Preston, Idaho camping areas sit at elevations ranging from 4,700 to 5,900 feet, creating varied temperature conditions throughout the camping season. Summer nights can drop below 50°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 90s. Fall camping is particularly popular with leaf-peepers tracking autumn colors through nearby Logan Canyon from mid-September through early October.
What to do
Float the Portneuf River: At Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park, campers are perfectly positioned for river activities. "It was so fun to watch the Rafters float down the river and to sleep by the sounds of the water," notes one visitor. The park offers spots directly on the river with convenient access to tubing launch points.
Explore hot springs: Natural thermal waters provide year-round soaking opportunities. One camper at Lava Hot Springs reports, "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." Winter visits offer a dramatic contrast between cold air and warm water.
Visit Bear Lake: Often called the "Caribbean of the Rockies" for its turquoise waters, Bear Lake offers water recreation 45 minutes from Preston. "The lake is beautiful, facilities clean. Will come back," shares a visitor to Garden City. Summer weekends require advance planning as parking areas fill by mid-morning.
What campers like
Mountain access: Many campers appreciate the higher elevation settings near Preston. At Cub River Lodge & RV Park, visitors enjoy "the drive up to the lodge and rv park is amazing." Another notes it provides "plenty of space for people" with mountain views and cooler temperatures.
Convenient overnight stops: Travelers along I-15 and I-84 value the strategic location for breaking up longer journeys. "Great place to overnight while passing through northern Utah. Huge full hookup sites with concrete pads," shares one visitor about Aspen Grove RV Park in Tremonton, which offers easy highway access without excessive noise.
Fishing access: Waterfront campsites at Devils Creek RV Park provide direct reservoir access. "This place is very convenient. Located right off I-15, it sits right upon the Devil Creek Reservoir," notes one camper. Another adds there are "plenty of spaces to get down near the reservoir and fish."
What you should know
Variable cell service: Mobile connectivity remains inconsistent throughout the region. At Cub River Lodge, "There is no cell service here but they do offer Wi-Fi." Another camper noted, "Not sure if it was due to the amount of people, but the wifi was useless as we couldn't even make a phone call."
Seasonal water levels: Reservoir and lake conditions can change dramatically. One camper at Devils Creek noted, "Loved the water, even though it was low. The sticky mud on beach made everything a bit more difficult." Spring typically offers the highest water levels.
Limited shade at newer parks: Several rv sites near Preston, Idaho lack mature trees. At Love's RV Stop-Brigham City, campers appreciate that "You're on leveled asphalt. Great Mountain View," but should prepare for full sun exposure during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Tips for camping with families
Look for green spaces: Children need play areas between RV sites. "There is a center grass location that's great for kids to play," notes a visitor to Cub River Lodge. Another campground visitor mentions, "Some units have a really nice shared grass area between trailers."
Consider river safety: While riverside camping provides ambiance, parents should assess water conditions. At Sun Outdoors Garden City Utah, "This campground seems like it is one of the closer campgrounds to the water. It's pet-friendly, has full hookups, picnic tables, and wifi. The nice thing about this campground is it does have a beach as well as water/lake access."
Check bathroom facilities: Family-friendly campgrounds typically offer clean restrooms. One camper notes about Sun Outdoors Garden City, "The bathhouse was very clean. Did seem less busy than the KOA." Another park received praise for "2 laundry rooms, 2 bathhouses. The sites are immaculate and well planned out."
Tips from RVers
Check for pull-through availability: Several rv parks around Preston accommodate larger rigs with dedicated pull-through sites. "Convenient to come in late and leave 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," shares one overnight camper at Devils Creek RV Park.
Verify hookup capabilities: Not all parks offer the same amenities. "Only one 30amp service so if your planning to run AC, plan to be the first in or coordinate with your neighbor," advises a camper. Another notes that Golden Spike RV Park has "38 sites that have 30 and 50 amp hookup options in addition to water."
Assess site spacing: RV sites near Preston, Idaho vary dramatically in terms of personal space. "The sites are huge and I love that they aren't jammed too close together," praises one Aspen Grove visitor. Conversely, at another location, a camper warns, "Sites super close together. Booked full hookups, but got water/elec only."
