9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Bannock County Fairgrounds accepts horses at their campground facility located near Pocatello, approximately 35 miles from Lava Hot Springs. The grounds provide RV sites with electric hookups, sewer connections, and water access. The camping area includes showers, restroom facilities, and a sanitary dump station for RVs. Campground reviews indicate that horses are commonly present throughout the fairgrounds area. The grounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though recent visitors have noted concerns about ATVs being operated throughout the property without restriction. Fairground camping is available year-round.
Located within driving distance of Lava Hot Springs, several nearby campgrounds offer access to trail systems suitable for day rides. None of the campgrounds in the immediate Lava Hot Springs area feature dedicated horse corrals or equestrian-specific facilities according to available data. Riders typically bring portable corrals or use highlines at standard campsites. The local terrain provides varied riding opportunities through mountain trails, forested areas, and open country. Campers bringing horses should contact campgrounds directly to confirm current horse policies, trailer parking availability, and manure disposal requirements. Many national forest areas surrounding Lava Hot Springs allow primitive camping with horses where permitted.
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability"We stayed in the campsite overlooking the lake and accross the road. There are about 7 campsites all with metal pole building type shelters and picnic tables. Each site also provides a fire ring."
"It is close to the reservoir of you need to cool off and there is also the creek which runs right next to it! It has picnic tables and a bbq grill and sleeping space inside for a few people"
from $60 / night
Check Availability"on the way to the campground you will travel down dirt roads that are full of scenic views. when you get to the sites it is hard to choose if you want to be right next to the water where you can fish for"
"There are many pay to park camp areas around here and also some free areas if you’re adventurous enough! Lots of land to explore and fishing is great!"
"Near city limits where there is places to buy groceries, gas, or go out to a restaurant. They have about 20 spots with electrical outlets."
"The campground was in great shape, the drive up to our site was amazingly beautiful, and the campground hosts were very attentive and thoughtful."
"I chose the site near the Paris spring Trailhead. The trail to the spring is about 1/4 mile in and is very beautiful. There were hummingbirds everywhere! And dragon flies too!"
from $17 - $100 / night
Check Availability"The field had corn hole and horse shoe games set up. We enjoyed the hot spring fed pool. Again, we were the only ones there. The pool is huge!"
"Beautiful location and great host’s. The pool is old but very refreshing. You feel isolated but you’re close to town."
"The access to the water’s edge is nice. Our campsite has the basic amenities with fire ring and picnic table (a bit worn down). The vault toilet is clean and well maintained."
"Close to great fishing. River sites. Bring bug spray"
TravelerNeither RV dumps has water to help flush tank. Generally speaking going downhill from what it was a few years ago. Horses everywhere and they do not stay in riding areas. Loose youngsters on ATVs screaming around the park everywhere. Sad to see such a great resource abused and go to waste.
Traveleron the way to the campground you will travel down dirt roads that are full of scenic views. when you get to the sites it is hard to choose if you want to be right next to the water where you can fish for trout or remain tucked in the woods. both are peaceful and leave society behind.
GuideWe arrived the Wednesday after Labor Day. We were given a full hookup spot in a giant field area all to ourselves! Our spot backed up to a small running creek filled with fish. The field had corn hole and horse shoe games set up. We enjoyed the hot spring fed pool. Again, we were the only ones there. The pool is huge! We also enjoyed a great burger cooked at the grill in the office. Staff was friendly and helpful.
ScoutThe access to the water’s edge is nice. Our campsite has the basic amenities with fire ring and picnic table (a bit worn down). The vault toilet is clean and well maintained. I would definitely stay here again.
LegendThis cabin needs to be reserved first and foremost. The # can be found in the pictures. It is close to the reservoir of you need to cool off and there is also the creek which runs right next to it! It has picnic tables and a bbq grill and sleeping space inside for a few people
Guidepassed through this campground late May. it's very secluded, located at the end of the road. the drive in from Paris is pretty, but the campground is tucked into a brushy hollow, with dense vegetation. the road through the campground has a lot of deep potholes. the sites are small; some are pull through. i don't think i'd tow a camper longer than 20 ft through there. a person can do some exploring in the area while camped there. there are picnic tables and fire rings. vault toilets. Because of the dense brush, it didn't appeal to me but that's personal preference.
GuideWe stayed in the campsite overlooking the lake and accross the road. There are about 7 campsites all with metal pole building type shelters and picnic tables. Each site also provides a fire ring.
One of the downsides to the campground is the proximity to the road. There was a number of loud vehicles and loud locals that kept us awake. We were staying in a tent, but if you are staying in an RV this might not be a problem.
It was a good site for the price.
The lake was down and unavailable for fishing. It might be better early spring or summer.
TravelerWe loved our stay at Paris Springs. The campground was in great shape, the drive up to our site was amazingly beautiful, and the campground hosts were very attentive and thoughtful. We misplaced our tent stakes and they offered some of theirs that they had. It was a windy night so we were very grateful. There’s a short 5 minute hike right by campground #4 that leads to an cool waterfall. It was a great way to start the morning.
