Tyler M.
Scout
ScoutAlbert Moser
Great out of the way place!
Loved this spot. Only recommendation would be to make each spot to the parking a little more clear.
Camping near McCammon, ID
107 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near McCammon, Idaho encompasses a mix of free dispersed sites and established campgrounds set between mountain foothills and river valleys. The area includes Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping, a former state park now managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), located just off I-15. Nearby, Scout Mountain Campground in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers pine-shaded sites at higher elevation. The Portneuf River corridor provides several camping options, while the popular Lava Hot Springs area, about 15 miles east of McCammon, features multiple developed campgrounds with amenities. According to campers, Indian Rocks provides "beautiful views with easy access to the highway" while maintaining a surprisingly quiet atmosphere despite its proximity to the interstate.
Most campgrounds in the McCammon area operate seasonally from late May through October, with Scout Mountain open May 25 to October 30 and Goodenough Creek Campground available June to October. Winter camping is limited due to snow and freezing temperatures at higher elevations. Access to Indian Rocks requires navigating a gravel road with minor potholes, though it remains passable for most vehicles. Cell service is generally reliable near McCammon, with visitors reporting three to five bars of Verizon coverage at Indian Rocks. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, particularly in August and September when wildfire risk increases.
The camping experience varies significantly between locations around McCammon. Dispersed sites like Indian Rocks offer primitive camping with no amenities but provide free access and fewer restrictions for campers seeking solitude. Established campgrounds like Scout Mountain feature vault toilets, drinking water, and defined sites with fire rings. For those wanting full amenities, the KOA locations in Lava Hot Springs provide electric hookups, showers, and other conveniences. Families often prefer the developed campgrounds with facilities, while anglers gravitate toward sites along the Portneuf River for fishing access. Pet owners will find most area campgrounds accommodate dogs, though leash requirements vary by location.
Best Campgrounds near McCammon (107)
1. Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
"Great free spot for visiting nearby Lava Hot Springs. Be sure to approach from the south (McCammon freeway exit) - The road is nicely maintained up to the campground but horrible continuing north."
"Just take the exit for McCammon and turn right twice, entering the gravel road at the brown lava stone walls. The gravel covered road is in pretty good shape with minor potholes."
2. Goodenough Creek Campground
"Nice hiking opportunities and off road vehicles seemed to be popular as well."
"We haven’t walked downtown yet but it looks like there are a lot of good restaurants and two bookstores! Spacing is tight. Bathrooms clean. Showers paid, $2 for 4 minutes. We have a FHU site."
3. Lower portneuf campground
"We parked our 34 ft motor home right next to a river waterfall and did some fishing. A fire pit was already established. Excellent spot right outside of town with good cell service."
"Close to Highway and very close to railroad tracks. About 7 trains at night when I stayed. Very pretty water rushing made for great sleep sounds when train wasn’t passing."
4. Lava Hot Springs East KOA
"We had a patio site near the office, overlooking a weedy bit near the stream. While you couldn’t see the water from the patio, you could hear it and could enjoy gazing at the cliffs above it."
"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
"But it’s the perfect spot if you want to be around all the fun action of Lava Hot Springs. You’re walking distance to the river, restaurants, the pool and all the fun stuff in Lava."
"Kid, pet friendly, walking distance to food and fun. One of the best KOA’s we have stayed at."
6. Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access
"There’s a toilet located here, bring your own TP though. The river is fun to jump in and hang out in! The trains come frequently and at times are pretty loud but it doesn’t bother our group."
"Dispersed camping close to hot springs, don't miss the hot springs, thay are awesome."
7. Scout Mountain Campground
"We had gone up and had gotten site #20 which is the last site before exiting the campground. The site was quiet, and no one next to us."
"We stayed on site #3, nice and shady, perfect walking distance to clean vault toilets, water spigot not far, and off the road so you feel tucked away."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability8. Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park
"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."
"Located very conveniently to the river and most of the activities in lava Hot Springs. We were only going to stay for two nights, but now we have stayed a full week."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. Lava Campground
"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."
"It’s a bit further outside of downtown, but easily walkable through the paths and KOA. It’s affordable, spacious and clean."
10. Mary’s Campground
"There’s a paved trail around all of the camp sites for bikes and skateboards and the owners are incredibly friendly. Clean bathrooms /showers as well."
from $40 - $85 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 24 min from Pocatello, ID
- 56 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 1 hr 7 min from Logan, UT
- 1 hr 20 min from Ogden, UT
Recent Camping Photos near McCammon, ID
71 Photos of 107 McCammon Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Indian Rocks - Dispersed CampingJ
Goodenough Creek Campground
Lost Trail Resort
Smith's Trout HavenJ
Scout Mountain Campground
Lava Hot Springs West KOA
Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access
Lower portneuf campgroundM
Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park
Portneuf Bend Campground
Mary’s CampgroundR
Lava Hot Springs East KOA
Recent Reviews near McCammon, ID
424 Reviews of 107 McCammon Campgrounds
- Rachel M.
