Lava Hot Springs sits in southeastern Idaho at an elevation of 5,423 feet, offering year-round thermal waters that maintain temperatures between 102°F and 112°F. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Several campgrounds near Lava Hot Springs feature thermal soaking options while others provide river access for summer recreation along the Portneuf River.
What to do
River activities: Float or tube the Portneuf River that runs through Lava Hot Springs. Lava Hot Springs West KOA offers convenient river access. "You're walking distance to the river, restaurants, the pool and all the fun stuff in Lava," notes Jon M. The campground also provides tube rentals at discounted rates. "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," advises Samuel N.
Hiking trails: Explore nearby forest paths at Caribou National Forest Emigration Campground, located 30 miles east of Lava Hot Springs. "Also trails right off the campsite. Super well maintained and bathrooms were clean. Also huckleberry picking right from camp," reports Erin M. The campground provides access to numerous trails through spruce-fir forest with some aspens.
Hot springs soaking: Visit multiple thermal pools within a 40-mile radius of Lava Hot Springs. Maple Grove Hot Springs offers a different soaking experience 24 miles southeast. "This is one of my favorite places on earth. They have tent sites, van sites and a selection of shelters to choose from. Camping gets you access to the hot springs from check in until 4pm the next day," explains Jordan H.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and grounds at most established campgrounds near Lava Hot Springs. Mary's Campground receives praise for its upkeep. "We've stayed here annually now for some time. Easy access into town to go tubing or to the hot springs. 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," says Chris Y.
Riverside sites: Campsites along the Portneuf River provide natural water features and recreational opportunities. Lava Hot Springs West KOA has premium riverside options. "A third of the sites sit right along the Portneuf River," notes Alan B. For a quieter riverside option, Massacre Rocks State Park offers sites with views of the Snake River, about 60 miles west of Lava Hot Springs.
Family-friendly amenities: Playground equipment and activity areas appeal to families with children. "We were on site #1 which is by the playground and dog park, because we had both on our reservation. At first we were upset at our location, but it was actually great," shares Jon M. about Lava Hot Springs West KOA.
What you should know
Site availability: Reserve well in advance for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "They have tent sites, van sites and a selection of shelters to choose from," notes Jordan H. about Maple Grove Hot Springs.
Weather considerations: Be prepared for temperature swings with days reaching 85°F and nights dropping below 55°F, especially in spring and fall. Pack appropriate clothing layers.
Proximity to attractions: Select campgrounds based on priorities - hot springs access, river recreation, or quieter forest settings. "Stayed here a few days on our way to Oregon. Quiet campground off the interstate. Not much nearby though. Showers/restrooms clean and great hot water. Good place to ride bikes. A lot of history in the area. We also visited Lava Hot Springs which was about 1 hour away," notes Rachel G. about Massacre Rocks State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Campground activities: Look for sites with built-in recreation options like playgrounds, pools, or bike paths. "The Lava pools are amazing and the town is very charming and walkable options. They have canoeing, rubber tubes, evokes, vespas and four wheelers available. The campsite is very kids friendly during summer months," Louis L. says about Lava Hot Springs West KOA.
Spacing considerations: Consider site proximity when booking family campsites. Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "Mary's gets some stars for being green and shaded with bathrooms/showers, and full hookups. It also has a lovely suspension bridge to town. A pretty easy walk to the hot pools with little kids," reports Bethany S.
Winter options: Plan cold-weather visits to campgrounds with heated amenities. Downata Hot Springs in nearby Downey offers winter camping opportunities. "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," says Anthony B.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request riverside or end sites for more space and privacy. "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," notes Bill H. about Lava Hot Springs West KOA.
Hookup options: Confirm available connections before booking glamping close to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. "We had a site with power and water. Kids and dog loved it. We got to see the fireflies in the field!" Ronald W. reports about Downata Hot Springs.
Size constraints: Check access road width and turning radius before bringing larger rigs. "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," David T. cautions about Malad Summit Guard Station.
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