Glamping near Firth, Idaho offers access to the Snake River Plain at approximately 4,700 feet elevation. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 80s with cool nights dropping to the 40s, making it practical to pack layers for comfortable overnight stays. Eastern Idaho's camping season typically runs from mid-April through mid-October, with some sites available year-round.
What to do
Fishing at Snake River sites: The Snake River RV Park & Campground offers fishing opportunities with convenient river access. "We did get to watch a great thunder storm roll over us that night," notes Tyler S. about his outdoor experience at Snake River RV Park.
Hot springs relaxation: Lava Hot Springs West KOA, about 45 minutes from Firth, provides thermal pools for soaking. A visitor mentioned, "The town is super cute and very clean. You can also rent tubes to float down the creek that runs parallel to the town. Big beautiful park with lots of outdoor barbecue pits."
River tubing: The Portneuf River offers seasonal tubing adventures. "They have canoeing, rubber tubes, evokes, vespas and four wheelers available," writes Louis L. about activities available through Lava Hot Springs West KOA.
Hiking at Wolverine Canyon: Explore trails with rock formations and creek views. Mary M. notes, "About thirty minutes outside of Blackfoot before you hit gravel road. We only drove a short distance on gravel before we parked in a wide spot that had a fire pit. We could hear the babbling creek all night. So soothing. So quiet."
What campers like
River views and sounds: Peaceful creekside camping spots at Wolverine Canyon provide natural sound barriers. "It was small, but quiet. Poor cell service," reports Mary M., highlighting the remote feel despite proximity to towns.
Spacious sites: Wakeside Lake RV Park offers room to spread out. "The sites here are very spacious and mostly level. They are gravel. The trees in most sites are very mature and great for shade," explains Brenda L., noting the practical benefits of the campground layout.
Easy town access: South Tourist Park Campground provides convenient access to Idaho Falls. "There is a bike path right from the campground that follows the river and leads to downtown Riverwalk area," shares Lisa, detailing the practical connection between camping and urban amenities.
Clean facilities: Heise Hot Springs maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "It's a small but extremely clean campground with everything you need. There are plenty of things to walk to, including a fun play area for children," writes Brian C.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: At Lower Portneuf Campground, trains pass regularly. "However one fatal flaw is that there is a railroad crossing about 100ft from the sites, and 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," explains Isaac.
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds close during winter months. At Kelly Island Campground, a visitor noted, "When we arrived, the gate was pad-locked. Sign indicated open hours; but not that it would be closed for the season."
Limited cell coverage: Wolverine Canyon has spotty connectivity. Julie reports, "We didn't have a problem finding a spot for the night. Lots of spots have some wear and tear from target shooting, previous camping, ruts in mud, etc, but more than suitable for a boondocking setup."
Bathroom facilities vary: Snake River RV Park offers full facilities while dispersed sites have limited options. "Bathroom was clean," notes Sean E., while adding that "the area seemed industrial. Staff was nice."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Snake River RV Park & Campground offers dedicated play areas. "The park for the kids was perfect and the pool was open too! Beautiful grounds and close to everything in town," reports Katie H.
Lake activities: Wakeside Lake RV Park provides water recreation options. One camper noted, "My kids loved playing in the lake," while another mentioned the site "is on Wakeside Lake in Rexburg. The lake is good for boating, or if you have a paddle board that would be fun."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. Rachel C. observed at Snake River RV Park, "They certainly have all the amenities including showers, a pool, hot tub and playground. It was nice having these amenities after several days without. However the sites did not have much space between them."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: In rural sites, livestock and wildlife sightings are common. "Beautiful area and scenery," Adam B. says about Wolverine Canyon's natural setting.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: South Tourist Park Campground offers basic amenities without full hookups. "Only amenities are bathrooms (pretty clean) and water filling stations. The price for one night was $40 though!" reports Carrick M.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require minimal leveling. At Snake River RV Park, "It was beautiful sites long and level! Easy in and out," according to Kathy F.
Dump station access: Campgrounds with sanitary dumps save travel time. "They have a potable water and a dump station. You need to park and go to the box near the host station to fill out the card and pay," explains Jamie C. about South Tourist Park.
Weather preparedness: Summer storms can move through quickly. According to Robert R., "It rained the first night I was there, and the roads (and my site) were a muddy mess," describing conditions at Snake River RV Park.