GuideWillow Flat Campground
Horrible host, questionable reservations
The first night of our two night reserved and prepaid campsite was in a different site for an rv. The camp host was drunk and gave our site away to another family that didn’t have a reservation. Since they were all set up, we were tossed into the only other available site left. That site was a no show so I guess we got “lucky.” I paid $8 extra just to reserve. Otherwise it’s $20 a night for a tent site. The host yelled at his son in front of us, too. He wasn’t a young child and was actually super nice and tried to help. It was so uncomfortable. The campground itself was not bad. A weird layout for a few sites. I would stay again if there was a new host. We were right next to the water. The second night we were able to move into our actual reservation. Then it rained and hailed. Funny how that seems to happen on the weekends. We survived. It definitely was an experience with the weather that time. lol there’s trails and a lot of trees surrounding. Really nice location.
- Rachel M.Guide
Big Springs - Caribou
First time camping as an adult
The wind and rain was ridiculous. Can’t say it was the worst thing ever. It definitely was an experience. Utah took over the other sites nearby so we ended up here. The tent pad had grass clumps that were terrible. The second night, we moved under the shelter in the gravel. It was so much better. Trails nearby, water spigot, vault toilets. Camp hosts were so amazingly nice. Close enough to Lava to go into town during the day. Road to the campground is long and gravel. Train crossing at the turn from the main road. Lots of noise during the loud hours from atvs. People having fun. $20 per tent site. Picnic table under shelter with concrete and metal fire pit.
Janette K.GuideBlackfoot Reservoir Campground
Great site stayed awhile
The campground is nice and for the most part, quiet. People don't follow the 10 mph speed limit and yesterday someone running their dog down the road next to their vehicle hit their own dog!!! The bathrooms are clean. Like the cleanest vault bathrooms I have seen anywhere!The horseshoe pit with horseshoes is a nice touch. Although we have been cleaning up after our dogs 💩 most don't. Doesn't seem to be enforced. The moose visit the area regularly and they can be easy to find once someone points out where they are. One evening they came to us! Standing in the sandbox near the main information board and bathroom area. Would stay again for sure. The tables are covered with ramadas but the birds have taken over them all. I would bring my own table.
- Janette K.Guide
Blackfoot Reservoir Campground
Alright stay over spot
First, make sure to go to soda springs and see the geyser and other things. The campground has bird nests all around the tables so they more or less become unusable. The tables and fire pits sit to the back of the spots Potable water is near by (at the end of our site) but does need to be hauled or filled prior to pulling in. The lake is huge and people are fishing and waterskiing Game and Fish has been on the lake daily! We have seen moose in the evenings at the north end of the campground. The vault toilets are the cleanest I've ever seen and have hand sanitizer in them. There is also a horseshoe pit with horseshoes to play with.
Kylee E.ScoutSnake River Vista Recreation Site
Perfect overnight spot
This spot was a perfect distance from the interstate so we weren’t visible to passerby’s but it was only a 5 minute drive back to I-86. We could hear the traffic on the interstate but it wasn’t too bothersome. Overall a nice place to land as you’re passing through. There are spots lower right against the river but you need a high clearance vehicle to reach those, our SUV wouldn’t have made it.
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.
TravelerLava 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.
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.
Guide to McCammon
Camping spots near McCammon, Idaho include a mix of free dispersed sites and established campgrounds at elevations ranging from 4,700 to 7,800 feet. The region sits at the junction of the Portneuf River Valley and Marsh Creek, creating diverse terrain with sagebrush lowlands transitioning to pine-covered mountains. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during July-August while winter overnight lows drop to single digits from December through February.
What to do
Fishing access: 5 minutes from camp. At Lower Portneuf Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites. "Beautiful & quiet. Short walk to fishing in the river," notes Keith E., who appreciates the proximity to water despite the train noise.
Float the Portneuf: seasonal activity. When staying at Lava Hot Springs West KOA, visitors have convenient access to river tubing. Jon M. explains, "You're walking distance to the river, restaurants, the pool and all the fun stuff in Lava," making it an ideal base for water activities.
