Near Inkom, Idaho, camping and glamping options extend from the small town surrounded by mountains into the larger Pocatello region. Located at 4,500 feet elevation in southeast Idaho, the area experiences warm, dry summers and cold winters with significant snowfall. Campgrounds within 30 minutes of Inkom offer river access, hot springs, and mountainside settings that attract campers seeking thermal pools and outdoor recreation.
What to do
Floating the river: The Lava Hot Springs West KOA is positioned perfectly for water recreation. "The pool/water slides across the river, and the shuttle stop for tubing the river across the street and down the road. This campground is the perfect place to enjoy all the water offerings during the summer at Lava Hot Springs," notes Samuel N. He adds a money-saving tip: "If you are going to rent tubes to ride the river rent through the front desk at the KOA. It is 15% off the price of renting at the tube pickup location."
Hot springs soaking: While many visitors know about the commercial hot springs, Downata Hot Springs offers a more relaxed environment with multiple pools. A visitor reports, "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 cabins/houses." The resort maintains consistent water temperatures year-round.
Hiking historical sites: Massacre Rocks State Park Campground provides access to significant Oregon Trail landmarks. "We enjoyed the hike/walk out to the Oregon Trail wagon ruts," shares Ashley M. The park also features a disc golf course, rock climbing areas, and interpretive displays about the historical significance of the area.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Lava Hot Springs West KOA offers premium sites along the Portneuf River. Alan B. explains, "A third of the sites sit right along the Portneuf River." Another camper, Sam F., appreciated the autumn scenery: "We stayed at the end of September. Leaves were beginning to turn and were gorgeous. This campground was always clean. Walking distance to restaurants and local shops. Our riverside campground was wonderful."
Clean facilities: Cleanliness is consistently mentioned in reviews of glamping sites near Inkom. At Mary's Campground, Auriel A. notes, "The camp-host was nice and respectful. He did do his rounds to make sure rules were being followed." The campground maintains clean bathrooms and shower facilities despite high visitor traffic during peak season.
Winter camping options: While many campgrounds close seasonally, some offer year-round access. Anthony B. shares about Downata Hot Springs, "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." The availability of winter accommodations makes this area unique for off-season glamping near Inkom.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Mary's Campground gets mixed reviews about site spacing. Bethany S. warns, "Mary's loses stars for how close the sites are to each other. There is zero privacy; you're on-top if each other." She continues, "If you want to be kept awake at all hours of the night by loud and drunk party people of all ages that have zero respect for noise discipline...then this is the place."
Seasonal operation: Most glamping facilities near Inkom operate seasonally. Massacre Rocks State Park Campground remains open year-round, while Mary's Campground operates from May 15 to September 3. The Lava Hot Springs West KOA runs from May 5 to October 31, closing before winter weather makes access difficult.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly on weekends. Glen B. advises about Downata Hot Springs, "It's small but busy so make reservations, when you check in ask about the steak and soak...so worth it especially if you arrive later and only have a few hours." Many campgrounds require advance booking during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: When traveling with children, campgrounds with recreational facilities make a difference. At Indian Springs Resort and RV, Scott B. shares, "We are camping across America in a tent with our young toddler and 2 dogs. This place was great, clean, well kept, nice flush toilets with soap and working sinks. The pool was fantastic although entry to the pool is not included in your camping fee."
Consider spacing between activities: Campgrounds with walkable distances to attractions save time with children. Bill H. recommends Lava Hot Springs West KOA: "Great pull-through and the back-in spots are beautiful. Kid, pet friendly, walking distance to food and fun. One of the best KOA's we have stayed at."
Check for group camping options: Family reunions or multi-family trips benefit from dedicated group areas. Jennifer H. notes about Downata Hot Springs, "Fun for kids, groups, families. We love finding campgrounds with unique elements. Hot springs and water slides fit the bill." The resort offers various accommodation types to keep families together.
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Malad Summit Guard Station presents challenges for larger rigs. David T. explains, "We wanted to try this out with our 28' bumper pull. Luckily it was not a busy weekend, we had to move sites to one that would accommodate. Hard to maneuver in the campground as well as getting up the narrow road."
Seasonal site conditions: Weather affects site quality differently throughout the year. Glen B. cautions about spring visits to Downata Hot Springs: "We had a wet spring so it was a bit muddy in places, gravel on these roads would go a long way in keeping the mud down and the hole smaller. Next the grass had not been cut down and was very high, walking around in the morning meant wet shoes."
Electrical hookup availability: Several glamping sites near Inkom offer varied electrical options. Downata Hot Springs provides electricity and water at most sites, but Pete C. notes, "No sewer, electricity and water at most sites." For full hookups, RVers often choose Lava Hot Springs West KOA or Indian Springs Resort.
