8 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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
"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!"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $120 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $40 - $50 / night
LegendI want to rate this sooo much higher. It is absolutely a beautiful area. But people leaving their trash behind ruins it. Lots of spots alone this road. Had no issues with anyone bothering us. 1 truck stopped just to let us know it was hunting season and people will be driving by at all hours of the night so bot to be worried.
LegendI have really enjoyed my one night stop here. Go to the lower campground so that you stay away from the noise of the road. But if you're a trail person and a view person, this is by far the nicest state park so far. Unfortunately I camped in the upper campground. The water was on, but the bathrooms were closed. The lower bathrooms were still open. But they're old and not well maintained.
TravelerNice hosts, clean facilities. A little pricey for being this basic. Train goes by the whole town at all hours of the night, sounds amazing if your into trains :)
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!
GuideThis had amazing views, including a cool cave. However, the road is very bumpy and the spots are smaller. It would not be good for a larger RV. The spots fill up very quickly.
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
Camping near Downey, Idaho spans across diverse terrain at elevations ranging from 5,000-7,000 feet, with seasonal temperature variations of 30-85°F during typical camping season. The area sits between the Portneuf and Malad River valleys, creating a landscape of small canyons, rolling hills, and riparian zones. Most campgrounds operate May through October with limited winter availability at select locations.
Hot springs exploration: Lava Hot Springs West KOA provides walking access to multiple thermal pools ranging from 102-112°F. "The Lava pools are amazing and the town is very charming and walkable options. They have canoeing, rubber tubes, evokes, vespas and four wheelers available," notes visitor Louis L. about Lava Hot Springs West KOA.
River recreation: The Portneuf River offers various water activities with multiple access points. At Lower Portneuf Campground, campers can enjoy riverside activities with natural features. As visitor Rod D. mentioned, "I didn't realize what a great spot it was until the next morning when exploring the river area. WOW! Awesome! This is a real hidden gem!"
Fishing opportunities: Devils Creek Reservoir provides accessible fishing from shore or boat. "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," says Mike C. about his experience at Devils Creek RV Park.
Natural water features: Many campgrounds in the area feature small waterfalls and streams. At Goodenough Creek Campground, "There's a really cool spring and waterfall just a short hike up the road," according to David T. The campground sits alongside a creek in a tree-covered area with free camping.
Affordability options: Several free or low-cost camping areas exist within 30 miles of Downey. At Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping, Aaron G. notes, "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."
Winter cabin rentals: Cold weather camping options exist despite seasonal limitations. At Downata Hot Springs, Anthony B. shares, "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."
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds are located near active rail lines. At Lower Portneuf Campground, Brett T. warns, "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."
Road conditions: Access roads to some sites require careful driving. At Malad Summit Campground, dispersed campers should note: "If you go up the hill past the turnoff for the campground there are five different dispersed camping spots that are Free!" according to Valorie H., who adds "There is a lovely little babbling brook that runs through the whole canyon."
Seasonal amenities: Water and facilities availability varies by season. Dallas H. notes about Malad Summit Campground in October: "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."
Water recreation: The best places to camp near Downey for families often feature water activities. Downata Hot Springs receives praise specifically for family amenities: "In the summer time the pool is nice and cold and there are water slides. There is RV and tent sites as well as group sites and 3 small cabins, 3 medium cabins and three large houses," explains Anthony B.
Accommodations variety: Downata Hot Springs offers multiple lodging types for families of different sizes. "We love finding campgrounds with unique elements. Hot springs and water slides fit the bill... Great groups there during our stay, easy to get around. Nice amenities," reports Jennifer H.
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Jon M. notes about Lava Hot Springs West KOA: "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."
Site selection: At Lava Hot Springs East KOA, campsites vary significantly in noise exposure. Kristen B. advises, "While the staff seemed great and the restrooms and shower facilities were awesome, if you camp in the upper section, be prepared to hear trains roll through right beside you all night long."
Space considerations: Devils Creek RV Park has tight spacing between units. "Some of the spaces felt like extremely close quarters especially with slide outs... Some units may not have much room to slide out without contacting the utility boxes," warns P.H., who recommends calling ahead for reservations to secure appropriate sites.
Off-season availability: For RVers traveling outside peak season, Pete C. advises about Downata Hot Springs: "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. No sewer, electricity and water at most sites."
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 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Downey, ID and 17 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 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Downey, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Downey, ID.
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