Camping cabins near Pocatello, Idaho offer convenient access to eastern Idaho's diverse landscapes, ranging from 4,400 to 8,000 feet in elevation across the surrounding Portneuf Range. The region experiences dry summers with temperatures averaging 85°F during peak season, while winter cabin rentals provide shelter from temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. Most cabin rentals require reservations 3-6 months in advance during summer months.
What to do
Tubing adventures: Lava Hot Springs West KOA offers direct access to river tubing experiences. "The town is super cute and very clean. You can also rent tubes to float down the creek that runs parallel to the town. Big beautiful park with lots of outdoor barbecue pits," notes Alisa P.
Hot springs soaking: 20-minute drive from Pocatello to natural thermal pools. "We walked across the street to the hot spring pools and a park where in the summer you can tube the river. At the back of the RV park is a trail you can walk along the river and will come to a place where you can enter the river right into a hot spring," reports Debra M.
Historical exploration: Discover Oregon Trail history at Massacre Rocks State Park Campground, approximately 45 minutes west of Pocatello. "Must tour Visitor Center! Fascinating history of this area well presented. Bring your disc golf, your fishing pole, and your chair for the evenings," recommends Phillip C.
What campers like
River access: Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park offers waterfront cabin sites. "It was so fun to watch the Rafters float down the river and to sleep by the sounds of the water. The office staff was so very friendly and helpful. It was a real joy to stay here," writes Bill B.
Quiet setting: Seasonal cabin variations affect noise levels. "It's down in a slight valley so the wind does not hit the campground as hard. The dog park is fairly small, but allows your furry friend to get off of their leash and stretch their legs," explains Katy R. about one location.
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance standards at most cabin locations. "The cabin had a futon, bunk bed (twin on top, full on bottom), had a window a/c, heater, table and 2 folding chairs," mentions one visitor, while another notes "This campground is big and the locals certainly come here. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring and some grass."
What you should know
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully based on noise factors. "We stayed in our tent and was given the last tent site in the back. It was small, but cozy. The bathrooms were super clean and so were the showers," notes Shani C.
Seasonal fluctuations: Willow Bay Resort experiences water level changes throughout the year. "We stopped here in October and the water level was extremely low. The boats were dry docked and could not access the marina," reports Debra M.
Transportation planning: When staying at cabins near hot springs, consider walking options. "The campground is hidden behind the Motel, on a small patch of land. There is a fireplace, potable water, sewer hook up," explains Bill B.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Massacre Rocks State Park Campground has family-friendly areas. "This campground is right off the highway so there is some noise but not bad. Well run campground with clean bathrooms and showers. Fun playground for kids and lots of room to run around," mentions Lisa L.
Indoor entertainment options: Some cabins include electronics for evening activities. "The full kitchen and dinning area, another sitting area to visit. A large flat screen tv with a DVD player. There was a small playroom for the kids downstairs," describes one visitor.
Cabin selection for groups: Downata Hot Springs offers larger cabins for families. "We rented a cabin with a loft. There are only 3 loft cabins. They are super cozy, and come with a full kitchen. 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," explains Shani C.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some locations. "The sites are mostly level, but may need one block to be completely level. All the sites seem to fill up every night. (Mid-end of May)," advises Katy R.
Winter cabin stays: Off-season lodging provides unique advantages. "Cold winter months and you need to get away? Wow we rented a cabin three times this last winter. Great little cabins with bathrooms the hot pools were 100 feet away and a heated swimming pool," shares Anthony B.
Connectivity considerations: Wifi access varies significantly between properties. "Campground internet has been sufficient throughout our week," reports one camper, while another mentions "Wifi was garbage. Stayed at the tent site closest to the office/road."
