172 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The southeastern Idaho landscape surrounding Soda Springs features diverse camping options within a 30-mile radius. Blackfoot Reservoir Campground, located directly in Soda Springs, provides both tent and RV sites with drinking water and electric hookups. Within a short drive, campers can access Lava Hot Springs with multiple accommodation choices including the Lava Hot Springs East and West KOA campgrounds offering full hookups, cabins, and glamping options. The Caribou National Forest contains several established campgrounds like Cold Springs and Emigration, which typically operate seasonally from late spring through early fall. These forest service sites generally provide basic amenities such as vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many forest service roads requiring high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain or snowmelt. Most developed campgrounds near Soda Springs operate from May through September, though some lower-elevation sites and private facilities remain open year-round. Winter camping is possible but requires proper preparation for sub-freezing temperatures and potential snow. Cell service is generally reliable near town and along major highways but becomes spotty in canyon areas and higher elevations. As one camper noted, "The KOA will let you fill your water tank for free but charges $10 for a dump. Lava is just minutes away with shops, restaurants, grocery stores. The highlight are the hot mineral pools, which are open until 11 PM and are amazing, especially in the evenings in cooler weather."
Proximity to thermal features represents a significant draw for the area's campgrounds. Several campers mention the convenience of staying near Lava Hot Springs' mineral pools as a primary reason for selecting nearby campgrounds despite some drawbacks. Train noise affects several campgrounds in the region, with multiple reviewers noting the sound of train horns at night. Riverside camping spots are particularly valued, with the Portneuf River and various reservoirs offering fishing and water access. Fall camping receives positive reviews for reduced crowds and pleasant temperatures. As one visitor to Downata Hot Springs remarked, "We were the only guests on a weekday after the kids are back in school. Got some road tips and local history from the friendly camp hosts and had a very pleasant stay."
"Great campground with showers and bathrooms nearly complete. But beware of trains close by at night."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"The rv spots have electric hookups and access to water but can not leave it hooked to camper there is also an rv dump station and trash bins areas."
"Beautiful lake and good fishing. Only 15 with a trailer and electricity and water hookups."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Lots to do in the area, there’s a ghost town 30 minutes to the north, a reservoir and soda Springs to the east."
"We parked our 34 ft motor home right next to a river waterfall and did some fishing. A fire pit was already established. Excellent spot right outside of town with good cell service."
"We had a patio site near the office, overlooking a weedy bit near the stream. While you couldn’t see the water from the patio, you could hear it and could enjoy gazing at the cliffs above it."
"The site itself is surrounded by water and even has a small water fall that you could sit in as if it were a small hot tub size. This KOA is clean and friendly staff."
"Caution I did drive about 4 miles of gravel roads but not rough. Bathroom was basic. No to inside, and dead field mouse to greet me. Appears to have shower but I’m using my rv bathroom."
"They also have a driving range."
"There’s a toilet located here, bring your own TP though. The river is fun to jump in and hang out in! The trains come frequently and at times are pretty loud but it doesn’t bother our group."
"Dispersed camping close to hot springs, don't miss the hot springs, thay are awesome."
"But it’s the perfect spot if you want to be around all the fun action of Lava Hot Springs. You’re walking distance to the river, restaurants, the pool and all the fun stuff in Lava."
"Kid, pet friendly, walking distance to food and fun. One of the best KOA’s we have stayed at."
"It’s a bit further outside of downtown, but easily walkable through the paths and KOA. It’s affordable, spacious and clean."
"Very close to the town for the soaks. It’s very close to the highway which is a plus, but there can also be some traffic noise. Beautiful views."
TravelerThis campsite was very clean well maintained and safe lots of families but highway nearby was unavoidably loud. Not the worse but if you are seeking a quiet spot this is probably not for you. Playground bathrooms campstore etc all nice and clean
ScoutThis is a very nice area has spots for large RVs, small RVs ,and has stops for tent camping. Also have various bathroom and picnic areas. There is also boat launches from this area. The rv spots have electric hookups and access to water but can not leave it hooked to camper there is also an rv dump station and trash bins areas. To stay here you do have to make reservations though recreation.gov. All around I find this to be a great place to stay at!
GuideGreat campground with showers and bathrooms nearly complete. But beware of trains close by at night.
