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Camping options around Lava Hot Springs, Idaho range from full-service RV parks to free dispersed sites on public lands. The area features several KOA campgrounds including Lava Hot Springs East and West KOAs, which provide amenities like full hookups, cabins, and proximity to the town's hot springs. Free camping can be found at the Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access and Lower Portneuf Campground, while BLM land at Indian Rocks offers dispersed camping opportunities. Goodenough Creek Campground, located about 20 miles west of town, provides a more primitive camping experience with basic facilities.
Campers should be aware of the active railroad that runs through the area, particularly affecting sites at Lower Portneuf Campground. As one visitor noted, "The tracks are directly adjacent to the camping spots and the train came through blowing its horn multiple times during the night." Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally, with the primary camping season running May through October, though some KOA facilities remain open year-round. Summer weekends often see full campgrounds, especially those within walking distance of the hot springs. Road conditions to dispersed sites can be challenging, with several reviewers mentioning bumpy access roads requiring careful navigation.
The Portneuf River features prominently in the camping experience, with many sites offering river access for fishing, swimming, and tubing. "It is so fun to watch the rafters float down the river and to sleep by the sounds of the water," reported one camper at the Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park. Sites near town provide convenient access to the hot springs, restaurants, and other amenities, while those farther out offer more seclusion and stargazing opportunities. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with highway and train noise affecting sites closer to town, while more distant campgrounds provide quieter surroundings. Many campgrounds are pet-friendly, though pets are not allowed at the hot springs facilities themselves.
"Great free spot for visiting nearby Lava Hot Springs. Be sure to approach from the south (McCammon freeway exit) - The road is nicely maintained up to the campground but horrible continuing north."
"GPS correct, no signage and just off highway West. Small 60x40 yard gravel/dirt lot a quarter mile up improved road with some potholes."
"We parked our 34 ft motor home right next to a river waterfall and did some fishing. A fire pit was already established. Excellent spot right outside of town with good cell service."
"Close to Highway and very close to railroad tracks. About 7 trains at night when I stayed. Very pretty water rushing made for great sleep sounds when train wasn’t passing."
"We had scouted T1 campsite at the KOA Holiday in Lava Hot Springs. This campground runs along the creek and is directly across from Mary’s Campground."
"We had a patio site near the office, overlooking a weedy bit near the stream. While you couldn’t see the water from the patio, you could hear it and could enjoy gazing at the cliffs above it."
"But it’s the perfect spot if you want to be around all the fun action of Lava Hot Springs. You’re walking distance to the river, restaurants, the pool and all the fun stuff in Lava."
"Camped right next to the river at no cost. We were able to get a large cleared out spot, not very many neighbors, 1 vaulted toilet on sight."
"When you have a big group and you like to stay up late and have a good time and be loud while at lava hot springs, this is the place for you!"
"We almost didn't stay here because of the low reviews due to the train noise but we were in Lava Hot Springs and this was such a short drive up the road."
"Stopped here after visiting lava hot springs, a great well kept campsite with designated bays and benches. Pit toilets were clean and was a great BLM campground"
"We haven’t walked downtown yet but it looks like there are a lot of good restaurants and two bookstores! Spacing is tight. Bathrooms clean. Showers paid, $2 for 4 minutes. We have a FHU site."
"We liked how close it was to the town of Lava Hot Springs. We also liked the playground for our kids and using the showers."
"Walking distance to town where there are plenty of food choices and a nice local market for supplies. There is a walking trail that will take you to town."
"Located very conveniently to the river and most of the activities in lava Hot Springs. We were only going to stay for two nights, but now we have stayed a full week."
"The sites are very close to each other but the location in town next to the river, resturaunts and the hot springs pools is the reason to stay here."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"There’s a paved trail around all of the camp sites for bikes and skateboards and the owners are incredibly friendly. Clean bathrooms /showers as well."
from $40 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Put our tent right next to the river on grass. Picnic table, fire ring. Horses and sheep in the background. Very picturesque ! 2 bathrooms were available and each had a shower."
"Short drive to the Hot Springs. $48 for a tent spot. Full hookups. Tables and fire ring. On the river."
ScoutThis is the best little campground ever with all amenities, Reasonable prices and very wonderful staff. It’s very clean and quiet. We enjoyed our stay here very much. They also have a wonderful gift shop with food options like a grill and ice cream and drinks. I don’t wanna forget to mention the very large swimming pool that’s there also but you have to pay for that separately. It’s not included with your stay.
