Pocatello camping options feature sites at elevations between 4,400-5,400 feet, creating variable weather conditions throughout the camping season. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F during daytime hours, while evenings can drop to 45-55°F even in July. Most RV campgrounds near Pocatello remain accessible from April through October, though winter camping opportunities exist at year-round facilities.
What to do
River activities near Portneuf River: At Batiste Springs RV Park, campers can access the nearby spring and river. "You are just above Batise Spring. You can walk down the path and go to the bridge. You are standing over Batise Spring! I got in! Bob said it was 52° and I believe it," notes one visitor who enjoyed cooling off in the natural water feature. Others mention tubing opportunities: "We saw a real cute family coming back from tubing! Basically turn right after the bridge, follow the path and you can get in Portneuf River."
Hot springs soaking: Just 30 miles from Pocatello, Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park offers close access to natural hot springs. "The location is directly across the street from the hot spring pools. 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," shares a camper. For summer visitors, tubing is popular: "The river is not a lazy river float but an amazing short rapid filled 15 min rip through the towns river. There is a shuttle to bring you back to the drop in."
Hiking and biking access: Several campgrounds provide direct trail access. One visitor at Cowboy RV Park mentioned, "Great hikes/walks/bike path right next door." The location allows campers to leave vehicles parked while exploring local trails by foot or bicycle.
What campers like
Cooling water features: During hot summer days, access to water becomes a priority. "The trail is pretty! The spring on one side, the river on the other. Lots of birds and I saw two muskrats!" reports one Batiste Springs visitor who appreciated the natural setting. At Devils Creek RV Park, one camper noted the "scenic view of Devils reservoir with mountains in background," providing both recreation and visual appeal.
Walkable amenities: Some RV parks offer convenient access to town services. A visitor at Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park highlighted this advantage: "The small 15 space campground is right on main street and you can walk to a large number of sites, restaurants, shops, historic museum and buildings and a small market."
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers rank high in camper preferences. One visitor to Idaho Falls Luxury RV Park praised their "spacious, clean restrooms" and noted that "the showers were huge, with hot water that lasted for a long time." The park also features "concrete pads were level, long, and wide, and the sites were very roomy, with great tables and green grass."
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Many RV campgrounds near Pocatello feature close quarters. At Devils Creek RV Park, a visitor noted, "Sites super close together." This recurring theme appears in multiple reviews across different parks, suggesting that privacy may be limited at most facilities.
Seasonal temperature extremes: The area experiences significant temperature variations. "Looking for electric site around Pocatello, ID due to extreme heat," mentioned one camper who sought hookups for air conditioning. Summer temperatures frequently reach the 90s, while winter camping requires preparation for below-freezing conditions.
Reservation timing: Many parks fill quickly during peak season. As one camper at Devils Creek advised: "Call ahead and make sure to get reservations so you can get a spot." This becomes especially important for stays near holiday weekends or during special local events when demand increases substantially.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Family-friendly parks offer specific amenities for children. At Snake River RV Park & Campground, visitors noted the "playground for the kids and plenty of space for longer rigs," making it suitable for family camping trips. The park also offers a pool that families appreciate after days of travel.
Consider noise factors: Railroad tracks and highways near some parks create noise challenges for light sleepers. One Idaho Falls Luxury RV Park camper mentioned "super loud railroad tracks, but they give you ear plugs." Families with children who are sensitive to noise should consider site location or bring sound machines.
Check site dimensions: When traveling with multiple family members, adequate space becomes essential. "Some units have a really nice shared grass area between trailers," noted one Devils Creek visitor, highlighting the value of grassy areas for children to play safely within view of parents.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: For easier parking, several parks feature convenient configurations. One visitor to Batiste Springs RV Park noted "all 12 sites are pull thru with good power, water, and sewer connects. Can easily accommodated large rigs." This setup eliminates the need for complicated backing maneuvers.
Utility connections: RVers should verify hookup details before arrival. While many parks advertise full hookups, the specific connections vary. One Cowboy RV Park visitor observed "pull thru sites are not exactly but sometimes pull thrus," indicating potential confusion about site configuration that could affect larger rigs with multiple slideouts.
Access considerations: Some parks have challenging entrance routes. A camper at Devils Creek cautioned about coming in late and leaving early: "We called ahead and they were very accommodating. Manager gave us an end site we could pull in, stay hooked up, went to bed, got up early and headed out." This arrangement works well for overnight stops but may not suit extended stays.