TravelerIt isn't to far from a town, spots are not close together, close to the water to either swim or fish. Pet friendly. Down side. Gravel for tent sites No shade And from 6pm on all you hear are trains
TravelerI visited mid-week, early June. Fairly good access to this campground. Gravel road for several miles but it's wide and graded. Campground roads are gravel. There's a main loop and 2 group loops, one of which has a road that is in disrepair, having a section of deep soft sand/gravel that a vehicle could get stuck in. The size of sites in the main loop is highly variable, but many are large enough for long 5th wheels. The spacing is good though a few sites are too close to the road for my liking. The CG is in dense forest with undergrowth, so there is shade and screening from other sites. A creek flows through the middle of the main loop. It is nice and the creek sound helps overcome the noise of campers. I did not see tent pads, but many of the sites have enough room for tents. Each site has a fire ring/pit and table. The vault toilets that i visited were clean. There is a small bathhouse tucked away in the middle of the CG with flushers; it's a little dilapidated, peeling paint, etc. There are hiking trails in the area and also ATV trails. I saw many people fishing along the Cub River.
Horse people: there are 3 corrals at the upper end of the main CG loop, with plenty of room to turn around.
Zero cell signal: Verizon
The campground host, Chuck, was friendly and pleasant.
Overall, I enjoyed my stay here.
ScoutHidden gym just up the road first come first serve. I think there’s eight little spots each has its own tent, parking spot and gravel pit. There’s also bathrooms and access to the river with popular fishing, floating and other activities.!! but the best part is it’s free! While I was here, I sound variety of campers vans motorhomes tents tear jobs even a three axle trailer!
GuideConvenient and free campspot located just off the interstate. It provided a peaceful and restorative stop during our travels. The proximity to the highway made it incredibly accessible, saving us valuable time. Despite its location, the site offered a surprising sense of tranquility. We would certainly recommend this spot for anyone seeking a comfortable and uncomplicated overnight stay.
TravelerAn older campground with a variety of sites from full hookups, water only, dry camping and tent sites. Easy access to the reservoir for our kayaks. Lots of people fishing and A Lot of people catching fish! Beautiful views, fun birdwatching and some great hiking nearby. A great place for groups since they allow multiple rvs and tents per site. Excellent cell coverage. Not a fancy place but comfortable. Their website mentioned they had a dump station but we didn't see it and didn't find the host on checkout to verify.
ScoutThe sign said no overnight camping due to snow removal. There’s no snow but didn’t camp just to be safe. Looks like a parking lot.
Dispersed camping opportunities surround Soda Springs, Idaho at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 7,000 feet throughout the Caribou National Forest. Access to these campsites varies seasonally, with most forest roads navigable from mid-May through October depending on snowmelt conditions and recent precipitation. Many free camping areas require high-clearance vehicles during wet periods when dirt roads develop significant ruts.
Fishing access points: The Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access offers free riverside camping with small waterfalls and fishing opportunities. "This free campground has about 10 sites to choose from, mostly RV but occasionally tent camping... This campground is right next to the river, has a small waterfall and beautiful scenery all around," notes camper Shani C.
Hot springs soaking: Natural hot springs are accessible via a riverside trail from several campgrounds. At Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park, "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," according to Debra M.
River tubing: Multiple camping areas provide direct river access for tubing. "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," reports Mark F.
Stargazing: Clear night skies away from light pollution make for excellent stargazing. One camper at Lower Portneuf notes: "We almost didn't stay here because of the low reviews due to the train noise but we were in Lava Hot Springs and this was such a short drive up the road... The stars were SO bright! We've been traveling for almost a month and stargazing last night was definitely one of my favorite moments."
Wildlife viewing: Blackfoot Reservoir Campground offers opportunities to spot native wildlife. "Easy access. Lots of wildlife - birds, fox, mule deer, moose! Beautiful, level, improved sites with electric hook-ups. Pavilions over each picnic table. Fire rings," writes Mark & Kelly G.
Off-season camping: Late September through October camping reduces crowds while maintaining pleasant conditions. "We stayed at the end of September. Leaves were beginning to turn and were gorgeous. This campground was always clean. Walking distance to restaurants and local shops. Our riverside campground was wonderful," says Sam F.
