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Best Campgrounds near Pocatello, ID

336 Reviews

Several different camping areas surround Pocatello, Idaho, giving campers a mix of developed and basic options. Massacre Rocks State Park Campground sits about 28 miles away and has clean bathrooms with showers plus walking trails with historical markers. Goodenough Creek Campground is closer at 18 miles from town and doesn't charge fees - it has marked spots with benches and basic pit toilets that staff keep clean. If you need to stay closer to Pocatello, the KOA is just 4 miles from downtown and has complete RV hookups for travelers passing through. Wildlife is common around all Pocatello camping areas, so store your food properly to keep animals away from your site. Weather around Pocatello works best for camping during spring and fall months. Summer gets pretty hot, so bring plenty of water if camping then. Winter camping requires warm gear and checking for snow conditions. Make sure to look up any closures before heading out, especially during shoulder seasons. The Pocatello area has both simple camping spots and places with more amenities depending on what you prefer.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pocatello, Idaho (86)

    1. Pocatello KOA

    10 Reviews
    Pocatello, ID
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 233-6851

    "We needed to stay in Pocatello for 5 nights (we are a full time family), and the other place we reserved a spot at was a bust. This KOA got us in last minute and it’s fine."

    2. Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

    7 Reviews
    Inkom, ID
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 478-6340

    "Big gravel parking lot and some hiking trails nearby. Close to the highway."

    "Nice spot in a gravel parking lot surrounded by small mountains with toilets nearby. Park on the right as camping is prohibited on the left."

    3. Batiste Springs RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Pocatello, ID
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 251-2627

    $30 - $39 / night

    "Looking for electric site around Pocatello, ID due to extreme heat. Easily made a few day reservation for one of their 12 Pull Through, FHU sites."

    "The weird - you exit by the fertilizer plant. 😬 Then drive through an RV and Boat storage facility."

    4. Goodenough Creek Campground

    17 Reviews
    McCammon, ID
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 478-6340

    "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."

    5. Scout Mountain Campground

    9 Reviews
    McCammon, ID
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 236-7500

    $20 - $120 / night

    "The campground is around 13 miles up a mountain from Pocatello- it took us roughly 30 minutes driving up curvy mountain roads to get up to the top."

    "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."

    6. Cowboy RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Pocatello, ID
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 232-4587

    "Just in the town with everything at walking distance"

    "Great hikes/walks/bike path right next door. Only weird thing is pull thru sites are not exactly but sometimes pull thrus."

    7. Mink Creek Group Site Campground

    4 Reviews
    Inkom, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 236-7500

    $80 - $120 / night

    "About 12 miles off I 15 outside of pocatello Idaho, paved road all the way , I have a transit van and a 16 ‘ trailer and had plenty of room! The camp spots are pretty separated ."

    "One of the best things about this national forest is its close proximity to Pocatello, so if you are from around the area it is a great place to day trip or camp for a weekend, Many of the spots are forest"

    8. Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    McCammon, ID
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 478-6340

    "GPS correct, no signage and just off highway West. Small 60x40 yard gravel/dirt lot a quarter mile up improved road with some potholes."

    "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."

    9. The Flamingo Manufactured Home Community

    1 Review
    Pocatello, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 232-1325

    10. Massacre Rocks State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Rockland, ID
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 548-2672

    "Easy getaway as we're from Pocatello. It was hot, but we had a great time. The camp hosts were very helpful and super friendly. Bathrooms and showers were close and clean."

    "A couple of easy walking trails along the original Oregon Trail. Fishing access parking is generous an not close to the campground which we liked. There are a few cabins here.."

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67 Photos of 86 Pocatello Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pocatello, ID

336 Reviews of 86 Pocatello Campgrounds

Guide to Pocatello

Camping near Pocatello, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at Massacre Rocks State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy beautiful views and various hiking paths. One reviewer mentioned, "There are a lot of trails to walk on here, and since the park is pet friendly, our three big dogs walked the trails with us."

  • Fishing: The Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access is a great spot for fishing. A camper noted, "Short walk to fishing in the river," making it easy to cast a line after setting up camp.

