the evenings in the cooler weather," one camper shared about their experience while staying at the nearby camping areas. The pools range from 102°F to 112°F and require a small entrance fee.
Peaceful settings: Goodenough Creek Campground receives high marks for its natural environment. A reviewer stated, "Beautifully tree covered area. Free camping is the best." Another camper mentioned, "We arrived here around 8:30pm after the sun set so we couldn't really see much. Had the doors and windows open all night, wonderful breeze, quiet except sounds of nature. Woke up to an amazing sunrise and sound of the creek."
Affordability: Free and low-cost options make the Inkom area appealing for budget-conscious campers. "May 2024 - This is a good stopping point for those who are passing through. There is a Flying J truck stop on the opposite side of I-15. They have fuel, propane, dump station ($10) and water," noted a visitor to Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping.
Variety of terrain: Campers appreciate the mix of forest and open valley sites available in the region. One camper at Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site shared, "A short dirt road that's well maintained leads up to a rock/gravel parking lot. There's a cute little stream that runs below the site as well." The variety allows campers to choose between shaded forest sites and open areas with valley views.
Train noise: Multiple campgrounds near Lava Hot Springs experience railroad disruptions. One camper reported, "The train runs by and must blast the safety horn. Latest was, 11:30pm, earlier was 5am. So be prepared for that several times on an overnight stay." Another mentioned, "We experienced about 8 trains coming through between 1am-6am. Which meant that every time they crossed they had to sound their horn multiple times."
Road conditions: Access to Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping requires careful driving. "Very nice sites. Good cell service. Just go very slow. We did fine with the 27-foot trailer," explained one visitor. Another camper warned, "The road into dispersed camping is full of pot holes so go slow with a Class A RV or if you have low clearance."
Seasonal facility limitations: Most campgrounds have reduced services outside summer months. "Visited in Early May in a bit of a sleet storm. Sites are relatively level - nice gravel. Seemed like most sites have fire rings. Pit toilet is located in the day-use area nearby," noted a spring visitor to the region. Some higher elevation sites may not be accessible until late May due to snow.
Playground access: Lava Hot Springs West KOA offers family-friendly amenities. A camper mentioned, "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. Everything is clean and well managed and management made sure people kept to the quiet time."
Group facilities: Consider reserving the Mink Creek Group Site for larger family gatherings. "For $60/night you get access to a gazebo, water fountain, restrooms, grills, firepit, mink creek, and large grassy area. A couple trailheads are within walking distance and many more are just a short drive away," explained a reviewer who understood the site's advantages for groups.
Swimming options: During summer months, multiple water recreation areas are available within a short drive. "With the pool/water slides across the river, and the shuttle stop for tubing the river across the street and down the road. This campground is the perfect place to enjoy all the water offerings during the summer at Lava Hot Springs," noted one family about their experience at a nearby campground.
Overnight stops: Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access works well for short stays. "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," explained one RVer. Another noted, "Cute spot for a night or two, super close to Lava Hot Springs where you can soak and shower."
Site selection: At Scout Mountain, certain sites accommodate larger rigs better than others. One camper shared, "Our tent pad wasn't big enough for our 6 person REI tent so we pitched right behind our car on the parking pad, which was considerably larger." For RVs, check campground maps carefully as many sites have limited space or uneven terrain.
Hookup availability: Limited full-hookup options exist in the immediate Inkom area. "Good place to stop for the night. Easy night check in, full hookups and WiFi. What more could you want?" commented a visitor at one of the commercial campgrounds. Most forest service and BLM sites offer no hookups, so plan accordingly with full water tanks and charged batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Inkom, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Inkom, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 96 campgrounds and RV parks near Inkom, ID and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Inkom, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Inkom, ID is Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping with a 4.2-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Inkom, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Inkom, ID.
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