Best Campgrounds near Malad City, ID

The southeastern Idaho landscape surrounding Malad City features a mix of established campgrounds and more primitive sites within a short drive of town. Devils Creek RV Park offers waterfront camping with fishing access and basic amenities, while Malad Summit Campground provides a higher-elevation experience with stellar night sky viewing. Campers will find options ranging from full-hookup RV sites to tent-only areas at Dry Canyon Campground, which operates seasonally from June through September. The nearby Downata Hot Springs in Downey combines camping with thermal pools and offers diverse accommodation types including cabins, yurts, and traditional tent sites, making it a popular destination for families seeking amenities beyond basic camping.

Most campgrounds in the Malad City region operate seasonally, with the primary camping season running from May through October due to winter conditions at higher elevations. As one camper noted about Malad Summit, "This area offers steep terrain but plenty of backcountry area to day hike and escape civilization for a while. On a clear night, the stars are remarkable with very little to no city lights to drown out nature." Highway noise can affect some sites closer to Interstate 15, particularly at Devils Creek RV Park, though many visitors report the sound becomes less noticeable after the first night. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with better coverage at lower elevations and spotty or nonexistent service in more remote locations.

Water access represents a key feature at several campgrounds, with Devils Creek offering reservoir frontage popular with anglers. According to one visitor, "It was a nice camp spot, steps away from fishing. The port-a-potty was clean and well maintained." Site spacing varies considerably between locations, with some RV parks featuring tight quarters while more primitive sites offer greater privacy. Campground hosts maintain facilities at varying levels, with vault toilets being the standard at most public land sites. Visitors frequently mention the contrast between developed amenities at places like Downata Hot Springs, described as "a little resort with hot springs, cabins, wagons, teepees, an RV campground and a nice little eatery," versus the solitude and minimal facilities found at higher elevation sites where stargazing and hiking take precedence.

Best Camping Sites Near Malad City, Idaho (135)

    1. Devils Creek RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Malad City, ID
    8 miles
    +1 (435) 881-9604

    $10 - $35 / night

    "This is an older campground, and space near reservoirs is a hot commodity. The RV park host was very friendly and accommodating."

    "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."

    2. Downata Hot Springs

    10 Reviews
    Downey, ID
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 897-5736

    "In far away Downey Idaho is a little resort with hot springs, cabins, wagons, teepees, a RV campground and a nice little eatery and a load of other fun things."

    "Walking distance to the hot pools, and restaurant..."

    3. Malad Summit Campground

    5 Reviews
    Downey, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 236-7500

    $20 - $120 / night

    "Truly where Idaho begins! This area offers steep terrain but plentry of back country area to day hike and escape civilization for a while."

    "Was a little hesitant at first because it seemed so far from the highway but it was so worth it!"

    4. Oneida County Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Malad City, ID
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (208) 766-4706

    "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."

    5. Malad Summit Guard Station

    3 Reviews
    Downey, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 236-7500

    $60 / night

    "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"

    6. Third Creek Group Site

    2 Reviews
    Malad City, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 236-7500

    $80 - $120 / night

    7. Dry Canyon Campground

    1 Review
    Malad City, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 766-5900

    8. Aspen Grove RV Park

    28 Reviews
    Mendon, UT
    33 miles
    Website

    $55 - $1450 / night

    "There is enough to do in the surrounding areas and reasonable proximity to Salt Lake City to call it basecamp for a few days, but we've always used this stop as a single, reliable night stay. "

    "Close to restaurants. But a sterile walking environment. Concrete pads and all… can’t go wrong here."

    9. Cherry Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Downey, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 766-5900

    10. Lake Cascade/Curlew Campground

    9 Reviews
    Malad City, ID
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 236-7500

    $20 - $120 / night

    "Cows in the near by grassland lots of moo8ng at night and early morning.

    Had water access at the site.

    Cell service 4G with Verizon."

    "The lake is low and some debris, not pretty but that is the nature of the beast with humans around. Don't get discouraged, it isn't a place for city people."

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Recent Reviews near Malad City, ID

481 Reviews of 135 Malad City Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

    Gorgeous peaceful mountain stop!

    Incredible Mountain View’s. Several pull outs on gravel road. Not a problem with 24’ Class C. There are other trials for ATVs but plenty of nice spots for RVs or tents!

  • S
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Goodenough Creek Campground

    Quiet creek side free camping

    We arrived here around 8:30pm after the sun set so we couldn’t really see much. Had the doors and windows open all night, wonderful breeze, quiet except sounds of nature. Woke up to an amazing sunrise and sound of the creek. Just lovely and it’s Free!

