Several luxury glamping destinations near McCammon, Idaho provide a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and comfortable accommodations. Lava Hot Springs West KOA features canvas glamping tents and yurts along the Portneuf River, offering a premium outdoor experience with modern amenities. One guest shared, "We stayed at the end of September. Leaves were beginning to turn and were gorgeous. This campground was always clean. Walking distance to restaurants and local shops." The property maintains electricity and comfortable bedding in their glamping accommodations, with proximity to Lava Hot Springs' famous thermal pools. Downata Hot Springs also provides upscale glamping options including yurts and specialty accommodations just minutes from McCammon, with hot springs access directly from the property.
Soaking in natural hot springs serves as the centerpiece attraction at these glamping destinations, with Lava Hot Springs offering multiple thermal pools within walking distance of accommodations. According to a camper, "This is the perfect spot to enjoy all the water offerings during the summer at Lava Hot Springs." Downata Hot Springs combines luxury camping with year-round thermal pools, water slides in summer months, and a small café and store on premises. Most glamping sites provide fire pits, picnic tables, and easy access to hiking trails. Reservations are essential during peak season from May through September, when temperatures are ideal for enjoying both hot springs and outdoor activities. Winter visitors can experience a quieter stay with heated accommodations and steaming hot springs against a backdrop of snow.
"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."
"It's a no frills campground with 8 sites with tables and fire pits. There is a pit toilet in the picnic area (a very short walk)."
"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."
"Not all campsites have a fire pit, so you have to rent one. There’s also not a “play” area. This campground is nice, but it’s a little tight."
"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
"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."
"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. Close walking distance to the hot pools and restaurant."
"It is close to the reservoir of you need to cool off and there is also the creek which runs right next to it! It has picnic tables and a bbq grill and sleeping space inside for a few people"
"Bathrooms and developed campsites with plenty of trees and a creek running through it!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $60 / night
"Stayed on the upper loop, lots of hiking, great campsites with fire pits. Very nice staff and we'll maintained facilities."
"Bathrooms and showers were very clean. You definitely want a lower loop site to get away from the freeway noise, plus you will have more shade during peak summer heat."
"We arrived the Wednesday after Labor Day. We were given a full hookup spot in a giant field area all to ourselves! Our spot backed up to a small running creek filled with fish."
"I booked Indian Springs last minute because nearby campgrounds with reviews were full. But Indian Springs deserves a review! Spacious, full facilities."
"When you arrive you need to go to check in at Shoshone-Bahhock Casino registration desk. The RV Park is all pull through. Have a small grassy area between sites. Full hook up."
"Our site had enough flat areas for two 2+ dome dents. There was a little path to the bathrooms."
"There's a trail from the upper loop that goes to the large parking area at Emigration Pass, where there are other trails. There's some noise from Hwy 36, which is nearby though not visible."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $100 / night
LegendI have really enjoyed my one night stop here. Go to the lower campground so that you stay away from the noise of the road. But if you're a trail person and a view person, this is by far the nicest state park so far. Unfortunately I camped in the upper campground. The water was on, but the bathrooms were closed. The lower bathrooms were still open. But they're old and not well maintained.
ScoutThis is the best little campground ever with all amenities, Reasonable prices and very wonderful staff. It’s very clean and quiet. We enjoyed our stay here very much. They also have a wonderful gift shop with food options like a grill and ice cream and drinks. I don’t wanna forget to mention the very large swimming pool that’s there also but you have to pay for that separately. It’s not included with your stay.
RangerI wish e could stay another night but we have to move on. This place is beautiful, peaceful,clean has great views of the lake, and has water and electricity!! Ot doesn’t get any better!
GuideThe 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.
GuideWe 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!
GuideWhen you arrive you need to go to check in at Shoshone-Bahhock Casino registration desk. The RV Park is all pull through. Have a small grassy area between sites. Full hook up. This note is for 30amp trailer, when you plug into power box, you to switch on all amps. Large grassy with a cover picnic tables. Has showers and laundry.
TravelerWe 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
RangerEasy on/off the interstate, great views, camping with Snake River views. Clean and updated restrooms, trails and a disc golf course (maybe next time… if there is a next time…)
BUT, after paying a bit more than I like to for a state park, a $10 fee for registration online (you can’t pay in person and avoid it), a $7 fee for vehicle entry (even though we paid $52 for camping) I had the pleasure of paying $10 to dump (yes, registered campers must pay to dump). In 40 years of camping, I’ve never had to pay to dump at a campsite I had already paid for. If this is how Idaho is doing all state parks… I don’t think we’ll be exploring.
New tables, good fire rings, friendly hosts, up to you if it’s worth it.
