Camping options near Pocatello, Idaho range from riverside sites to mountain retreats, with elevations varying from 4,400 to 5,500 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during peak camping months of June through September. Winter camping is limited to a few year-round facilities like Snake River RV Park & Campground, where travelers can access heated amenities during colder months.
What to do
Historic exploration: 30 minutes from town. At Massacre Rocks State Park Campground, visitors can hike to Oregon Trail wagon ruts and discover local history. "Be sure to go up to Register Rock up the road! So much history here," recommends camper Ashley M. The visitor center provides context about the area's significance as a westward expansion route.
Disc golf: Free course available. Massacre Rocks State Park offers an on-site disc golf course for campers seeking recreational activities. One visitor noted, "Bring your disc golf, your fishing pole, and your chair for the evenings!" This activity requires no additional fees beyond the standard camping rate.
Fishing access: Multiple spots along Snake River. Several campgrounds provide direct river access for fishing enthusiasts. At Lower portneuf campground, visitors enjoy free riverside camping with good fishing spots. "We parked our 34 ft motor home right next to a river waterfall and did some fishing," shares Chelsey M., highlighting the easy access for all vehicle types.
What campers like
Natural hot springs: Daily access for relaxation. The Lava Hot Springs West KOA provides walking distance access to multiple hot spring options. As Sam F. notes, "Walking distance to restaurants and local shops. Our riverside campground was wonderful." The campground offers both access to commercial hot spring facilities and natural spots along the river.
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained bathrooms. Many campers praise the cleanliness standards at campgrounds throughout the region. At Indian Springs Resort and RV, Scott B. appreciated that they found "clean, well kept, nice flush toilets with soap and working sinks," which makes a significant difference for families camping with young children.
Outdoor recreation options: Tubing, biking, swimming. Campers enjoy various water activities during summer months. Chris Y. from Mary's Campground shares, "There's a paved trail around all of the camp sites for bikes and skateboards and the owners are incredibly friendly." Proximity to tubing locations allows for easy day trips without moving camp.
What you should know
Train noise: Frequent at certain locations. Lower Portneuf Campground sits approximately 100 feet from active train tracks with crossing horns. Brett T. warns, "The trains blast their horn literally right as they pass you. Like excessively so, unnecessarily so. It was not a great night's sleep." Consider packing earplugs if staying near railroad crossings.
Crowding issues: Peak season limitations. Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months, especially on weekends. Sites can be close together at popular locations. Shannon P. advises, "This used to be open camping in a field but they have recently fenced it in, leaving just 8 camping spots, fairly close together. This is a popular place with full-time nomads."
Seasonal operation: Limited winter camping. Most glamping facilities close from November through April. At Downata Hot Springs, operations run "April to October" with peak season between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Pete C. suggests, "Busy time is between Memorial Day and Labor day. We always visit after Labor Day."
Tips for camping with families
Hot springs pools: Kid-friendly options. Downata Hot Springs provides specialized pool areas for different age groups. Anthony B. explains, "In the summer time the pool is nice and cold and there are water slides." Facilities include both heated mineral pools and regular swimming areas with varying depths.
Playground access: Multiple options. At Snake River RV Park & Campground, families appreciate the on-site playground. Katie H. notes, "The park for the kids was perfect and the pool was open too! Beautiful grounds and close to everything in town." This provides entertainment options during downtime at camp.
Group accommodations: Ranch houses available. For larger family gatherings, Downata Hot Springs offers multi-bedroom options. Shani C. describes, "The Ranch House had 3-bedrooms with 5 beds, a couch that could sleep 3 grown adults. There was a full kitchen and dining area, another sitting area to visit."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Reserve ahead for shade. Snake River RV Park offers grassy, shaded spots that are in high demand. Karla B. advises, "Reservations are suggested during the summer season for a shaded and grassy RV site." Unshaded sites can become uncomfortably warm during peak summer months.
Leveling challenges: Some spots require work. At certain campgrounds, site preparation may be needed. Rachel G. from Indian Springs noted, "Our site was not the best. Big ruts, we had to level quite a bit, 120 amp didn't work." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended, especially for longer rigs.
Hookup availability: Varies by campground. For those seeking full hookups near glamping close to Pocatello, Idaho, options exist but with limitations. Pete C. from Downata Hot Springs points out, "No sewer, electricity and water at most sites," which means planning for dump station visits during longer stays.