  • Jimena S.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Cowboy RV Park

    Cowboy Rv Park

    Park for Rvs, bathrooms and laundry rooms really clean. Just in the town with everything at walking distance

  • D
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Soda Creek Campground

    Promising new place to camping in the town of Soda Springs Idaho

    Chuck and Misty have just opened for campers in June 2025. With good water, electricity and level RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables plus numerous shaded spots for dry RV and tent camping this campground shows lots of potential. They have been working hard to a large septic system up and running which will be the icing on the cake!

  • Catherine  F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Earp & James Hitching Post

    Great for a stop over

    Last night of a 2 week 4,700 mile trip and we needed a place for the night. Very nice woman got us in and the place was very clean and well maintained. The price was $40 for full hookup. So glad we found it and could relax a bit. Our dog liked the walking area and the black cat that wandered around. Not a destination spot but a great overnighter.

  • Dana V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Nice & Easy Access

    This place is right off the highway so it made it a super easy spot to get to for a quick overnight stay. There were other campers and everyone was quiet and respectful, the spaces are spread out a nice distance so that we aren't right next to our neighbors. You can hear highway noise but it wasn't too bad, and the view is a pretty rolling hills.

  • B
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Hyrum State Park Campground

    Small peaceful state park

    We love state parks and decided to try Hyrum Stare Park for a couple of nights as we were heading south. This state park is basically in the middle of a neighborhood of a small community. Locals seem to love it but it’s not crowded at all.. It’s right on a small lake with a boat ramp and a small beach. The campground is small… about 8 or 9 sites with w/e and about a dozen sites with dry camping. All the sites are paved (even the dry camping sites) and level. Grassy and shady on most sites. Two bathhouses and a dump on site. Picnic tables and fire rings at each site. They also have a couple of cabins available. No store but there is a few things close by to get ice and a few things. It is totally fenced and gated. The gates close at 10pm and open at 6am. Very peaceful and enjoyable!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Lava Campground

    Good spot

    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.

  • Matt P.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Heart Mountain Spring

    Dirt pull out

    Not sure where precious reviewer went but the GPS coordinates are for a dirt pull out beside a narrow spring. A mile further uphill on dirt road is a small camping area. Free for 21 days. No facilities but a few fire pits. It was full with trailers that have been there a while by the look of it. No spring. I drove another few miles up the mountain and found the entrance to the massive ranch that owns most of the surrounding land. Beyond that was yet more dirt road with no sign of a antelope park or spring. I gave up and was thankful I didn't arrive late in the day.


Guide to Malad City

Camping near Malad City, Idaho occurs primarily at elevations between 4,500-7,000 feet, creating a climate with warm summer days and cool nights. The camping season typically runs May through September, with overnight temperatures dropping below 50°F even in summer months. Several campgrounds in the area provide access to small streams and creeks ideal for fishing native trout species.

What to do

Fishing at Devils Creek Reservoir: Access the water at Devils Creek RV Park where camping spots are steps from prime fishing locations. According to one camper, "My wife and I wanted to get off the road after traveling all day. This place is very convenient. Located right off I-15, it sits right upon the Devil Creek Reservoir."

Hiking from high elevation sites: The terrain around Malad Summit Campground offers multiple trail options. One visitor noted, "There is a lovely little babbling brook that runs through the whole canyon. There is a lot of great trails for hiking. There is cute waterfall."

Thermal pools and water slides: Families can enjoy swimming at Downata Hot Springs which combines camping with water recreation. As one visitor shared, "Hot springs and water slides fit the bill. Tight spots, no sewer were the only downsides. Great groups there during our stay, easy to get around."

Creek exploration: Several campsites in the area feature small streams with pools suitable for wading. The campground at Third Creek offers "Restrooms and several tables at each site, small creek with beautiful valley walls. Check out the balancing rock and climb up for more great views."

What campers like

Night sky visibility: Fall camping at Malad Summit provides exceptional stargazing conditions after September 15 when fees are waived. One camper mentioned, "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."

Clean facilities: Visitors to Aspen Grove RV Park consistently praise the maintenance standards. A reviewer commented, "Clean and modern. That is the problem. This is a $75 parking lot. Pavement, cement and no shade. No fire pits. I prefer shade (94°) and more of a camping feel."

