Lava Hot Springs, ID is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Lava Hot Springs campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Lava Hot Springs East KOA is now a year round mini vacation destination. We offer a variety of newly renovated RV patio sites, and deluxe cabins with gorgeous views of the river and countryside. Enjoy clean shower facilities located at the office, and at the east bath house/laundromat. The pavilion is a wonderful place for families to gather and eat. Pavilion amenities: gas stovetop/oven, gas bbq, sink and seating for approximately 50 people. The pavilion does not have a refrigerator. The office staff will be happy to instruct guests for extra parking while renting the pavilion. All of our RV and tent sites have fire pits, picnic tables, or tables and chairs. If planning to fish on your vacation, be sure to reserve an RV site on the river. Map reference #2-16. Fishing licenses are sold at the local Sunnyside Sinclair gas station on Hwy 30. Downtown Lava Hot Springs is only a short walk away where guests will find the World Famous Natural Hot Springs, Olympic Swimming Complex and year round Indoor Aquatic Center with Kiddie Cove. See rates and hours on www.lavahotsprings.com Floating the natural Portneuf River is a very popular adventure. Ask about tube rental discounts during your stay. The RV and tent camping season is from April 1-October 31, weather pending. Please call 208-776-5295 or book online for lodging accommodations from November 1-March 30.
Campground rules and regulations are posted at the site. There are motorized and non-motorized trails leading to the Caribou Targhee National Forest trail system. Campsites: 10 developed sites: 5 are restricted to tent camping and 5 of which are designed for RVs/trailers and tents. At this time, and there is not a reservation system in place for the campsites. Campsites are on a first come first serve basis. This site is equipped with vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. There are no dumpsters on site, visitors must pack in and out their trash. There are no fees associated with this site.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska).
Downata has many lodging choices for your vacation! We have six cabin three vacation rentals and four yurts to rent. Our campground has forty one water power hook ups, sixteen power only hookups, seven group areas, 10 basic sites with fire pit and table and several tenting areas, six teepees and a Cowboy Hangout. Our picnic areas consist of seven day pavilions for picnic use. Steak & Soak Specials available year around on Friday and Saturday evening. Dinner reservations are required by 2 PM of the day of arrival to guarantee dinner. We serve dinner from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Snack Bar open Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm and Saturday from Noon to 9 pm. Snack Bar offers hamburgers, pizza, milkshakes, and more! No reservations are required for Snack Bar purchases. We do offer breakfast by reservation on Saturday and Sunday morning. Breakfast reservations must be made the night prior to breakfast.
Scout Mountain Campground is located on beautiful Scout Mountain at an elevation of 6,900 feet, just 13 miles south of Pocatello, Idaho. Scout Mountain is part of the Mink Creek area, a popular place for birding and wildlife viewing. Visitors enjoy exploring a variety of local multi-use trails.
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and dirt biking are very popular activities in the area. The paved 1-mile Scout Mountain Nature Trail loops the campground, leading to several overlooks. The East Fork Mink Creek Trail begins within the site and the Crestline Trail is nearby.
The campground sits high atop the Bannock Mountain Range in a scenic forest of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and aspen, which offers partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant. A wide variety of birds can be found in the area, including the Western Scrub-Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Mountain Bluebird, Green-tailed and Spotted Towhees and Calliope Hummingbirds.
Cherry Springs Nature Area is less than 6 miles from the campground, with its pretty namesake spring, a stream for fishing, paved self-guided nature trails and picnic facilities. Mink Creek Nordic Center is about 5 miles away, with hiking and horseback riding trails in summer months and groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter.
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy.
