RV camping near Malta, Idaho offers sites at elevations around 5,500 feet with volcanic landscapes and mountain views. From May through October, daytime temperatures range from 65-85°F with cooler nights at 45-55°F. The region's dispersed camping options provide alternatives to the developed RV parks along Interstate 84.
What to do
Explore City of Rocks: Take a day trip to City of Rocks National Reserve from your basecamp near Malta. "Within walking distance to town and to the entrance to The City of Rocks National Park. Town includes a Steak house, a grocery store, hot springs, pizza and the City of Rocks headquarters," notes one camper.
Visit Snake River: Many RV parks offer river access for fishing, paddling or relaxing. At Village of Trees RV Resort, "A short path leads to a public launch on the Snake River" and "First and foremost. The staff is AWESOME. Second, Location. Super easy access off I-84. They have a market, deli, A truck stop on the premises. The park is right on the Snake River."
Hiking trails: Explore the marked trails near Bennett Springs, about 30 miles from Malta. A visitor reported, "We took the site at the eastern end and felt like we had the place to ourselves. Nice trail along the creek and wildflowers everywhere."
What campers like
Dining options: Some campgrounds offer convenient food services. "They have a grill which will deliver breakfast, lunch or dinner to your site," mentioned a visitor to Village of Trees RV Resort, while another added, "Level lots, well maintained, easy access to the Snake River, plus they will bring you food from their grill. Was only passing thru, ended up staying two nights."
Privacy between sites: Smoky Mountain Campground offers well-spaced campsites. "The sites are HUGE and really offer a great deal of privacy and seclusion," noted one camper. Another mentioned, "All sites were quite nice, many pull-through, and most with shade and lots of privacy."
Free camping options: Sublett Campground provides no-cost sites. "About 11 miles in from Interstate 84. No one else here. Surrounding hills at sunset were beautiful!" reported a camper. Another visitor mentioned the unique landscape: "It reminds me of some landscapes of Iceland and Ireland."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly outside towns. At Indian Springs Resort and RV, service is generally reliable, but at more remote sites like Sublett Campground, visitors report "No cell service. Verizon."
Weather considerations: Snow can limit access to higher-elevation sites into late spring. One camper noted at Bennett Springs: "Took the long drive up and arrived at the campground at night. Didn't see the snow and almost got stuck. Currently (5/10/24) there is snow blocking the entrance and impassible."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful driving. At Sublett Campground: "Took my dodge dart back here, almost 40 minutes on the gravel road from I-84. I think its about 11 miles but in some case there were large rocks that an SUV could easily handle but I need to go slow and move some out of the way."
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation amenities: Campgrounds with swimming options are popular with families. "We are camping across America in a tent with our young toddler and 2 dogs. This place was great, clean, well kept... the pool was fantastic although entry to the pool is not included in your camping fee," explained a visitor at Indian Springs Resort.
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity affects some sites. A camper at Heyburn Riverside RV Park noted: "Camping area itself is nicely laid out, but is directly across from public park. Restrooms are across the street in that park. There is a lot of traffic noise and a terrible smell from the fertilizer plant."
Choose sites with play areas: Some campgrounds offer open spaces for children. Indian Springs Resort features "a giant field area all to ourselves! Our spot backed up to a small running creek filled with fish. The field had corn hole and horse shoe games set up."
Tips from RVers
Water connection logistics: Bring appropriate equipment for hookups. At Heyburn Riverside RV Park, "Utilities are placed more to the back of the space and worked fine with great water pressure so use a reducer."
Spot selection for hookups: Choose sites strategically based on your rig's configuration. At City of Rocks RV, "Electric and water taps are on even numbered sites and shared with the adjacent odd numbered site, so if your cord or hose is on the short side choose an even numbered site."
Level site considerations: Some campgrounds require extra work for leveling. One camper at Indian Springs Resort shared: "Our site was not the best. Big ruts, we had to level quite a bit, 120 amp didn't work. But they were cleaning up getting ready for season."