Accessibility from Interstate: Devils Creek RV Park provides convenience for travelers needing overnight stops. According to one reviewer, "This campground was convenient to come in late and leave early. We called ahead and they were very accommodating."

Year-round options: Some facilities offer winter camping opportunities in cabins. One Downata Hot Springs visitor mentioned, "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."

What you should know

Site spacing issues: At Devils Creek RV Park, proximity between camping spots can be uncomfortable. One camper noted, "Warning - Some of the spaces felt like extremely close quarters especially with slide outs. The picture below shows one of the older full utility locations. Some units may not have much room to slide out without contacting the utility boxes."

Weather preparation: Temperature variations require packing for multiple conditions. "There is a lovely little babbling brook that runs through the whole canyon. The mosquitos can be intense," warns one Malad Summit visitor.

Limited shade availability: Some campgrounds lack natural coverage. Aspen Grove RV Park "is a $75 parking lot. Pavement, cement and no shade. No fire pits," according to one review.

Seasonal limitations: Many facilities have restricted operating periods. The Oneida County Fairgrounds offers electrical hookups during non-event periods but recommends contacting managers first: "This is a nice quiet place. 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. It would be good to call and ask if you can stay, where it is a fairgrounds."

Tips for camping with families

Cabin options for comfort: Families seeking more substantial accommodations can use Third Creek Group Campground which includes a small building with amenities. One camper noted, "This site is huge! At least 50 people could use this site, which would make it great for reunions. There's also a little cabin with a wood burning stove inside."

Campground selection based on noise level: Some locations experience significant ATV traffic or highway noise. A Malad Summit visitor warned, "I love to come spend time up here. but we never camp here over night. It is extremely over used by atvs and side by sides."

Bring entertainment: Limited organized activities means families should pack games and equipment. For fishing enthusiasts, one camper mentioned about Malad Summit, "They stock the river the weekend before memorial day with trout. It's where my kids all learned to fish."

Water access considerations: Reservoir conditions change seasonally affecting activities. At Devils Creek, one visitor observed, "Loved the water, even though it was low. The sticky mud on beach made everything a bit more difficult."

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: RV campers should research site dimensions before arrival. At Devils Creek, "Lot size seems inconsistent between spaces as some feel very cramped and some of the high number units without utilities had larger spaces between them, almost appearing as an extra space between two units."

Utility planning: Hook-up availability varies significantly. One Devils Creek visitor advised, "Make sure to plan ahead for power adapters. Only one 30amp service so if your planning to run AC, plan to be the first in or coordinate with your neighbor."

Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. For Cherry Creek Campground, a visitor reported, "Drove up a rough dirt road to get there. There was a couple of sites with tables. Located in a cow pasture."

Reservation recommendations: Many sites fill quickly during peak season. An Aspen Grove visitor noted, "We were running out of options for places to stay as most things were completely full. This was a wonderful surprise when we found it. Their after hours check in process was organized and amazing."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping spots near Malad City, Idaho?

Several camping options are available near Malad City. Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping offers a convenient free option just off the highway with a small gravel/dirt lot for basic overnight stays. For those seeking more amenities, Oneida County Fairgrounds provides water access and drive-in sites. Within driving distance, you'll also find Dry Canyon Campground and Cherry Creek Campground. If you're willing to venture a bit further, the Pocatello area offers additional options with more developed facilities. Most camping spots in the area are accessible by regular vehicles, though dispersed sites may have variable conditions depending on recent weather.

Is Malad Summit Campground accessible year-round?

Malad Summit Campground is not accessible year-round due to its elevation and winter conditions. Malad Summit Guard Station and the surrounding camping areas typically close during winter months (approximately November through April/May) when snow makes access difficult or impossible. The area receives significant snowfall, and roads are not regularly plowed. For winter camping options near Malad City, consider lower-elevation alternatives like Traveland RV Park which offers level sites just off the highway and remains accessible during colder months. Always check current conditions with the Forest Service before planning a trip during shoulder seasons.

What amenities are available at Goodenough Campground near Malad?

While specific reviews for Goodenough Campground are limited, similar campgrounds in the area like Scout Mountain Campground typically offer vault toilets, water spigots, picnic tables, and fire rings. First-come, first-serve sites are common in this region. For more developed amenities, Mink Creek Group Site Campground about 12 miles from I-15 offers toilet buildings, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and fire pits with good spacing between sites. When visiting Goodenough Campground, expect basic facilities rather than full hookups or luxury amenities, and consider bringing your own water supply as availability may be seasonal.