$60 / night
$40 - $85 / night
Water & Sewer Electricity - 30 amp Breakers Internet Cable TV Cement Pads and Grass surrounds Will Accommodate Large RV's & Motorhomes Shade Trees
$40 - $50 / night
Lava Hot Springs East KOA is now a year round mini vacation destination. We offer a variety of newly renovated RV patio sites, and deluxe cabins with gorgeous views of the river and countryside. Enjoy clean shower facilities located at the office, and at the east bath house/laundromat. The pavilion is a wonderful place for families to gather and eat. Pavilion amenities: gas stovetop/oven, gas bbq, sink and seating for approximately 50 people. The pavilion does not have a refrigerator. The office staff will be happy to instruct guests for extra parking while renting the pavilion. All of our RV and tent sites have fire pits, picnic tables, or tables and chairs. If planning to fish on your vacation, be sure to reserve an RV site on the river. Map reference #2-16. Fishing licenses are sold at the local Sunnyside Sinclair gas station on Hwy 30. Downtown Lava Hot Springs is only a short walk away where guests will find the World Famous Natural Hot Springs, Olympic Swimming Complex and year round Indoor Aquatic Center with Kiddie Cove. See rates and hours on www.lavahotsprings.com Floating the natural Portneuf River is a very popular adventure. Ask about tube rental discounts during your stay. The RV and tent camping season is from April 1-October 31, weather pending. Please call 208-776-5295 or book online for lodging accommodations from November 1-March 30.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska).
Downata has many lodging choices for your vacation! We have six cabin three vacation rentals and four yurts to rent. Our campground has forty one water power hook ups, sixteen power only hookups, seven group areas, 10 basic sites with fire pit and table and several tenting areas, six teepees and a Cowboy Hangout. Our picnic areas consist of seven day pavilions for picnic use. Steak & Soak Specials available year around on Friday and Saturday evening. Dinner reservations are required by 2 PM of the day of arrival to guarantee dinner. We serve dinner from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Snack Bar open Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm and Saturday from Noon to 9 pm. Snack Bar offers hamburgers, pizza, milkshakes, and more! No reservations are required for Snack Bar purchases. We do offer breakfast by reservation on Saturday and Sunday morning. Breakfast reservations must be made the night prior to breakfast.
Scout Mountain Campground is located on beautiful Scout Mountain at an elevation of 6,900 feet, just 13 miles south of Pocatello, Idaho. Scout Mountain is part of the Mink Creek area, a popular place for birding and wildlife viewing. Visitors enjoy exploring a variety of local multi-use trails.
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and dirt biking are very popular activities in the area. The paved 1-mile Scout Mountain Nature Trail loops the campground, leading to several overlooks. The East Fork Mink Creek Trail begins within the site and the Crestline Trail is nearby.
The campground sits high atop the Bannock Mountain Range in a scenic forest of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and aspen, which offers partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant. A wide variety of birds can be found in the area, including the Western Scrub-Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Mountain Bluebird, Green-tailed and Spotted Towhees and Calliope Hummingbirds.
Cherry Springs Nature Area is less than 6 miles from the campground, with its pretty namesake spring, a stream for fishing, paved self-guided nature trails and picnic facilities. Mink Creek Nordic Center is about 5 miles away, with hiking and horseback riding trails in summer months and groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter.
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy.
$60 / night
Scout
About 10 dispersed spots right next to the water/right off the road but holy shit it’s VERY ACTIVE TRAIN TRACKS about 50 yards from these spots. A train every 1-2 hours that blows its horn the whole night so not very peaceful
Ranger
Stayed in #14 which is small, but suited us well (van). Other sites tend to be larger. #13 is best one, with shade on the west side, a good level driveway and backs up to the creek.
Lots of ants and flying bugs, making it hard to stay outside for very long. #9 is also nice with a large spread and decent shade. There is one vault toilet across from #13, a little stinky but relatively clean and had hand sanitizer. Another one is adjacent to the entrance and it has 2 toilets each for women and men; hard to find, back into the shrubs between two concrete markers at road.
Lots of shrubs means sites are pretty private. No real hiking trails identified in the area means there is not much to do. Didn't seem overly busy.