GuideIt's a nice enough place, lots to explore, clean restrooms and showers. Has water electricity and a dump station But, the noise from the interstate is a little to much for me... people in the visitors station are very friendly and informative..
Dispersed camping sites near McCammon, Idaho provide accessible options for visitors seeking alternatives to luxury glamping resorts. Located in the southeastern region of Idaho at approximately 4,800 feet elevation, this area experiences warm summer days with cool evenings and cold winters with significant snowfall. The Lower Portneuf Campground sits alongside the Portneuf River, offering free camping with basic amenities just minutes from town.
Waterfall exploration: Lower Portneuf Campground features a scenic waterfall area perfect for fishing and water activities. "I didn't realize what a great spot it was until the next morning when exploring the river area. WOW! Awesome! This is a real hidden gem!" notes Rod D. The campground offers several spots next to the river with established fire pits.
Hot springs soaking: Beyond premium glamping near McCammon, Idaho, visitors can enjoy natural hot springs at Indian Springs Resort and RV. "We enjoyed the hot spring fed pool. Again, we were the only ones there. The pool is huge!" reports Kellie. The vintage hot spring swimming pool provides a natural soaking experience with admission separate from camping fees.
Historic exploration: Massacre Rocks State Park, located about 45 minutes from McCammon, features historic Oregon Trail sites. "We enjoyed the hike/walk out to the Oregon Trail wagon ruts," shares Ashley M. The park includes a disc golf course and opportunities for rock climbing along with river access.
Riverfront access: Lower Portneuf Campground offers direct river access that campers consistently mention in reviews. "This place is gorgeous! We parked our 34 ft motor home right next to a river waterfall and did some fishing... Paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing are primo," says Chelsey M. The free camping area provides a more rustic alternative to luxury glamping accommodations.
Proximity to town: Many campers appreciate how Lava Hot Springs West KOA provides easy access to local attractions. "This is not camping. 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," explains Jon M. This location offers convenience for visitors wanting both camping and town amenities.
Forest seclusion: For those seeking more natural surroundings than standard glamping sites, Emigration Campground provides forest immersion. "Lots of sites that really have a lot of privacy and back right up to the forest. Also trails right off the campsite," writes Erin M. The campground features huckleberry picking opportunities during season and well-maintained facilities.
Train noise: The most frequently mentioned drawback at Lower Portneuf Campground is train noise. "The tracks are only about 100' from most of the spots. The real kicker is, because there's a crossing to get into the campground, the trains blast their horn literally right as they pass you," warns Brett T. Trains run throughout night, with most reviews mentioning 7-8 trains passing between evening and morning.
Seasonal operations: Downata Hot Springs operates primarily from April through October, with peak season between Memorial Day and Labor Day. "Busy time is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. We always visit after Labor Day," advises Pete C. Many campgrounds in the region have limited or no winter availability due to weather conditions.
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping facilities and campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "We came on a Thursday morning in late September and there were only two spots left," notes Shannon P. about Lower Portneuf Campground, despite visiting during shoulder season. Weekends often require booking weeks in advance during peak summer.
Water attractions: Downata Hot Springs offers family-friendly water features beyond standard glamping amenities. "Hot springs and water slides fit the bill... Great groups there during our stay, easy to get around. Nice amenities," shares Jennifer H. The resort includes both hot springs and summer water slides that appeal particularly to families with children.
Structured activities: Mary's Campground provides organized recreation options. "There's a paved trail around all of the camp sites for bikes and skateboards and the owners are incredibly friendly," explains Chris Y. The site layout allows for easy supervision while children enjoy outdoor activities.
Budget considerations: Free camping options exist for families wanting alternatives to premium glamping. "We did not stay at the KOA, but right up the road at a Sportsman Access area. Camped right next to the river at no cost," suggests Sara P., noting they found "a large cleared out spot, not very many neighbors, 1 vaulted toilet on sight" just 3 miles from Lava Hot Springs.
Site selection: For RVers exploring alternatives to glamping near McCammon, Idaho, choosing the right site is crucial. "Hard to maneuver in the campground as well as getting up the narrow road. Perfect site for tents," cautions David T. about Malad Summit Guard Station. RVers should research access roads and site dimensions before arrival, especially at forest service campgrounds.
Hookup availability: Mary's Campground offers RV facilities but spaces can feel cramped. "The site #7 was right on the river, and just too close to #6 & #8," notes Shani C. Many campgrounds in the region offer partial hookups only, with limited or no sewer connections at some locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near McCammon, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near McCammon, ID is Lower portneuf campground with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near McCammon, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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