Hike mountain trails: moderate difficulty. The camping areas around Scout Mountain Campground offer extensive trail networks. Sheri C. mentions there are "Great hiking and horseback riding trails, quiet, not too crowded," providing options for day trips into the surrounding wilderness.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: varies by campground. At Goodenough Creek Campground, many sites offer natural separation. According to Ithan S., "There are a few spots right by the entrance that don't get much shade in the middle of the day but if you continue past them there are many more sites back in the woods."
Night sky viewing: minimal light pollution. The open areas at Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access allow excellent stargazing opportunities. Wendhy J. shares, "The stars were SO bright! We've been traveling for almost a month and stargazing last night was definitely one of my favorite moments."
Creek-side camping: natural white noise. Campers at Lost Trail appreciate riverside sites. Lori R. describes, "Put our tent right next to the river on grass. Picnic table, fire ring. Horses and sheep in the background. Very picturesque!" The sound of flowing water helps mask highway noise.
What you should know
Train noise: frequent crossings. Multiple campgrounds near Lava Hot Springs experience train disturbances. Isaac at Lower Portneuf Campground warns, "There is a railroad crossing about 100ft from the sites, and we experienced about 8 trains coming through between 1am-6am. Which meant that every time they crossed they had to sound their horn multiple times which was absolutely ear splitting."
Road conditions: rough in places. Accessing Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping requires careful driving. Beverly M. cautions, "Very nice sites. Trash in all the fire pits. Good cell service. Just go very slow. We did fine with the 27-foot trailer," highlighting the need to navigate washboard roads.
Water levels: seasonal considerations. The rivers and creeks change significantly throughout the year. Sanjeeta S. from Goodenough Creek Campground shares their experience: "Woke up to an amazing sunrise and sound of the creek. Just lovely and it's Free!" indicating the pleasant conditions during normal flow periods.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: keeps kids entertained. Jon M. at Lava Hot Springs West KOA mentions, "We were on site #1 which is by the playground and dog park, because we had both on our reservation. At first we were upset at our location, but it was actually great."
Safety around water: supervision needed. The river access points require caution with children. At Mary's Campground, Chris Y. notes, "There's a paved trail around all of the camp sites for bikes and skateboards," providing safer recreation options than unsupervised river play.
Bathroom cleanliness: varies by location. Scout Mountain Campground maintains good facilities. Bryan mentions, "Bathrooms are vault bathrooms," while also noting the campground is "nestled high in the mountain with a small road to reach the site," important factors for families planning longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: ask for specific spots. When staying at Lava Hot Springs East KOA, Michelle H. recommends, "The tent area is quite pretty and I really liked that the ground is large grain sand so it made setting up camp very easy. You don't get to choose your site online so I recommend calling ahead and asking for a full shade site."
Leveling considerations: scout before setting up. Aaron G. from Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping advises, "The road into dispersed camping is full of pot holes so go slow with a Class A RV or if you have low clearance. The noise from the freeway is minimal."
Hook-up availability: limited in most areas. For those requiring services, mark F. notes that Lava Spa RV Park offers "Great in town location near everything. The sites are very close to each other but the location in town next to the river, restaurants and the hot springs pools is the reason to stay here."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at McCammon campgrounds?
What amenities are available at McCammon campgrounds?
Amenities vary widely across McCammon area campgrounds. Mink Creek Group Site Campground offers toilet buildings, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and fire pits with plenty of room for larger vehicles. Lava Hot Springs East KOA provides more developed facilities with tent areas featuring large grain sand for easy setup and mature trees for shade. For those seeking minimal amenities, dispersed camping options like Indian Rocks have no facilities but offer seclusion. Most established campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, while private campgrounds typically offer more extensive facilities.
Where can I find campgrounds near McCammon, Idaho?
Where can I find campgrounds near McCammon, Idaho?
Several camping options are available near McCammon. Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping is located right off Merrill Road (take the McCammon exit and turn right twice) and offers a BLM-managed area with good gravel road access. For those seeking established facilities, Scout Mountain Campground provides first-come, first-served sites with vault toilets and water spigots. Other options within driving distance include Goodenough Creek Campground, Lower Portneuf Campground, and Mink Creek Group Site, which is about 12 miles from I-15 with paved road access all the way.
Are there swimming spots in the river near McCammon?
Are there swimming spots in the river near McCammon?
River Meadow Campground provides excellent river access with its location on a wide open meadow right on the river, making it ideal for swimming and water activities. Another option is Massacre Rocks State Park Campground, located about 25 miles from McCammon near American Falls, which offers beautiful river views and water access. The Portneuf River runs near McCammon with several access points for swimming, though water levels and safety conditions vary seasonally. Local sportsman access points also provide opportunities to reach the river for swimming during summer months.
Keep Exploring