  • Hot Springs: Don’t miss the nearby hot springs! The Lava Hot Springs East KOA is just a short drive away, and one visitor said, "The Lava pools are amazing and the town is very charming and walkable."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathrooms and showers. At the Lava Hot Springs West KOA, one reviewer mentioned, "This campground was always clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. A visitor at Massacre Rocks State Park Campground said, "The camp host was great," highlighting the welcoming atmosphere.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Goodenough Creek Campground described it as a "hidden gem" with "great trails that can be hiked directly from the campground."

What you should know

  • Train Noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks, which can be noisy. A camper at Lower Portneuf Campground noted, "The trains; however, were a drag at night," so be prepared for some disturbances.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Goodenough Creek Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
  • Tight Spaces: Some sites can be cramped, especially for larger RVs. A visitor at Lava Hot Springs East KOA mentioned, "If you're new at parking your rig, or if you have a really large rig, it could be a tight fit."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. The Lava Hot Springs West KOA is noted for being "very kids friendly during summer months," making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Pets: Many campgrounds are pet-friendly, like Massacre Rocks State Park Campground, where families can bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the little ones happy. A camper at Pocatello KOA enjoyed the "ice cream machine" at the store, which is a nice treat after a day of exploring.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Before booking, check the size of the sites. A reviewer at Lava Hot Springs East KOA warned, "The spots aren't very spacious," which is important for RVers to consider.
  • Use Online Reservations: Many campgrounds allow online reservations, making it easier to secure a spot. A visitor at Massacre Rocks State Park Campground mentioned, "We arrived after office hours but had no problem getting a spot since you can do it online."
  • Be Prepared for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A camper at Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping noted, "The road is washboard with lots of potholes," so be cautious if you're driving a larger rig.

Camping near Pocatello, Idaho, offers a variety of experiences, from scenic views to family-friendly activities. Just be sure to check the specifics of each campground to find the best fit for your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping near Pocatello, Idaho?

Free camping is available in the Caribou National Forest surrounding Pocatello. Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping offers primitive sites without amenities but provides beautiful forest settings. Many Forest Service spots in the Mink Creek area are free for up to 14 days, though you'll need to follow pack-in/pack-out principles as trash accumulation can be an issue. Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site is another option for free camping near Pocatello. When dispersed camping, remember to set up at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when possible, and leave no trace. These areas typically have no facilities, so bring all necessary supplies including water and waste disposal equipment.

What campgrounds are available in and around Pocatello?

Pocatello offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Scout Mountain Campground is located about 13 miles from town in the Caribou National Forest, featuring non-reservable sites with vault toilets and water spigots. Mink Creek Group Site Campground is approximately 12 miles from I-15 on paved roads with well-separated sites that include picnic tables, charcoal grills, and fire pits. Other options include Pocatello KOA for those seeking RV hookups, Batiste Springs RV Park with full hookup sites, and Massacre Rocks State Park, which is a bit farther but offers electric/water sites with Snake River views. Most campgrounds in the area are open seasonally from late spring through early fall, with mountain locations having shorter seasons due to weather conditions.

Where can I find camping with water access near Pocatello?

Massacre Rocks State Park Campground offers excellent water access camping about 40 minutes from Pocatello. Many sites have views of the Snake River, with easy water access for fishing and boating. The park provides electric/water hookups, clean facilities, and hiking trails along the river. For a different water experience, River Meadow Campground offers camping alongside a different waterway in the region. When camping near water in this area, be prepared for varying water levels depending on the season, with spring typically offering the highest water. Summer temperatures can be quite hot, making water access particularly valuable for cooling off. Most water-access campgrounds in this region are busiest on summer weekends, so consider mid-week visits for more solitude.

Is dispersed camping available near Pocatello?

Yes, dispersed camping is readily available near Pocatello, particularly in the surrounding Caribou National Forest. Sage Hen Flats Campground offers a more primitive camping experience with fewer amenities. The Mink Creek area has numerous Forest Service spots where dispersed camping is permitted for up to 14 days. Goodenough Creek Campground provides additional options for those seeking a more remote experience. When dispersed camping near Pocatello, follow Leave No Trace principles, bring your own water, and be prepared to pack out all waste. Most dispersed areas have no facilities, cell service may be limited, and high-clearance vehicles are often needed to access the best spots. Fire restrictions may apply during dry summer months, so check current regulations before your trip.

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