139 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Cambridge, Idaho include a mixture of established facilities and dispersed options across forested mountain terrain and riverfront areas. The region includes several developed campgrounds like Lava Hot Springs KOA with full hookups for RVs and cabin rentals, as well as more rustic options like Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping areas. Public lands support both tent and RV camping with varying levels of amenities. Several campgrounds in the area feature hot springs access, particularly around Lava Hot Springs where commercial campgrounds provide proximity to thermal pools and river recreation.
Road conditions and seasonal access vary considerably throughout the camping areas near Cambridge. Many developed campgrounds remain open from May through October, with some like Lava Hot Springs West KOA operating seasonally from May to October. Primitive camping areas may have rougher access roads with limited maintenance. "This place is right off the highway so it made it a super easy spot to get to for a quick overnight stay. There were other campers and everyone was quiet and respectful, the spaces are spread out a nice distance," noted one camper about Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping. Higher elevation sites typically close during winter months due to snow accumulation, while lower elevation campgrounds along river corridors may offer year-round accessibility.
Campers report mixed experiences with noise levels at campgrounds in the region. Sites near highways like Indian Rocks may experience road noise, though many find it acceptable for overnight stays. The proximity to hot springs represents a significant draw for many visitors to the area's campgrounds. According to one review, "The location in town next to the river, restaurants and the hot springs pools is the reason to stay here." Water access remains important for campers, with riverfront sites being particularly popular. Campers seeking more solitude can find dispersed camping options further from main roads where highway noise diminishes. The campground options range from basic sites with minimal amenities to developed facilities offering showers, hookups and river access, creating a spectrum of camping experiences from primitive to comfortable.
"In far away Downey Idaho is a little resort with hot springs, cabins, wagons, teepees, a RV campground and a nice little eatery and a load of other fun things."
"Walking distance to the hot pools, and restaurant..."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"This is an older campground, and space near reservoirs is a hot commodity. The RV park host was very friendly and accommodating."
"Located right off I-15, it sits right upon the Devil Creek Reservoir. This is a full service RV campground, has all the hook ups for electric, water and dumping."
from $10 - $35 / night
TravelerVery helpful, easy to find dispersed camping just off the interstate. The highway noise is audible but not irritating. Great for a quick overnight. Appreciated the convenience of its proximity to traveling on highway 30 or I-15.
ScoutArrived in mis October. Only one other tv here. Green grass, paved backin sites. $25 a night with power and water and a dumpster. Adjacent fairgrounds was virtually in occupied. Trains during the day but none at night. Quiet and peaceful overnight stay
TravelerIt is october 2026, the deep ruts in the road were so bad we couldnt even try. We are in a big RV. Id be apprehensive even with an sun, in my picture you can kind of see my it gets very lop sided where 4x4 seems necessary!
GuideThe camper sites are big. Kinda rough and weedy though. The trail along the river is awesome though!
TravelerNice level spots - interesting views by the river - toilet - close to lava hot springs but…the train went by several times during the night and blew its horn so many times it was a poor nights sleep
ScoutGreat pull in stop during a road trip if your around this area. Good river views !
ScoutPlanned 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.
RangerVery easy access off 89. Very large sites with fire rings start about 1/4 off the main road. Only one other site being used that I saw. Pit toilet available at the large parking area. Clean and well kept. No cell service. Free range cows.
ScoutThis is the best little campground ever with all amenities, Reasonable prices and very wonderful staff. It’s very clean and quiet. We enjoyed our stay here very much. They also have a wonderful gift shop with food options like a grill and ice cream and drinks. I don’t wanna forget to mention the very large swimming pool that’s there also but you have to pay for that separately. It’s not included with your stay.
Camping near Cambridge, Idaho ranges from rustic dispersed sites to developed campgrounds with hot pools. The region's elevation varies from 4,800 to 6,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Water access remains central to many camping experiences, with riverside campsites particularly available from late spring through early fall when snowmelt feeds area streams.
Soak in natural hot springs: At Downata Hot Springs, visitors can enjoy multiple thermal pools just steps from their accommodations. "Hot springs and water slides fit the bill... Great amenities. Beautiful sunrise and nice staff. It's a no frills with frills kind of place," reported one camper who visited in August 2023.
Fish in mountain streams: The Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access offers direct river access for anglers. "This campground is right next to the river, has a small waterfall and beautiful scenery all around," notes one visitor, though they caution about the "extremely bumpy" access road.
Hike nearby trails: Several campgrounds offer direct trail access. One visitor to Goodenough Creek Campground appreciated that there are "Great hiking and horseback riding trails, quiet, not too crowded" making it suitable for day exploration.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the no-cost sites. "This is a free spot for overnight. Nice views of mountains. There is highway noise. Camper trailers can manueuver without difficulty. TMobile works here," notes one camper about Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping.
Proximity to amenities: Many campgrounds offer convenient access to town facilities. At Lava Hot Springs West KOA, campers enjoy being "walking distance to downtown and the hot springs. Really nice staff," making it easy to access services while maintaining a camping experience.
Water features: Creeks and rivers enhance the camping experience. "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," shares an enthusiastic visitor to Lower Portneuf Campground.
Train noise impacts sleep: Several campgrounds near railway lines experience significant disruption. One Lower Portneuf camper reported, "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."
Seasonal access limitations: Higher elevation sites typically close during winter months. Malad Summit Campground operates from "May to October" according to their information, with one visitor noting "It is free to stay here after September 15th" but cautioning "no more running water either" during late season.
Campground space variations: Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park has limited spacing between sites. "Basically a gravel lot with 15 sites. Location, location, location is about it," explains one camper, while another points out "The sites are very close to each other but the location in town next to the river, restaurants and the hot springs pools is the reason to stay here."
Water recreation options: Families with children particularly enjoy campgrounds with water activities. "Cold winter months and you need to get away? 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. In the summer time the pool is nice and cold and there are water slides," explains one Downata Hot Springs visitor.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. One camper at Lava Hot Springs West KOA mentions they "were on site #1 which is by the playground and dog park" and found that "Everything is clean and well managed and management made sure people kept to the quiet time."
Accommodation variety: Many families appreciate options beyond tent camping. Downata Hot Springs offers unique accommodations as noted by one visitor: "There is RV and tent sites as well as group sites and 3 small cabins, 3 medium cabins and three large cabins/houses. They also have several yurts. This year they also have covered wagons you can stay in(cute idea on a tent cabin)."
Access road conditions: RVers should prepare for rough roads at several campgrounds. An Indian Rocks visitor advises: "Very nice sites. Trash in all the fire pits. Good cell service. Just go very slow. We did fine with the 27-foot trailer."
Hookup availability: Water and electrical connections vary significantly between campgrounds. At Devils Creek RV Park, one camper noted: "Booked full hookups, but got water/elec only (they do have a dump to use before leaving). No bathrooms or showers."
Site sizing considerations: Larger RVs may struggle at certain campgrounds. A Devils Creek RV Park visitor cautioned: "Some of the spaces felt like extremely close quarters especially with slide outs. The picture below shows one of the older full utility locations. Some units may not have much room to slide out without contacting the utility boxes."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cambridge, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cambridge, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near Cambridge, ID and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cambridge, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cambridge, ID is Downata Hot Springs with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cambridge, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Cambridge, ID.
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