Camping near Malad City, Idaho occurs primarily at elevations between 4,500-7,000 feet, creating a climate with warm summer days and cool nights. The camping season typically runs May through September, with overnight temperatures dropping below 50°F even in summer months. Several campgrounds in the area provide access to small streams and creeks ideal for fishing native trout species.
What to do
Fishing at Devils Creek Reservoir: Access the water at Devils Creek RV Park where camping spots are steps from prime fishing locations. According to one camper, "My wife and I wanted to get off the road after traveling all day. This place is very convenient. Located right off I-15, it sits right upon the Devil Creek Reservoir."
Hiking from high elevation sites: The terrain around Malad Summit Campground offers multiple trail options. One visitor noted, "There is a lovely little babbling brook that runs through the whole canyon. There is a lot of great trails for hiking. There is cute waterfall."
Thermal pools and water slides: Families can enjoy swimming at Downata Hot Springs which combines camping with water recreation. As one visitor shared, "Hot springs and water slides fit the bill. Tight spots, no sewer were the only downsides. Great groups there during our stay, easy to get around."
Creek exploration: Several campsites in the area feature small streams with pools suitable for wading. The campground at Third Creek offers "Restrooms and several tables at each site, small creek with beautiful valley walls. Check out the balancing rock and climb up for more great views."
What campers like
Night sky visibility: Fall camping at Malad Summit provides exceptional stargazing conditions after September 15 when fees are waived. One camper mentioned, "Had the whole campground to ourselves. It is free to stay here after September 15th. We camped the 1st of October. Just a quick pit stop."
Clean facilities: Visitors to Aspen Grove RV Park consistently praise the maintenance standards. A reviewer commented, "Clean and modern. That is the problem. This is a $75 parking lot. Pavement, cement and no shade. No fire pits. I prefer shade (94°) and more of a camping feel."
Accessibility from Interstate: Devils Creek RV Park provides convenience for travelers needing overnight stops. According to one reviewer, "This campground was convenient to come in late and leave early. We called ahead and they were very accommodating."
Year-round options: Some facilities offer winter camping opportunities in cabins. One Downata Hot Springs visitor mentioned, "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."
What you should know
Site spacing issues: At Devils Creek RV Park, proximity between camping spots can be uncomfortable. One camper noted, "Warning - 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."
Weather preparation: Temperature variations require packing for multiple conditions. "There is a lovely little babbling brook that runs through the whole canyon. The mosquitos can be intense," warns one Malad Summit visitor.
Limited shade availability: Some campgrounds lack natural coverage. Aspen Grove RV Park "is a $75 parking lot. Pavement, cement and no shade. No fire pits," according to one review.
Seasonal limitations: Many facilities have restricted operating periods. The Oneida County Fairgrounds offers electrical hookups during non-event periods but recommends contacting managers first: "This is a nice quiet place. Near city limits where there is places to buy groceries, gas, or go out to a restaurant. They have about 20 spots with electrical outlets. It would be good to call and ask if you can stay, where it is a fairgrounds."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for comfort: Families seeking more substantial accommodations can use Third Creek Group Campground which includes a small building with amenities. One camper noted, "This site is huge! At least 50 people could use this site, which would make it great for reunions. There's also a little cabin with a wood burning stove inside."
Campground selection based on noise level: Some locations experience significant ATV traffic or highway noise. A Malad Summit visitor warned, "I love to come spend time up here. but we never camp here over night. It is extremely over used by atvs and side by sides."
Bring entertainment: Limited organized activities means families should pack games and equipment. For fishing enthusiasts, one camper mentioned about Malad Summit, "They stock the river the weekend before memorial day with trout. It's where my kids all learned to fish."
Water access considerations: Reservoir conditions change seasonally affecting activities. At Devils Creek, one visitor observed, "Loved the water, even though it was low. The sticky mud on beach made everything a bit more difficult."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers should research site dimensions before arrival. At Devils Creek, "Lot size seems inconsistent between spaces as some feel very cramped and some of the high number units without utilities had larger spaces between them, almost appearing as an extra space between two units."
Utility planning: Hook-up availability varies significantly. One Devils Creek visitor advised, "Make sure to plan ahead for power adapters. Only one 30amp service so if your planning to run AC, plan to be the first in or coordinate with your neighbor."
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. For Cherry Creek Campground, a visitor reported, "Drove up a rough dirt road to get there. There was a couple of sites with tables. Located in a cow pasture."
Reservation recommendations: Many sites fill quickly during peak season. An Aspen Grove visitor noted, "We were running out of options for places to stay as most things were completely full. This was a wonderful surprise when we found it. Their after hours check in process was organized and amazing."
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