The Inkom area sits at approximately 4,600 feet elevation in southeast Idaho, with camping options scattered along the Portneuf River Valley. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-90°F with cooler nights even in July and August. Most rv campgrounds near Inkom, Idaho offer year-round access, though winter conditions require preparation with potential snow between November and April.
What to do
River activities: The Portneuf River provides popular summer recreation at Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park, where "it's fun to sit and watch the river go by. Along with the people coming down the river on inflatable rafts." Tubing trips are short but exciting, with "a shuttle to bring you back to the drop in to do it over and over again or a short walk."
Hot springs access: Multiple campgrounds provide convenient hot springs access. "The location is directly across the street from the hot spring pools," according to a camper at Lava Spa RV Park. Morning visits are recommended as "the hot pools are super relaxing and I would recommend going first thing in the morning before it gets crowded."
Hiking and biking trails: Several motorhome parks connect to local trail systems. Cowboy RV Park offers "nearby hiking and biking trails" with one reviewer noting "great hikes/walks/bike path right next door."
What campers like
Creek and riverside locations: Many campers appreciate water features at RV grounds near Inkom. At Batiste Springs RV Park, visitors enjoy "a pretty creek to walk the dog along" and access to natural swimming areas. "You are just above Batise Spring. You can walk down the path and go to the bridge. You are standing over Batise Spring!"
Water temperature options: The combination of cold springs and hot springs provides temperature variety. At Batiste Springs, one camper noted the spring was "52° and I believe it!" while also mentioning that "the river on the other [was] warmer than the spring."
Easy town access: Lava Hot Springs East KOA receives praise for its proximity to amenities, with reviewers noting it's "within walking distance to Lava Hot Springs Main Street which has places to eat, hot pools, stores, ice cream place and more." Another camper appreciated being "about a 5-10 minute walk from the main town including the hot pools."
What you should know
Train and highway noise: Several campgrounds experience significant noise issues. At Lava Hot Springs KOA, "be prepared to hear trains roll through right beside you all night long. Not to mention the constant freeway noise of semis driving by at all hours." Some RV parks provide earplugs for overnight guests.
Water level fluctuations: Water features can change seasonally at Devils Creek RV Park, where "the water was low" and "the sticky mud on beach made everything a bit more difficult." Reservoir levels typically drop throughout summer.
Camp host interactions: Experience quality can depend on staff. One Devils Creek visitor reported "the camp host was very friendly and accommodating," while another had their "wonderful camp trip ruined by obnoxious camp host!" who was "completely rude!"
Limited cell service: While the existing description mentions reliable service, many campers report connectivity challenges. One campground was noted as having "no cell coverage, no Wi-Fi, which is fine if you're in the beauty of God's creation, but this is not that place."
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Not all RV parks provide play equipment. At Buffalo Meadows, one family noted "no playground, no extras." Compare this with KOA, which has "a large playground for young kids."
Swimming safety: Natural water features require supervision. At Batiste Springs, families enjoy "tubing" but should know the water temperature varies dramatically between the spring and river. One family mentioned seeing "a real cute family coming back from tubing."
Campground layout considerations: Idaho Falls Luxury RV Park offers well-maintained grounds but "kids had no play area, but we hope they will add this." Many RV parks near Inkom prioritize adult amenities over children's facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campgrounds around Inkom vary in spaciousness. At Cowboy RV Park, "pull thru sites are not exactly but sometimes pull thrus." Devils Creek has inconsistent spacing where "some feel very cramped and some of the high number units without utilities had larger spaces between them."
Level sites: Idaho Falls Luxury RV Park provides "concrete pads were level, long, and wide, and the sites were very roomy." This contrasts with other parks where leveling can be challenging, especially for larger rigs.
Utility access placement: At Devils Creek, "some units may not have much room to slide out without contacting the utility boxes." Advanced planning helps as "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."
