M
Mike B.
Traveler
TravelerLava Hot Springs East KOA
Nice hosts, clean facilities. A little pricey for being this basic. Train goes by the whole town at all hours of the night, sounds amazing if your into trains :)
Cabin Camping near Malad City, ID
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Malad Summit Guard Station offers rustic cabins 42 miles southeast of Malad City, providing basic accommodations with electric hookups, toilets, and drinking water. The cabin requires advance reservation and provides proximity to outdoor recreation. "This cabin needs to be reserved first and foremost. It is close to the reservoir if you need to cool off and there is also the creek which runs right next to it," notes a visitor. The guard station features picnic areas and is accessible via drive-in, though larger vehicles may face challenges navigating the narrow access road.
Downata Hot Springs in nearby Downey provides several cabin options ranging from small units for couples to larger family accommodations with lofts. The cabins include private bathrooms, microwaves, and some offer full kitchens. Most cabins at Downata Hot Springs are pet-friendly and include amenities like television and DVD players. A recent review noted, "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." Reservations are essential, particularly during peak summer months when the hot springs and water slides attract families.
Cabin guests should verify what supplies are included with their rental. The smaller cabins typically offer limited kitchen facilities—microwaves and coffee makers—while larger units may include full kitchens with basic cookware. Most provide beds with mattresses, but visitors should bring their own bedding, pillows, and towels. Several campgrounds with cabins operate seasonally between April and October, though some like Cub River Lodge & RV Park remain open year-round. On-site markets at Downata Hot Springs and several KOA locations stock basic provisions, firewood, and snacks, eliminating the need to bring all supplies from home.
Best Cabin Campgrounds near Malad City (23)
1. Downata Hot Springs
"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."
"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."
2. Malad Summit Guard Station
"This 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!"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $60 / night
3. Riverdale Resort
4. Lava Hot Springs East KOA
"The people, bathrooms, and showers are all awesome. There is some road noise but not more than you’d get anywhere else."
"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. This KOA is clean and friendly staff."
5. Lava Hot Springs West KOA
"Kid, pet friendly, walking distance to food and fun. One of the best KOA’s we have stayed at."
"It was small, but cozy. The bathrooms were super clean and so were the showers. This KOA is within walking distance to the hot pools, store, and places to eat."
6. Cub River Lodge & RV Park, LLC
"A special friend has built a cabin right on the river. I have been so blessed to have shared fun times on razor rides on all the many trails up the Mountainside."
"Lots of space for people"
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $15 - $849 / night
7. Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park
"We walked across the street to the hot spring pools and a park where in the summer you can tube the river. "
"On river with a short 2min walk to the entrance for tubing"
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $50 / night
8. Lava Campground
"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."
"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."
41 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
9. Maple Grove Hot Springs
"Camping gets you access to the hot springs from check in until 4pm the next day. There’s running water in the bathhouse with a toilet and shower. There’s yoga classes included in the price as well."
10. Hyrum State Park Campground
"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."
"Got in late around 2100. Plenty of spots available in the back without electric. I did get a spot right next to the lake. Has picnic table, firepit, and charcoal grill available."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $400 / night
Drive Time
- 42 min from Logan, UT
- 49 min from Pocatello, ID
- 55 min from Ogden, UT
- 1 hr 21 min from Idaho Falls, ID
Recent Cabin Photos near Malad City, ID
16 Photos of 23 Malad City Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Cabin Reviews near Malad City, ID
121 Reviews of 23 Malad City Campgrounds
Natalie G.
GuideDownata Hot Springs
Great for kids! Very famiky friendly!
We camped here with our 4 boys on a Wednesday and Thursday night end of July. We almost had the place to ourselves!
Super family friendly! The kids loved the waterpark. The slides were a blast! Big water slides for our older boys, and a baby pool, splash pad and little kid water slide for the 3 year old.
The pool is on the warmer side, 90°-95°F. It can feel a bit warm on a hot day. But the kids never complained. Very budget friendly for the price. Tons of lifeguards, which was nice for added safety.
Pool has a cool history, and feels very vintage in a good way! Super charming.
We never did the hot soaking pools because it was too hot. But would be awesome in winter!
Trailer/rv sites D49-D57 seemed the best in the park. Tons of shade, and backed up to an open space for the most incredible sunsets!
Has a swing set, sandbox, basketball court and volleyball court for kids to play.
Flushing toilets in multiple spots, showers that you have to pay quarters to use. If you use the pool, free showers in the locker room.