Food aside: Had freeze dried mushroom wild rice risotto with Popeye's chicken nuggs and spiced up with lemon pepper and Italian seasonings, also used parmesan. Putting nuggs into bag at end of cooking time and stirring worked fine to incorporate them. Very tasty and 2.5 servings means very filling. Broke up astronaut (freeze dried) ice cream sammich and put into freezer overnight before putting into milk for pseudo milkshake with cappuccino mix. Not bad, worth trying again. Also had sweet potato curry with applewood chicken cubes (fully cooked packet), seasoned with garlic. A bit spicy but good. Freeze dried breakfast of biscuits and sausage gravy good flavor but need to break up the biscuits before cooking or they are big and end up being soft on the outside but dry and crunchy on the inside.
Traveler
The place is big and the locals certainly come here. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring and some grass. They’re fairly level. 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. Very close to the town for the soaks. It’s very close to the highway which is a plus, but there can also be some traffic noise. Beautiful views.
Guide
Good spot to stop for a night. Big gravel parking lot and some hiking trails nearby. Close to the highway.
Guide
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. Was a little hesitant at first because it seemed so far from the highway but it was so worth it! There are bathrooms as well but bring your own TP as this time of year I dont believe anyone comes to check on them. Also, no more running water either. However, the creek is lovely and we were able to have a fire and every site had a picnic table. Very pleasant experience.
Guide
I reckon it’s a decent place to spend the night. The road up although somewhat steep at times can easily be accessed without 4WD. A few nice sites right as you enter with fire pits & picnic tables. Unfortunately most of the sites are right next to the road, which the locals seem to rule with their 4 wheelers and side by sides, making lots of noise and dust.
Guide
This place is in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. I drove all the way out here only to find the gate to someone’s ranch with a no trespassing sign. Super frustrating.
Scout
Race through challenging tracks that test your driving skills and reflexes. The main objective in Jenny Mod Minecraft is to avoid obstacles and finish each course as quickly as possible
Scout
Great location just a few minutes off the highway with multiple sites. Offers great views of the river and several prebuilt fire rings around the area as well. 4 x 4 recommended to get down to some of the lower spots, but there’s sites up top as well that would be suitable for 2-Wheel drive vehicles. Bring bug spray if you visit in the hotter months
TravelerI don't know how people are finding the beautiful places they show here. I used the GPS coordinates from here and it led me to a maze of twisted little passages. Very deeply rutted roads challenging me and my 4wd led to a complex of turns and turnarounds. The only road that appeared to lead down to the river was dirt at about 45 degrees. There are many ways to go and I don't know how to could know which to take. Must be dumb luck to find a pretty place by the river.
So, I left and went to the location that the BLM website gives for this named place. It's not the same place. The official location of this place is farther west. That is poorly identified, too. There's a signed turnoff but down the road there's a "Y". I went right. That led to confusion and nasty flies going into my nose and eyes. I left.
Looking at the map later it appears that I should have gone LEFT at the "Y" instead of right. I have no idea what that's like.
Basically, this place has many roads that intersect and go to unknown places. I don't know why there are so many roads, circles, "Y"s, along the river, perpendicular to the river.
The BLM website isn't helpful. I called them and expected a call back but didn't get it.
I wouldn't go here without one of the people here who submitted great reviews with beautiful photos. It's not worth the confusing directions (both my Garmin RV GPS and Google Maps were wrong in different places) and ambiguity of destinations.
