Cabins near Rockland, Idaho offer comfortable lodging in the southeastern region of the state where the American Falls Reservoir meets the Snake River. Located near the Caribou-Targhee National Forest at 4,500 feet elevation, these accommodations are popular during summer months when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, and in winter when nearby hot springs provide warmth against cold temperatures. The terrain features volcanic rock formations and sagebrush desert landscapes.
What to do
Explore historical sites: Register Rock near Massacre Rocks State Park preserves pioneer history. "Be sure to go up to Register Rock up the road! So much history here. Highly recommend!" writes Kali D. from Massacre Rocks State Park Campground.
Soak in hot springs: Multiple hot spring facilities in Lava Hot Springs town are accessible year-round. "We stopped her in October and the water level was extremely low. Still the park had great views of the mountains and was very pretty. There are many trails around for bike riding or off road vehicles," noted Debra M. from Willow Bay Resort.
River recreation: The Portneuf River offers tubing in summer months. "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 to do it over and over again or a short walk," explains Mark F. from Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Sites along waterways provide natural ambiance. "This trip we had a site in the lower camping sites. Now before we went we had gone to google earth and saw the site. We had a nice view, a little shade and we plenty of walking paths down to the river," shares Shani C. from Massacre Rocks State Park Campground.
Thermal features: Natural hot water makes winter visits popular. "Stayed one night, beautiful and quiet. Big trailer spots. Felt like a clean town park setting. Hookups and dump station at the entrance," says Richard M. from Lake Walcott State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Several preserves protect local fauna. "The park is a wild life refuge so we saw Deer and Racoons at night. We kept all food items in out car to avoid issues. This is not the place for those with Insect phobias," warns Michelle H. from Lake Walcott State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Reservoir levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year. "During summer of 2020 the showers were closed due to Covid but they do have them. Bathrooms were clean. There is a visitor's center but is was closed in July 2020 due to Covid restrictions," reports Ashley M. from Massacre Rocks State Park.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience transportation noise. "While the staff seemed great and the restrooms and shower facilities were awesome, if you camp in the upper section, be prepared to hear trains roll through right beside you all night long. Not to mention the constant freeway noise of semis driving by at all hours," cautions Kristen B. from Lava Hot Springs East KOA.
Insect activity: Summer months bring flying insects. "This place is spotless and well-cared for. We are car camping in a Tesla and the destination charge gave us the oomph to go up to Jackson WY the more scenic way via Soda Springs. We were the only guests (weekday after the kids are back in school=quiet time)," writes Heidi from Downata Hot Springs.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play structures. "Great place to camp by town with plenty to do! Nice spot to camp. The area was generally quiet despite 4th of July fireworks and one guy who decided to have a screaming argument via his cellphone one night," notes Doug E. from Lava Hot Springs East KOA.
Swimming options: Various water recreation possibilities exist. "The campground is well kept- no garbage or nasty smells. The bathrooms are also well cleaned even on a high use weekend but small, 2 stalls each- all showers were working. The only real problem is the lack of a sink for tent campers," explains Michelle H. from Lake Walcott State Park.
Kid-friendly cabin layouts: Some cabins include loft sleeping arrangements. "We had returned but had got 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," describes Shani C. from Downata Hot Springs.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Check campground layouts carefully before booking. "We wanted to try this out with our 28' bumper pull. Luckily it was not a busy weekend, we had to move sites to one that would accommodate. Hard to maneuver in the campground as well as getting up the narrow road," advises David T. from Malad Summit Guard Station.
Hookup limitations: Not all sites offer full RV connections. "We stayed in space #13 with a lake view. The space had its own bbq grill, fire pit, picnic table and full hook ups. The park was about 1/3 full and quiet. We definitely want to go back. We highly recommend, especially if you want to include boating or fishing," recommends Dave F. from Lake Walcott State Park.
Seasonal planning: Spring visits may present challenges. "It occured to me that since I visited this property a second time that I should get perspective on my earlier spring visit. We had a wet spring so it was a bit muddy in places, gravel on these roads would go a long way in keeping the mud down and the hole smaller," suggests Glen B. from Downata Hot Springs.
