RV campgrounds in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho are located in the southeastern part of the state at an elevation of 5,020 feet in the Portneuf River Valley. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with July and August being the busiest months when temperatures average 85°F during the day and drop to the 50s at night. Most campgrounds experience full bookings on summer weekends and require advance reservations.
What to do
River tubing access: Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park offers prime access to the Portneuf River tubing experience. "On river with a short 2min walk to the entrance for tubing," notes camper Mark F., who adds, "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."
Natural hot springs exploration: At Lava Hot Springs East KOA, you can walk to the town's famous hot springs pools. "You are about a 5-10 minute walk from the main town including the hot pools. Those pools are super relaxing and I would recommend going first thing in the morning before it gets crowded," suggests camper Shad G.
Hiking trails: Near Batiste Springs RV Park, visitors can discover local nature trails. "You are just above Batise Spring. You can walk down the path and go to the bridge. You are standing over Batise Spring! I got in! Bob said it was 52° and I believe it! But it made me so much more comfortable afterwards," writes Valerie M., who also recommends the spring-side trail where "the spring on one side, the river on the other. Lots of birds and I saw two muskrats!"
What campers like
Riverside camping: The water proximity at Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park creates a relaxing atmosphere. Bill B. shares, "It was fun to sit and watch the river go by. Along with the people coming down the river on inflatable rafts," and adds, "We were only going to stay for two nights, but now we have stayed a full week. It is so fun to watch the Rafters float down the river and to sleep by the sounds of the water."
Easy town access: Campers appreciate parks within walking distance of attractions. "We stayed here for 4 days/3 nights in October. The location is directly across the street from the hot spring pools. Our spot #6 was on the river. The small 15 space campground is right on main street and you can walk to a large number of sites, restaurants, shops, historic museum and buildings and a small market," explains Debra M. about her stay at Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park.
Reservoir recreation: Devils Creek RV Park provides water activities in a different setting. Mike C. notes, "This place is very convenient. Located right off I-15, it sits right upon the Devil Creek Reservoir. This is a full service RV campground, has all the hook ups for electric, water and dumping. Very quiet and serene, cattle grazing off on the other side of the reservoir."
What you should know
Camp host interactions vary: Experiences with staff can differ between campgrounds. At Devils Creek RV Park, camper Shani C. reports a challenging interaction: "The main reason for us to pack up on a day that we already paid for was all due to the camp host! She had came over and the first thing that came out of her mouth was 'I got people coming into this spot' NOT even a 'Hello.'" However, Maggie C. had a different experience: "Would give 2 stars but Valerie the camp host is super nice and accommodating."
Noise considerations: Highway and train noise affects several campgrounds. At Lava Hot Springs East KOA, Michelle H. warns: "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. We were offered ear plugs but they did not keep the noise out- it was incessant."
Varying site sizes: Space between sites varies widely between campgrounds. For Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park, Al M. cautions, "Basically a gravel lot with 15 sites. Location, location, location is about it." At Cowboy RV Park in Pocatello, William L. notes an unusual arrangement: "Only weird thing is pull thru sites are not exactly but sometimes pull thrus."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lava Hot Springs East KOA has dedicated play areas for children. "They have bathrooms/showers and a large playground for young kids," mentions Shani C., who stayed at the campground and adds that "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."
Tent camping challenges: Some campgrounds are better suited for RVs than tents. Michelle H. cautions about Lava Hot Springs East KOA: "The actual camp sites are also on a lowered area next to the river which we thought we could swim in but it was infested with algae and we couldn't tell if that was the safe kind or the blue green kind. We had to haul all our gear down a steep set of stairs which are not well lit at night."
Family gathering spaces: Cub River Lodge & RV Park offers common areas for group activities. Brandon notes, "There is a center grass location that's great for kids to play," though he cautions, "There is no access to the river as the campground is nestled in-between private roads, houses, private property, etc."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: At Caribou Highlands Golf & RV, bigger motorhomes and trailers can find suitable accommodations. "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," advises MickandKarla W., who also mentions that reservations can be made through Campspot.
Alternative hookups: When water access is limited, some parks offer workarounds. At Batiste Springs RV Park, Rick G. reports: "Looking for electric site around Pocatello, ID due to extreme heat. Easily made a few day reservation for one of their 12 Pull Through, FHU sites. Adjacent to a large RV & Boat storage facility on one side and open area on the other."
RV access routes: Pay attention to entrance directions to avoid difficult terrain. Al M. warns about Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park: "If you stay here the entrance is a small gravel road to the right side of the motel that goes off to the left. Please, Please, DON'T take the gravel road that splits off to the right or you will be in trouble due to S 2nd E entrance from N 3rd AV alley way."
