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Best Campgrounds near Downey, ID

521 Reviews

Camping options around Downey, Idaho include both established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within a 30-mile radius. Downata Hot Springs serves as a popular destination with cabins, RV sites, tent camping, and unique accommodations like yurts and covered wagons. The region encompasses several developed campgrounds including Malad Summit Campground and Guard Station, while Indian Rocks offers free dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more primitive experience. Many campgrounds in the area feature hot springs access, giving visitors opportunities to enjoy natural thermal waters as part of their camping experience.

Most campgrounds near Downey operate seasonally from late spring through fall, with typical availability from May through October. Winter conditions significantly limit camping options, though some facilities like Downata Hot Springs offer winter cabin rentals. Several campgrounds provide water and electric hookups for RVs, while others maintain basic amenities like vault toilets and fire rings. The terrain varies from riverside locations to mountain settings, with access roads that may require careful navigation. As one visitor mentioned about Malad Summit Campground, "There are bathrooms as well but bring your own TP as this time of year I don't believe anyone comes to check on them. Also, no more running water either."

Campground experiences in this region often highlight hot springs, fishing opportunities, and mountain scenery. Downata Hot Springs receives consistent praise for its cleanliness and family-friendly amenities. A camper noted the facility is "spotless and well-cared for" with hot pools and water slides that make it particularly appealing for families with children. Sites with water access tend to be highly sought after, particularly at Devil's Creek RV Park along the reservoir. Several campgrounds maintain picnic tables and permanent fire rings, though amenities vary significantly between established and dispersed camping areas. Public lands near Malad Summit offer free camping options in more secluded settings, which a reviewer described as having "plenty of shade and plenty of pools to take a dip in the creek."

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Best Camping Sites Near Downey, Idaho (141)

    1. Downata Hot Springs

    10 Reviews
    Downey, ID
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 897-5736

    "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..."

    2. Lava Hot Springs East KOA

    15 Reviews
    Lava Hot Springs, ID
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 776-5295

    "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. Goodenough Creek Campground

    18 Reviews
    McCammon, ID
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 478-6340

    "Nice hiking opportunities and off road vehicles seemed to be popular as well."

    "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."

    4. Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    McCammon, ID
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 478-6340

    "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."

    5. Devils Creek RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Malad City, ID
    10 miles
    +1 (435) 881-9604

    $10 - $35 / night

    "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."

    6. Lava Hot Springs West KOA

    10 Reviews
    Lava Hot Springs, ID
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 776-5295

    "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."

    7. Lower portneuf campground

    14 Reviews
    Lava Hot Springs, ID
    16 miles

    "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."

    8. Malad Summit Campground

    5 Reviews
    Downey, ID
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 236-7500

    $20 - $120 / night

    "Truly where Idaho begins! This area offers steep terrain but plentry of back country area to day hike and escape civilization for a while."

    "Was a little hesitant at first because it seemed so far from the highway but it was so worth it!"

    9. Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access

    12 Reviews
    Lava Hot Springs, ID
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Malad Summit Guard Station

    3 Reviews
    Downey, ID
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 236-7500

    $60 / night

    "It is close to the reservoir of you need to cool off and there is also the creek which runs right next to it! It has picnic tables and a bbq grill and sleeping space inside for a few people"

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Recent Camping Photos near Downey, ID

120 Photos of 141 Downey Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Downey, ID

521 Reviews of 141 Downey Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

    Gorgeous peaceful mountain stop!

    Incredible Mountain View’s. Several pull outs on gravel road. Not a problem with 24’ Class C. There are other trials for ATVs but plenty of nice spots for RVs or tents!

  • S
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Goodenough Creek Campground

    Quiet creek side free camping

    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. Just lovely and it’s Free!

  • Jimena S.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Cowboy RV Park

    Cowboy Rv Park

    Park for Rvs, bathrooms and laundry rooms really clean. Just in the town with everything at walking distance

  • D
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Soda Creek Campground

    Promising new place to camping in the town of Soda Springs Idaho

    Chuck and Misty have just opened for campers in June 2025. With good water, electricity and level RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables plus numerous shaded spots for dry RV and tent camping this campground shows lots of potential. They have been working hard to a large septic system up and running which will be the icing on the cake!

  • Catherine F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Earp & James Hitching Post

    Great for a stop over

    Last night of a 2 week 4,700 mile trip and we needed a place for the night. Very nice woman got us in and the place was very clean and well maintained. The price was $40 for full hookup. So glad we found it and could relax a bit. Our dog liked the walking area and the black cat that wandered around. Not a destination spot but a great overnighter.

