Camping cabins near Inkom, Idaho range from basic forest service structures to full-service properties with proximity to thermal recreation. The area sits at approximately 4,800 feet elevation in the Portneuf Valley, where summer temperatures typically reach 85°F while winter brings significant snowfall. Seasonal availability varies significantly between properties, with forest service cabins generally accessible May through October, dependent on road conditions.
What to do
Hot springs access: Lava Hot Springs accommodations offer walking-distance thermal pools. "The location is directly across the street from the hot spring pools. Our spot #6 was on the river. We walked across the street to the hot spring pools and a park where in the summer you can tube the river," notes a visitor at Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park.
River tubing: Popular summer activity with shuttle service available. "The river is not a lazy river float but an amazing short rapid filled 15 min rip through the towns river. There is a shuttle to bring you back to the drop in to do it over and over again or a short walk," explains a guest at Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park.
Hiking trails: Several trails accessible from cabin areas. "At the back of the RV park is a trail you can walk along the river and will come to a place where you can enter the river right into a hot spring," reports a camper about Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park.
What campers like
Proximity to amenities: Many cabins allow quick access to town facilities. "The campground is within walking distance to Lava Hot Springs Main Street which has places to eat, hot pools, stores, ice cream place and more," writes a visitor at Lava Hot Springs East KOA.
Water recreation: Swimming pools and water features at certain properties. "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. In the summer time the pool is nice and cold and there are water slides," notes a guest at Downata Hot Springs.
Historical experiences: Some properties offer unique historic accommodations. "An amazing stat in an incredibly historic and rusty piece of Lava Hot Springs. The cabin we stayed in was an old miners cabin and they had 4 other smaller cabins that were further up the hill. There were so many pieces of historic americana strewn about as well as a rope swing," explains a visitor at Bristol Park Historic Cabins.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some properties experience traffic and train noise. "This is NOT a quiet campground. There is a mayor highway yards away from the entire camp - there are no areas safe from the truck air brakes or much worst - the train. We were offered ear plugs but they did not keep the noise out - it was incessant," reports a guest at Lava Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Vary significantly between properties. "The bathroom and the showers are huge and very clean. Small trees at each site now so until they get big, there won't be much shade in the summer," notes a Lava Campground visitor.
Kitchen arrangements: Range from basic to full-service. "We had got a cabin with a loft. They are super cozy, and come with a full kitchen. The loft above had 2 twin beds, the main floor had a full size bed, futon, closet, full kitchen and a bathroom with both shower and tub," explains a guest at Downata Hot Springs.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly accommodations: Several properties offer specialized cabin options. "We stayed with a group of friends who rented out the Ranch House. It had 3-bedrooms with 5 beds, a couch that could sleep 3 grown adults. There was a full kitchen and dinning area, another sitting area to visit. A large flat screen tv with a DVD player. There was a small playroom for the kids downstairs," reports a family at Downata Hot Springs.
Playground access: Several properties include play areas. "Amenities: kids playground area with grass, a small fenced dog park, horseshoes, picnic table at each site (no fire pits at the pull through sites). Inside the store: pool table, table tennis, and a foosball table," notes a visitor at Pocatello KOA.
Off-season considerations: Winter activities available at some properties. "In the winter the pool is heated. A visitor who stayed during colder months remarked, "Our kids love the 'vintage' playground, it has equipment that you don't find on modern playgrounds," reports a family at Pocatello KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on shade and terrain. "We chose this campground because we wanted to visit American Falls, which we did. The area was beautiful, but there was not enough water to create a fall. The campground is very peaceful with very large spaces and well kept. We had a large grass area with a picnic table and fire pit," advises an RV camper at Willow Bay Resort.
Hookup availability: Varies between properties. "Campsites are a little close with no privacy and there are no sewer connections at the individual sites. There are two dump sites on the backside of the store. Pretty much gravel throughout with some grass at the smaller sites," notes a visitor at Pocatello KOA.
Seasonal considerations: Water levels affect some properties. "We stopped here in October and the water level was extremely low. The boats were dry docked and could not access the marina," reports an RVer at Willow Bay Resort.