ScoutWe were able to spend the night here and it was fine but we were definitely not welcome per the signage around. (slept in car)
RangerI wish e could stay another night but we have to move on. This place is beautiful, peaceful,clean has great views of the lake, and has water and electricity!! Ot doesn’t get any better!
ScoutLoved this spot. Only recommendation would be to make each spot to the parking a little more clear.
GuideThe first night of our two night reserved and prepaid campsite was in a different site for an rv. The camp host was drunk and gave our site away to another family that didn’t have a reservation. Since they were all set up, we were tossed into the only other available site left. That site was a no show so I guess we got “lucky.” I paid $8 extra just to reserve. Otherwise it’s $20 a night for a tent site. The host yelled at his son in front of us, too. He wasn’t a young child and was actually super nice and tried to help. It was so uncomfortable. The campground itself was not bad. A weird layout for a few sites. I would stay again if there was a new host. We were right next to the water. The second night we were able to move into our actual reservation. Then it rained and hailed. Funny how that seems to happen on the weekends. We survived. It definitely was an experience with the weather that time. lol there’s trails and a lot of trees surrounding. Really nice location.
GuideThe wind and rain was ridiculous. Can’t say it was the worst thing ever. It definitely was an experience. Utah took over the other sites nearby so we ended up here. The tent pad had grass clumps that were terrible. The second night, we moved under the shelter in the gravel. It was so much better. Trails nearby, water spigot, vault toilets. Camp hosts were so amazingly nice. Close enough to Lava to go into town during the day. Road to the campground is long and gravel. Train crossing at the turn from the main road. Lots of noise during the loud hours from atvs. People having fun. $20 per tent site. Picnic table under shelter with concrete and metal fire pit.
GuideThe campground is nice and for the most part, quiet. People don't follow the 10 mph speed limit and yesterday someone running their dog down the road next to their vehicle hit their own dog!!! The bathrooms are clean. Like the cleanest vault bathrooms I have seen anywhere!The horseshoe pit with horseshoes is a nice touch. Although we have been cleaning up after our dogs 💩 most don't. Doesn't seem to be enforced. The moose visit the area regularly and they can be easy to find once someone points out where they are. One evening they came to us! Standing in the sandbox near the main information board and bathroom area. Would stay again for sure. The tables are covered with ramadas but the birds have taken over them all. I would bring my own table.
GuideFirst, make sure to go to soda springs and see the geyser and other things. The campground has bird nests all around the tables so they more or less become unusable. The tables and fire pits sit to the back of the spots Potable water is near by (at the end of our site) but does need to be hauled or filled prior to pulling in. The lake is huge and people are fishing and waterskiing Game and Fish has been on the lake daily! We have seen moose in the evenings at the north end of the campground. The vault toilets are the cleanest I've ever seen and have hand sanitizer in them. There is also a horseshoe pit with horseshoes to play with.
ScoutThis spot was a perfect distance from the interstate so we weren’t visible to passerby’s but it was only a 5 minute drive back to I-86. We could hear the traffic on the interstate but it wasn’t too bothersome. Overall a nice place to land as you’re passing through. There are spots lower right against the river but you need a high clearance vehicle to reach those, our SUV wouldn’t have made it.
Camping opportunities around Lava Hot Springs, Idaho spread across a high mountain valley at 5,000 feet elevation. The camping season typically extends from late April through mid-October, with summer nights cooling significantly due to the elevation. Winter camping remains available at select locations but requires cold-weather preparation with overnight temperatures regularly dropping below freezing.
River recreation access: The Portneuf River at Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access offers multiple water activities. "Beautiful view, less than five minutes to Lava and much better than paying the crazy prices in the camp grounds," notes one camper. The nearby waterfall creates a natural swimming area popular during hot summer days.
Hot springs visits: Campers staying at Lava Hot Springs West KOA value the walkable hot springs access. "Walking distance to the hot spring pools and a park where in the summer you can tube the river," reports a visitor. The mineral pools maintain temperatures between 102-112°F year-round and require a separate admission fee ranging from $7-15 depending on season.
Hiking trails: Several trails originate near Goodenough Creek Campground, offering moderate terrain suitable for day hikes. "Great hiking and horseback riding trails, quiet, not too crowded," notes one visitor. The trails follow creek beds and provide access to higher elevations with minimal technical difficulty.
Quick town access: The central location of Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park appeals to many visitors. "The location is directly across the street from the hot spring pools. 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," explains one camper. Most attractions remain within a 10-minute walk.