The only issues that we had was that the water running to each campsite wasn’t drinkable so it was shut off. They discounted our nightly price in half which was nice though. Also, the water that runs along the side of the campground was high right now so some of the campgrounds were under water or muddy. That was only on 2 out of the 12 camp sites.
Other than that it was a great location, beautiful scenery, close to hikes, and not far from Bear Lake. We will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend camping there!
GuideEasy to get in and out of. Beautiful location and great host’s. The pool is old but very refreshing. You feel isolated but you’re close to town.
Equestrian camping near Lava Hot Springs, Idaho provides access to varied terrain at elevations ranging from 4,700 to 7,000 feet depending on your selected camping location. The camping season typically runs May through September, with July and August temperatures averaging 85°F during daytime and 45°F at night. The surrounding Caribou-Targhee National Forest features both heavily wooded areas and open meadows suitable for various camping setups.
Fishing in mountain streams: Pipeline Campground sits directly on the Snake River with easy shoreline access for anglers. "Lots of sturgeon and 2' long trout swimming right on the riverbank, you can literally see them feet off the shore," notes camper Reames C.
Trail riding from dispersed sites: While formal horse facilities are limited, many national forest areas surrounding American Falls Reservoir allow primitive camping with horses where permitted. Trail systems through forested areas and high mountain meadows are accessible within a 30-minute drive.
Hot springs exploration: Beyond the commercial pools in town, several primitive hot springs can be accessed via trails from camping areas. Indian Springs Resort and RV features its own "vintage hot spring swimming pool on site" according to Edward R., making it convenient for soaking after a day of riding.
Hiking mountain trails: Big Springs - Caribou offers "great hiking trails" according to reviewer Sheri C., with several routes suitable for day hikes ranging from 1-5 miles in length.
Riverfront camping: Campers consistently mention enjoying the waterfront sites at Pipeline Campground. Georgia L. reports it's a "small free campground right by the river" with some areas featuring benches.
Spacious group sites: Malad Summit Guard Station receives praise for accommodating groups and families. David T. mentions "tons of shade and trees" and notes there's "a really cool spring and waterfall just a short hike up the road."
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds provide fishing opportunities. At Hawkins Reservoir Campground, Austin H. states, "I love all of the fish we caught out there," making it popular among anglers.
Natural springs: Paris Springs Campground features natural springs within walking distance. Reviewer Carrie C. notes, "The trail to the spring is about 1/4 mile in and is very beautiful. There were hummingbirds everywhere!"
Variable road conditions: Access to remote camping areas can be challenging. Malad Summit Guard Station has "a narrow road" that can be "hard to maneuver in the campground" according to David T.
Limited cell service: Most camping areas beyond Lava Hot Springs have spotty or no cellular coverage. Prepare by downloading maps and bringing printed directions.
Seasonal water levels: Hawkins Reservoir Campground can experience significant water level fluctuations. Dave L. notes, "The lake was down and unavailable for fishing. It might be better early spring or summer."
Trail conditions for horses: Most trails lack dedicated horse amenities, requiring riders to bring all necessary equipment. National Forest trails may have seasonal restrictions or closures depending on conditions.
Swimming opportunities: Paris Springs Campground provides family-friendly amenities. Jordan K. reports, "There's a short 5 minute hike right by campground #4 that leads to an cool waterfall. It was a great way to start the morning."
River recreation: Sage Hen Flats Campground offers family-friendly water activities. Adie F. mentions, "Good fishing and my kids loved floating the river," though she advises to "bring canopy or have awning for shade."
Bug protection: Insects can be prevalent, especially near water. At Pipeline Campground, Reames C. advises, "Bugs are very active in June so I suggest fly tape inside campers."
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have mixed reviews regarding security. Brittany D. cautions about Pipeline Campground, noting, "This place was sketchy because there was people driving by all night," suggesting families may prefer more established sites.
Levelness challenges: Many primitive sites require work to level rigs. Reames C. advises about Pipeline Campground: "Sites are not level so I suggest bringing a shovel to dig under one side and blocks for the other side."
Fairground camping alternative: Bannock County Fairgrounds offers full hookups but receives mixed reviews. Inez notes, "Neither RV dumps has water to help flush tank," suggesting reduced maintenance quality in recent years.
Size limitations: For horse camping with larger rigs, scout locations in advance. Regarding Malad Summit Guard Station, David T. cautions, "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."
Seasonal maintenance: Early or late season camping may encounter facilities in transition. At Indian Springs Resort, Rachel G. reports, "Our site was not the best. Big ruts, we had to level quite a bit, 120 amp didn't work. But they were cleaning up getting ready for season."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lava Hot Springs, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lava Hot Springs, ID is Big Springs - Caribou with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lava Hot Springs, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Lava Hot Springs, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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