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.