Train noise: Multiple campgrounds near Lava Hot Springs experience train noise at night. "However one fatal flaw is that there is a railroad crossing about 100ft from the sites, and we experienced about 8 trains coming through between 1am-6am. Which meant that every time they crossed they had to sound their horn multiple times which was absolutely ear splitting," cautions Isaac at Lower Portneuf Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds require caution. "The road is extremely bumpy so if your have a low car or trailer be careful," warns Shani C. about Portneuf River access, while another camper notes "We pulled in here after dark and it was a little hard to find a good spot so try to get here early. Plus the road had some major ruts so it wouldn't be suitable for large vehicles."
Campground selection: Tent campers should research carefully before booking. "Skip this campground if tent camping... We had to haul all our gear down a steep set of stairs which are not well lit at night. I love KOA but this place really needs walls by the road to block the highway noise. The tent camp fee is too high for the services provided," advises Michelle H.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Lava Hot Springs West KOA offers amenities specifically for children. "Kid, pet friendly, walking distance to food and fun. One of the best KOA's we have stayed at," says Bill H., while another camper notes, "The campsite is very kids friendly during summer months."
Water activities: Multiple family-appropriate water features are available within walking distance. "With the pool/water slides across the river, and the shuttle stop for tubing the river across the street and down the road. This campground is the perfect place to enjoy all the water offerings during the summer at Lava Hot Springs," explains Samuel N.
Budget-friendly options: Free camping alternatives exist for families. "We did not stay at the KOA, but right up the road at a Sportsman Access area. Camped right next to the river at no cost. We were able to get a large cleared out spot, not very many neighbors, 1 vaulted toilet on sight... great, no cost, quiet, river access and only 3 miles from center of Lava Hot Springs where we went tubing."
Site selection: At Caribou Highlands Golf & RV, RVers should choose sites carefully. "The pull-throughs are long enough for big rigs. A few of the sites have large trees so you will want to watch your sides and roof," advises MickandKarla W.
Water and dump services: Some facilities offer water services without requiring overnight stays. "Starlink works great. On high ground voice on cell works. Birds and occasional moose. Campground is all first-come-first-served with drop box for payments. We paid $5 for dry camping. Random water faucets available, as is a dump station. Awesome views," reports Kevin H.
Winter camping preparation: Cold-weather camping near Soda Springs requires proper equipment. "We stayed in Early May in a bit of a sleet storm. Sites are relatively level - nice gravel. Seemed like most sites have fire rings. Pit toilet is located in the day-use area nearby," notes Evan W., indicating the necessity of cold-weather preparation even in spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RV parks are available in Soda Springs, Idaho?
Downata Hot Springs is a well-maintained RV park near Soda Springs that offers spotless facilities and convenient Tesla charging for electric vehicles. It's particularly quiet on weekdays after the school season begins. Another option in the region is Caribou Highlands Golf & RV near Grace, which offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities that accommodate big rigs. For those willing to travel a bit farther, the Lava Hot Springs area offers multiple RV-friendly options with full hookups. Most RV parks in the region are seasonal, with the best availability from late spring through early fall.
What amenities does Soda Creek Campground in Soda Springs offer?
Soda Creek Campground is a drive-in campground that offers reservable sites and potable water. The campground provides basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings at each site. While not as developed as some facilities in the region, it offers a convenient base for exploring the Soda Springs area. For campers seeking more amenities, Blackfoot Reservoir Campground near Soda Springs provides additional facilities including toilets and is also big-rig friendly. Soda Creek is typically open seasonally during the warmer months, with the best camping conditions from late spring through early fall, depending on weather conditions.
Where are the best campgrounds near Soda Springs, Idaho?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within driving distance of Soda Springs. Lower Portneuf Campground offers eight camping spots along a beautiful river, making it popular with full-time nomads. The sites are close together but provide a scenic setting. For those willing to drive a bit farther, Scout Mountain Campground features first-come, first-served sites with convenient vault bathrooms and water spigots. There are also excellent dispersed camping options in the region, including areas near Blackfoot Reservoir and along Palisades Reservoir for those seeking more solitude. Many campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically open from late spring through early fall, so checking availability before traveling is recommended.
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