Riverfront sites: Many campers appreciate direct river access, especially at sites along the Portneuf. "Beautiful & quiet. The train was really long but sleep with a fan on and you'll hardly hear it," notes one camper at Lower Portneuf Campground. The river's natural white noise helps mask occasional traffic and train sounds.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate no-cost alternatives. "Level and fantastic site for an overnight stay," reports a visitor at Lower Portneuf Campground. While free sites lack hookups, they provide basic camping necessities including established fire rings and level parking areas.
Train noise considerations: Multiple campgrounds near Lava Hot Springs experience regular train traffic. "The road is extremely bumpy so if your have a low car or trailer be careful. The cons, no shower, hook ups, store and the train that runs by Lava Hot Springs can be heard," warns a camper at Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access. Train schedules vary but typically include multiple nighttime crossings.
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping areas often require careful navigation. "The road up is a bit steep but doable. We drove a 38ft schoolie up here no problem. Only one pull through in the first loop most sites are a bit smaller. Beautifully tree covered area," reports a visitor at Goodenough Creek Campground.
Limited shower facilities: Many of the dispersed and BLM camping areas lack shower facilities. Visitors planning extended stays might need alternative arrangements. Several campgrounds offer pay showers for non-guests, typically charging $2-5 per use.
Playground access: Lava Campground provides dedicated play areas for children. "Fun playground for kids and lots of room to run around. Right down the road of town and the hot springs," notes a visitor. The playground equipment accommodates various age groups and remains within sight of most campsites.
River safety: Families should note the Portneuf River varies in flow and current strength throughout the season. Life jackets remain essential for children, as parts of the river feature faster currents than appear from shore. Designated swimming areas provide safer alternatives to open river access.
Shade availability: Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F, making shade crucial for family comfort. "The tent area is quite pretty and I really liked that the ground is large grain sand so it made setting up camp very easy. There are mature trees around so there is part or full shade for most of the area," explains a visitor at Lava Hot Springs East KOA.
Hookup availability: Established campgrounds offer varying levels of RV services. "Great pull-through and the back-in spots are beautiful. Kid, pet friendly, walking distance to food and fun," notes a visitor at Lava Hot Springs West KOA. Most developed campgrounds provide 30-amp service, though 50-amp connections remain limited throughout the area.
RV length restrictions: Several campgrounds limit RV size due to tight turns and space constraints. At Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping, larger rigs require careful navigation. "Road is a little rough, but other than that it was great," reports one RVer. Most dispersed sites accommodate RVs under 35 feet, while larger rigs should target established campgrounds with pull-through sites.
Dump station locations: Limited dump stations exist within the immediate Lava Hot Springs area. "The KOA will let you fill your water tank for free but they charge $10 for a dump," notes a visitor. Planning ahead for waste management remains essential, especially for extended stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of campsites are available at Lava Hot Springs?
Lava Hot Springs offers diverse camping options to suit different preferences. Lava Hot Springs East KOA features creekside tent sites that can accommodate multiple tents, perfect for families. Portneuf Bend Campground provides both tent sites and full hookup RV sites with a small store in the office and proximity to the Portneuf River for fishing enthusiasts. The area also includes free primitive camping options like Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access with basic facilities, and more developed campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to recreational activities. Some campgrounds offer shaded sites, though availability varies by location.
What campgrounds are available near Lava Hot Springs, Idaho?
Several campgrounds surround Lava Hot Springs to accommodate visitors. Summit View Campground offers mountain getaway camping with good access to Lava Hot Springs and Bear Lake, featuring trails for hiking and ATVs. Goodenough Creek Campground provides well-maintained sites with designated bays and benches. Other options include Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access (free camping near the river), Mary's Campground (with reservable sites and water access), and Massacre Rocks State Park Campground (about an hour away). For those seeking more amenities, both Lava Hot Springs East and West KOAs offer established campgrounds with easy access to town attractions.
Are there RV camping facilities at Lava Hot Springs?
Yes, Lava Hot Springs offers several excellent RV camping options. Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park provides RV sites with convenient access to the river and town activities, offering scenic views of rafters floating down the water. Lava Hot Springs West KOA is strategically located within walking distance to the hot springs, pool, river activities, and restaurants, making it ideal for RVers wanting easy access to attractions. Additional RV-friendly options include Lower Portneuf Campground (though be aware of nearby train noise), Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access for more basic RV camping, and Mary's Campground which accommodates big rigs. Most RV parks in the area offer hookups and convenient proximity to town amenities.
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