Guide
Great camp ground with spring nearby
Legend
The KOA is just off US-30, so easy to find. Our GPS and Waze did not have the exact address, but you can easily see the KOA sign coming in from the east. We were traveling with another couple and there were basically two marked check-in spaces. You have to pay attention to where you position your rig so you don't block office car parking. We had reserved a premium K-9 site and were assigned site 102 at check-in. Site 102 was 1 of 3 premium sites next to the office. The problem with site 102 was 1) there was a truck parked there with no owner in sight, 2) trees that would have scraped the top of our 5th wheel, and 3) a very difficult and tight back-in swing on this 90-degree site with our 40' rig. You need to be an expert backer, or very lucky, to clear the trees at the entrance of this site if you're in a larger rig. Sites 100 and 101 do not have these same obstacles and with the river view, are arguably the best sites in the park. We went back into the office to request a different site and were assigned a non K-9 premium back-in site, 200, in their new area. We would have enjoyed the original site as it does have a nice river view. Sites were under construction in the 200 area and each site is highlighted by 7-inch high and 6-inch wide cement curbs. Whoever designed much of this CG did not understand RVs. It was challenging to back into your site as there are also cement barriers to protect the sewer hookups off the curbs in front of sites on the adjacent pull-through sites. We almost tore off a snap pad getting too close to a curb as the curbs are not sloped to prevent this and based on the markings, a lot of tires have fallen victim to these curbs. Also, we had to be very careful going up and down our steps as you have the curb there as well. While we were getting into our site, a 45’ class A was trying to get into pull-through site 221 across from us. Just trying to make the turn onto this row, he ran his rear tires up on the curb around the shower/laundry facility. He still had his toad attached and had to disconnect it to avoid damaging his vehicle. Hopefully, the management of this park will mark that site for shorter rigs as he also had problems clearing the curbs when departing his site. Their free Wifi was decent. We got 3 bars on Verizon and no issues getting a shot to the north sky for Starlink as there are no mature trees in this new area. There are plenty of other CG options in the area, so we will not stay here again. The main positive of this CG is the staff. They were friendly and accommodating when we requested to change sites. They also credited us the diffrence in cost since we didn't get the K-9 site, without us asking for the credit.
Traveler
We absolutely loved this small cabin. it had a fenced area and plenty of room. bathroom was clean. Must bring your own toilet paper, water and mattresses but it's worth the hassle.
Guide
Nice little area with plenty of random spots. There is an outhouse at the entrance - probably a 10-20 minute walk from any site, but nice to have. There were some dumpsters when I was there for garbage too which was nice.
Water in the ponds looked a bit scummy, too bad - would be nice for a swim otherwise! Good spot to spend a night while passing through.
GuideSuch easy access off 86, so it’s the perfect pull out for a road trip. We were traveling from Colorado to Oregon and found this spot late in the evening of our 2nd day and couldn’t have been happier. We rolled in amongst the thunderstorms, which blew over just in time for a beautiful sunset. There was a little noise from the road, but once we crawled in the tent it was hard to distinguish the traffic noise from that of the river.
Very clean, lots of spots, 10 out of 10 would stay here again.
Traveler
The campground itself is nice. Nice spots, beautiful river and waterfalls, and close to Lava Hot springs. The trains; however, were a drag at night. Not many ran during the day but at night we counted 8 that went by. The tracks are only about 100’ from most of the spots. The real kicker is, because there’s a crossing to get into the campground, the trains blast their horn literally right as they pass you. Like excessively so, unnecessarily so. It was not a great nights sleep.
Traveler
Nice stop, road is a little rough, but other than that it was great
Scout
Easy access from Lava with about 10 designated spots, most with room for two vehicles and one(?) pull through spot that fit my truck/30foot TT. Most had either a metal fire ring or picnic table or both. Pretty enough area, but right off the road and even closer to a train that passed through multiple times at night.
Pulled in at 10:30 pm Saturday night July Fourth weekend and was able to snag the last spot so very clutch!
NOTE - Google satellite photos are NOT accurate, the area is fenced off and sites are limited, no longer the free for all it appears to have been
Guide
This review is from July 2024, and it appears to have been a dry year.
I found the campground over run with Red Currant Bushes which were full of mature fruit. There was also a lot of Crested Wheatgrass and Sagebrush. The 5 campsites are still in good repair, but due to the Red Currant Bushes, access to the springs area was difficult if not impossible. The Springs themselves, due to the low water table were all but dried up, with only a small puddle of water marking each one. The water pump is still missing it's handle, and is now dry, so no water could be pumped. There was a moose present when I was there, but he was down in the outflow area, and did not seem interested in anything but lying down there. The Vault toilet was clean, odor free, and well maintained.
