Cabins near Lava Hot Springs, Idaho provide convenient lodging for visitors exploring the Portneuf River valley, situated at approximately 5,000 feet elevation in southeastern Idaho. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most cabin facilities operate year-round, though some close during winter months when snow can make access challenging.
What to do
Hot springs exploration: Cabins at Lava Hot Springs East KOA place visitors within walking distance of natural thermal features. "Nice spot to camp by town with plenty to do!" notes camper Doug E., emphasizing the convenient location for hot springs access.
River activities: Enjoy tubing on the Portneuf River during summer months. "We were on site #1 which is by the playground and dog park... You're walking distance to the river, restaurants, the pool and all the fun stuff in Lava," reports Jon M. about his stay at Lava Hot Springs West KOA.
Historic exploration: Visit the town's mining heritage sites within walking distance of many cabin accommodations. "The campground is hidden behind the Motel, on a small patch of land... It was fun to sit and watch the river go by. Along with the people coming down the river on inflatable rafts," describes Bill B. of his experience at Lava Spa RV Park.
What campers like
Riverside locations: Many cabin facilities offer direct water views. "This campground is right off the highway so there is some noise but not bad. Well run campground with clean bathrooms and showers. Fun playground for kids and lots of room to run around. Right down the road of town and the hot springs," notes Lisa L. about Lava Campground.
Winter stays: Cabins provide comfortable winter accommodations when tent camping isn't feasible. "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," shares Anthony B. about his experience at Downata Hot Springs.
Historic accommodations: Period-authentic miners' cabins offer unique lodging experiences. "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," writes Alan B. about Bristol Park Historic Cabins.
What you should know
Site selection: Location matters when choosing cabin accommodations. "Site T1 is for a family of 2 maybe 3 but it's large enough for 2 medium size tents and 1 large one and our canopy. The site itself is surrounded by water and even has a small water fall that you could sit in as if it were a small hot tub size," explains Shani C. about East KOA.
Noise considerations: Highway and train noise affects some cabin locations. "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," warns Michelle H. about East KOA.
Seasonal differences: Facility offerings change throughout the year. "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," reports Sam F. about West KOA's autumn conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Morning visits: Plan early day trips to avoid crowds at popular attractions. "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," reports Laura M. about Lava Campground.
Playground access: Select cabin locations near children's facilities. "This KOA is clean and well manicured. The bathrooms are spacious and clean. Staff was friendly and helpful. They are across the street from the rustic hot springs but a short walk or drive to the other side of town are the more modern pools," explains Alisa P. about West KOA.
Larger cabin options: Multi-room cabins accommodate family groups. "We had returned but had got a cabin with a loft. There are only 3 loft cabins. 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," describes Shani C. about Downata Hot Springs.
Tips from RVers
Winter hookups: RV sites with cabins often provide frost-free water connections. "We choose this site because it is directly across the street from the hotspring pools. Our campsite, 10, was right beside the creek. The temps were below freezing but they have frost free spigots," notes Chris D. about Lava Spa RV Park.
Reservation timing: Book well ahead for peak season stays, especially summer weekends. "This RV spot is a real gem. 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," shares Bill B. about extending his Lava Spa RV Park stay.
Space limitations: Many RV sites near cabins have tight spacing. "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," explains David T. about navigating the roads at Malad Summit Guard Station.
