Cabins near Malta, Idaho are situated in the high desert region of south-central Idaho, where elevations range from 4,300 to 5,500 feet. The area experiences wide temperature swings between day and night, with summer days that can reach 90°F followed by cool evenings in the 50s. Winter cabin stays require preparation for temperatures that often drop below freezing, with occasional snow accumulation making access more challenging from November through March.
What to do
Disc golf course access: At Massacre Rocks State Park Campground, visitors can play on the park's disc golf course while enjoying river views. "There is a visitor's center but is was closed in July 2020 due to Covid restrictions," notes one reviewer, while another mentions the "plenty of trails that lead to even greater views."
Climbing opportunities: The cabin accommodations at Castle Rocks State Park provide convenient access to numerous climbing routes. "This is a great place to go if theres swarms of climbers at the City of Rocks because of the fee which tends to drive away most dirtbag (endearing term for us) climbers," shares one visitor. Another adds that there are "a multitude of fantastic routes there and some good bouldering to be had as well."
Oregon Trail history: When staying in cabins around Malta, explore historical sites tied to westward expansion. A camper at Massacre Rocks mentions, "We enjoyed the hike/walk out to the Oregon Trail wagon ruts." The area's visitor centers provide context about pioneer journeys through this corridor.
What campers like
Dark sky viewing: Cabin guests at Castle Rocks State Park enjoy exceptional night sky visibility. "DARK skies!!! A star gazer's dream," reports one enthusiastic visitor. Another camper describes their experience: "We went to bed early and opened the blinds on the front stargazing window of our Lance. The view was breathtaking!!! It was such a clear night (and so dark in the campground) that we could see hundreds of stars."
Wildlife encounters: Lake Walcott State Park Campground offers cabin stays with opportunities to view native animals. "The deer tend to come in in the early evening hours to enjoy the park too and are not very spooked by people," notes one visitor. Another camper adds, "We saw Deer and Racoons at night. We kept all food items in out car to avoid issues."
Fishing opportunities: Waterfront cabin rentals provide convenient fishing access. According to a Lake Walcott visitor, "The lake is absolutely beautiful with views of mountains in the distance." At Massacre Rocks, one camper notes, "Amazing campground and beautiful views. Great fishing in the Snake River."
What you should know
Water availability: Some cabins have seasonal water restrictions. "Water not yet turned on in the campground so bring your own water if you are coming through early in the season," advises a Castle Rocks visitor. Another adds: "We were disappointed to find that all the water and restroom facilities were closed during the winter."
Insect preparation: Depending on the season, bugs can be problematic around cabin areas. At Willow Bay Resort, one visitor notes the campground is "right on the lake with wide open grass to play ball etc." Another Lake Walcott camper warns: "This is not the place for those with Insect phobias. There were non stinging flying insects all up in our face and flying up our nose."
Noise factors: Some cabins experience noise from nearby infrastructure. As one Lake Walcott camper explains, "The park is also part of an electric dam project so you'll hear an alarm every once in a while but it's not very loud." At Willow Bay, another notes "Construction work began in the early morning, which was much noisier than the nearby railroad."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families staying in cabins with children can take advantage of dedicated play areas. "There was a pretty good park with play equipment for the kids during the midday hours," notes one Lake Walcott visitor. These structured play spaces provide entertainment when not exploring trails or water features.
Supply planning: When staying in cabins near Malta with children, plan grocery runs strategically. A Castle Rocks camper advises, "Make sure you are well provisioned before you arrive," while another notes that "Tracy's General Store in town...makes their own ice cream and has a little restaurant across the street but not much in the way of groceries."
Swimming options: Country RV Village offers cabin accommodations with nearby water recreation. While one visitor describes it as "not a bad place, not a great place," other campgrounds like Lake Walcott have designated swimming areas where, as one visitor notes, "kids loved the swimming."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For those bringing an RV alongside cabin-staying companions, site selection matters. At Castle Rocks, "All sites were quite nice, many pull-through, and most with shade and lots of privacy," reports one RVer. Another notes, "We have bigger RV so some of the spots would not work. Make sure you use the filter to eliminate those with a smaller driveway."
Hookup availability: Cabins and RV sites often have different utility options. "Price was reasonable for electricity and water. Dump station nearby," mentions one Castle Rocks visitor. At Massacre Rocks, "Sites have electric and water and there is a dump station."
Weather considerations: RVers supplementing cabin accommodations should prepare for temperature fluctuations. "Stayed on the upper loop, lots of hiking, great campsites with fire pits," notes a Massacre Rocks visitor, indicating the need for evening warmth options even in summer months when temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