Had a good amount of basic supplies in the main office. And a fun snack bar with ice cream, swirl cones, pizza, nuggets, burgers, etc.
The spots are pretty close together. We really lucked out and had the whole row to ourselves Wednesday night. Almost completely full on Thursday night. Felt way more cramped with all the extra trailers.
The kids absolutely loved it, and so did we! Would definitely do this trip again!
- DDoug S.Traveler
Lava Campground
Paradise Found
The campground is privately owned and sits along the river. Large campground with lots of sites. Pull through and back in plus lots of dedicated tent sites with several right on the river bank. Very clean and well maintained. Walking distance to town where there are plenty of food choices and a nice local market for supplies. There is a walking trail that will take you to town.
- Ben F.
ScoutSun Outdoors Garden City Utah
Private beach with amenities
We liked staying at sun outdoors. It was a quiet place with about 200 spots. A pool, hot tub and playground.
You can walk or drive to the beach that I think is exclusive to sun outdoors
John P.ScoutLava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park
Nightly Rates
Just called for camper trailer pad prices for the fall, they are no longer $40-60/night. I was quoted $100-120/night.
- PPatrick B.Traveler
Downata Hot Springs
Downata Hot spring was great
We were driving south from Yellowstone and and to fly off from SLC two days later. We were looking for a spot to stop for the night that wasn’t too urban. Downata has been a blessing. Quiet place with amazing hot springs and very modern pools. Also many sport activities for the kids. An amazing sunset and great people at the desk that were both extremely kind and welcoming but also allowed us to check out a tad later for us to enjoy the site in the morning! Amazing memories for sure. Thank you from Switzerland
Patrick
- IIrma H.Scout
Sun Outdoors Garden City Utah
Too many spots
This location is good. Has grass at most spots and was clean. There are too many spots per sq ft. so everyone is really close together. Many amenities and in good repair.
- IIrma H.Scout
Sun Outdoors Garden City Utah
4th July Weekend
Location is great to be close to the lake with full hook ups. The resort uses EVERY square inch so it feels very crowded. Our site was okay, but we were right next to the dumpster and shower/bathroom facility so everyone wanted to walk thru our site instead of walking around. It was surprisingly quiet for the amount of people there. The private "beach" was not too crowded compared to Roundevous Park. Their beach does have a lot of rocks, so bring water shoes and dogs aren't allowed. But if you walk towards the left side of their private "beach" there is less rocks and you can take your dogs to that side of the beach. Place was good for the 4th and the site was good (next time I would block off the shortcut trail to keep people from walking thru).
Aaron S.
RangerBear Lake/Marina Side KOA Holiday
Bear Lake / Marina Side KOA Holiday Review: The Perfect Hub for a Family Re
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are searching for a destination park that can easily accommodate a large group, the Bear Lake/ Marina Side KOA Holiday in Garden City, Utah, is a standout choice. For our crew, this campground was an absolute highlight of our recent travels, serving as the perfect central hub for a fantastic, week-long family reunion.
Accommodations for Every Camper
One of the hardest parts of planning a multi-generational family trip is finding a park that suits everyone's unique comfort levels and camping styles. This park solves that problem effortlessly.
Site Variety: They offer a massive selection of spaces, including full-hookup RV sites, cozy cabins, and traditional tent sites. It was a huge relief knowing that everyone in our traveling party could find exactly the accommodations they needed while still staying together in one park.
Unbeatable On-Site Entertainment
Keeping a large family entertained for almost a week can be a tall order, but this KOA knocks it out of the park.
Mini Golf: Hands down, our grandkids(and the adults!) found the 9-hole mini-golf course to be the most fun thing going in camp. It was such a hit that our group played every single day we were there for 6 days straight!
The KOA Train: Another major highlight was the fun and fast train rides around the park. The grandkids rode it several times during the week. As a fantastic bonus for parents and grandparents, the train rides are completely free.
Exploring the"Caribbean of the Rockies"
While the campground itself is packed with fun, the surrounding area is just as spectacular.
Lake Activities: We spent plenty of time swimming in the stunning, turquoise waters of nearby Bear Lake. The area is also known for a steady, frequent wind coming off the water, which made for perfect kite-flying weather. Don't let wind ruin your fun. Bring a kite! We did.
Local Eats: You simply cannot stay in Garden City without visiting the iconic LaBeau's Drive-In. Grabbing their "Famous" Raspberry Shakes was an absolute must-do for our group, and they completely lived up to the hype!