I cannot recommend this campground for mid summer or fall.
RangerBathrooms and showers are very clean, some sites are widely space, but some are crammed together, otherwise, a typical KOA. EXCEPT it is expensive and they add on extra fees for people, pets, and vehicles; never stayed at a KOA that does this. Oh, the road noise is pretty bad also.
ScoutNarrow road and short driveways, not suited for large rigs. Some sites are overgrown. The best sites are in the 6-16 loop. No trash receptacle but the Oregon/California Trail Center in town has one and an RV dump too. Campground is only about 3 miles from Montpelier ID. I had no cell signal on Verizon.
Legend
We were in the Lava Hot Springs, ID area and when traveling US-30, we saw a sign for Caribou Highlands Golf & RV. We had to check out a golf course with an RV park. When you turn off US-30 at the sign, it will be a hard-packed dirt road and you go straight until you see golf course signage and follow them to the course. You will first come to the campground (CG) area where the 10 pull-through sites with FHUs (30/20 AMP). Check-in is at the clubhouse which is about 100 yards from CG. The pull-throughs are long enough for big rigs. A few of the sites have large trees so you will want to watch your sides and roof. There's a bathhouse building. There are no picnic tables at the sites. The cost per night when we were there was $42. During the week its pretty wide open but they do fill up on the weekends. Reservations are made on Campspot. The golf course is a 9-hole links style. They also have a driving range.
GuideThis review was from a visit in May of 2014, See my other review for July 2024
Twin Springs, a stop on Hudspeth's cutoff on the Oregon Trail was an important stop because it was the only stop that had water for 22 mlles.
The road leading to Twin Springs is an oiled road until you reach the trail head.
There are 5 sites located in Twin Springs, each with it's own table. benches, fire pit and awning. The tables and benches are sturdy painted wood, the fire pit is a cement square with an iron grate on top and open at one side. Located between sites 1 and 2 is the vault toilet. Bring your own toilet paper as there is none supplied. The sites are on the outside of the central loop about 340 feet long with an old water pump in the center of the loop. the handle of the pump is gone, but you can pull the central rod up and down and it will pump. To the north and east, of the south end of the loop the ground slopes down to the 2 springs that the campground is named for. South west of the campground is Rock Creek, a small stream. There are lots of birds, and small animals around and a lot of wild flowers. The camp is isolated and generators should be no problem. There is no internet of any kind, just a nearby cell tower for cell phones. The camp is best in Spring and early summer, and brown and dry, and less pleasant in late summer and fall.
NOTE: these pictures are from 2012
TravelerRoads are rough but the area is pretty. Next to the river and multiple spots available.
TravelerI love summit campground. If you go up the hill past the turnoff for the campground there are five different dispersed camping spots that are Free! There is a lovely little babbling brook that runs through the whole canyon. The mosquitos can be intense. There is a lot of great trails for hiking. There is cute waterfall. I come here often just to say camp and hammock. It is 20 mins from my home. They stock the river the weekend before memorial day with trout. It's where my kids all learned to fish. There is also a paid campground with bathrooms and water and picnic tables.
Ranger
On river with a short 2min walk to the entrance for tubing
RangerThe 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. 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.
Camping near Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and fun activities. With hot springs, rivers, and beautiful landscapes, it’s a great spot for families, RVers, and anyone looking to unwind in nature.
Camping near Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the hot springs, beautiful scenery, and the friendly atmosphere!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lava Hot Springs, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lava Hot Springs, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Lava Hot Springs, ID and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lava Hot Springs, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lava Hot Springs, ID is Lava Hot Springs East KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lava Hot Springs, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Lava Hot Springs, ID.
What parks are near Lava Hot Springs, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Lava Hot Springs, ID that allow camping, notably Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Bridger-Teton National Forest.