  • Dana V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Nice & Easy Access

    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 so that we aren't right next to our neighbors. You can hear highway noise but it wasn't too bad, and the view is a pretty rolling hills.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    Dispersed camping on the snake river !

    Beautiful spot 4 x 4 recommended for most spots. There were man-made fire rings. Totally pack and pack out no toilet in the area. The spot was beautiful. We camped along the river and found amazing sites after we were leaving that we’re very high up if you like to disperse camp and you want to be along a river, highly recommend

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Lava Campground

    Good spot

    This campground is right off the highway so there is some noise but not bad. Well run campground with clean bathrooms and showers. Fun playground for kids and lots of room to run around. Right down the road of town and the hot springs.

  • Matt P.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Heart Mountain Spring

    Dirt pull out

    Not sure where precious reviewer went but the GPS coordinates are for a dirt pull out beside a narrow spring. A mile further uphill on dirt road is a small camping area. Free for 21 days. No facilities but a few fire pits. It was full with trailers that have been there a while by the look of it. No spring. I drove another few miles up the mountain and found the entrance to the massive ranch that owns most of the surrounding land. Beyond that was yet more dirt road with no sign of a antelope park or spring. I gave up and was thankful I didn't arrive late in the day.

Guide to Downey

Camping near Downey, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are options that cater to all types of campers.

What to do:

  • Explore hot springs: The nearby Lava Hot Springs East KOA is just a short drive away and provides easy access to the famous hot springs. One visitor mentioned, "The Lava pools are amazing and the town is very charming and walkable options."
  • Hiking: Check out the trails around Goodenough Creek Campground. A reviewer noted, "There are some great trails that can be hiked directly from the campground too."
  • Fishing: The Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. One camper shared, "Short walk to fishing in the river."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at places like Lava Hot Springs West KOA. A visitor said, "This campground was always clean."
  • Friendly staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the staff. At Pocatello KOA, one camper remarked, "I love this KOA campground. It’s very clean and the people that run it are very nice."
  • Scenic views: Campers enjoy the beautiful surroundings, especially at Scout Mountain Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful campground set high up in the Caribou National Forest."

What you should know:

  • Train noise: Some campgrounds, like Lower Portneuf Campground, are near train tracks. One camper noted, "The trains; however, were a drag at night."
  • Extra fees: Be prepared for additional charges at places like Lava Hot Springs East KOA. A visitor pointed out, "They add on extra fees for people, pets, and vehicles."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Goodenough Creek Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "It would be tight for a large RV, but for a small camper or tent, it is perfect."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with fun amenities. The Downata Hot Springs has water slides and hot springs, making it a hit with families. One parent said, "Great groups there during our stay, easy to get around."
  • Plan for noise: If you're camping near train tracks, like at Lower Portneuf Campground, bring white noise machines or fans to help drown out the sound. A camper noted, "The train runs by and must blast the safety horn."
  • Pack snacks: Some campgrounds, like Devils Creek RV Park, have limited markets. A visitor mentioned, "No bathrooms or showers," so having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. At Lava Hot Springs East KOA, a reviewer said, "You need to be an expert backer, or very lucky, to clear the trees at the entrance of this site."
  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Pocatello KOA offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One camper shared, "Easy night check in, full hookups and WiFi."
  • Be cautious of road conditions: Some roads leading to campgrounds, like Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping, can be rough. A visitor noted, "The road into dispersed camping is full of potholes so go slow with a Class A RV."

Camping near Downey, Idaho, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone involved!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV rentals available in Downey, Idaho?

While Downey itself is a small town with limited RV rental options, the surrounding area provides several possibilities. Lava Hot Springs East KOA offers deluxe RV sites with hookups and is a convenient location for accessing the area. Nearby Devils Creek RV Park near Malad City is another option for RV accommodations. For rental inquiries, check with these RV parks directly or look in nearby larger towns like Pocatello, which likely have RV rental businesses that serve the Downey region.

Where are the best camping spots in Downey, Idaho?

Downey offers several excellent camping options nearby. Downata Hot Springs is a local favorite featuring hot springs, cabins, wagons, teepees, and RV sites, along with an eatery. Make reservations in advance as this resort gets busy. For those seeking more traditional camping, Scout Mountain Campground provides quiet, non-reservation sites with vault bathrooms and water spigots. Other great options within driving distance include Mink Creek Group Site Campground, Massacre Rocks State Park, and Goodenough Creek Campground, all offering varied amenities and natural settings.

What camping is available near Downey, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, Downey, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 141 campgrounds and RV parks near Downey, ID and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Downey, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Downey, ID is Downata Hot Springs with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Downey, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Downey, ID.

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