The Hitched4fun Verdict
The Bear Lake/ Marina Side KOA Holiday perfectly blends family-focused amenities, versatile lodging, and prime access to one of Utah's most beautiful lakes. It is rare to find a park that caters so effectively to both energetic kids and relaxing adults for an extended stay. If you are planning a family reunion or a group getaway, this location is a guaranteed win.
Rating: Highly Recommended by the entire Hitched4fun.com crew!
Guide to Malad City
Malad City sits at an elevation of 4,500 feet in southeastern Idaho's Oneida County. Surrounded by forested mountains, cabins near Malad City provide access to outdoor recreation across all seasons with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to 90°F in summer. The area offers rustic accommodations from basic forest service cabins to fully equipped hot springs lodging.
What to do
Hot springs relaxation: Visit Downata Hot Springs for natural thermal pools perfect for winter stays. "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. In the summer time the pool is nice and cold and there are water slides," notes Anthony B.
River recreation: The nearby Portneuf River runs through Lava Hot Springs East KOA, offering tubing and swimming opportunities. "The Portneuf River runs right through the campground. You are about a 5-10 minute walk from the main town including the hot pools," explains Shad G., highlighting the combined river and hot springs experience.
Mountain exploration: Explore forest trails around Malad Summit, just 42 miles southeast of Malad City. The area features numerous hiking paths, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing. "There's a really cool spring and waterfall just a short hike up the road," shares David T. about the natural features near the guard station.
What campers like
Riverside cabins: Several campgrounds feature cabins situated directly alongside water features. At Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park, "Our spot #6 was on the river. At the back of the RV park is a trail you can walk along the river and will come to a place where you can enter the river right into a hot spring," explains Debra M.
Diverse lodging options: The region offers everything from basic cabins to more deluxe accommodations. "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," explains Shani C. about larger family options at Downata Hot Springs.
Historical accommodations: Some cabins near Malad City have historic significance. Bristol Park Historic Cabins offers a glimpse into the past. "The cabin we stayed in was an old miners cabin and they had 4 other smaller cabins that were further up the hill. There were so many pieces of historic amercana strewn about as well as a rope swing," notes Alan B. about the property's unique character.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate seasonally, particularly from April through October. "We come here every year to meet family. Friendly staff, clean areas, reasonable rates. Busy time is between Memorial Day and Labor day. We always visit after Labor Day," suggests Pete C. about timing visits to Downata Hot Springs.
Access challenges: Some forest service cabins have limited access. "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," warns David T. about navigating to Malad Summit Guard Station.
Noise factors: Campgrounds near highways or rail lines can experience noise disruption. "While the staff seemed great and the restrooms and shower facilities were awesome, if you camp in the upper section, be prepared to hear trains roll through right beside you all night long. Not to mention the constant freeway noise of semis driving by at all hours," Kristen B. advises about some sites at Lava Hot Springs East KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: The region offers numerous water activities perfect for children. "This KOA is within walking distance to Lava Hot Springs Main Street which has places to eat, hot pools, stores, ice cream place and more. Definitely would stay at this KOA again and again," recommends Shani C. about Lava Hot Springs West KOA.
Playground access: Many campgrounds include play areas for younger visitors. "This campground was always clean. Walking distance to restaurants and local shops. Our riverside campground was wonderful," shares Sam F. about the family-friendly amenities at Lava Hot Springs West KOA.
Cabin size selection: Choose cabin accommodations based on family size. "The 1st time we stayed here, we were with a group of friends who rented out the Ranch House. It had 3-bedrooms with 5 beds, a couch that could sleep 3 grown adults. There was a full kitchen and dinning area, another sitting area to visit. A large flat screen tv with a DVD player," notes Shani C. about group accommodation options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Carefully choose sites that match your RV's dimensions. "The sites are very close to each other but the location in town next to the river, resturaunts and the hot springs pools is the reason to stay here," advises Mark F. about Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park, highlighting the tradeoff between site spacing and location convenience.
Seasonal road conditions: Mountain roads can be challenging in winter months. "The drive up to the lodge and rv park is amazing. Great hosts and a wonderful spot," notes Kim T. about Cub River Lodge & RV Park, which stays open year-round but requires careful driving during snowy conditions.
Hookup availability: Check hookup specifications before booking. "No sewer, electricity and water at most sites," Pete C. mentions about Downata Hot Springs, which is important information for RVers planning extended stays who may need to monitor tank levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Malad City, ID?
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Malad City, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Malad City, ID is Downata Hot Springs with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.
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Malad City, ID?
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