Are you in need of a campground near Soda Springs, ID? Soda Springs is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Soda Springs. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Lava Hot Springs East KOA is now a year round mini vacation destination. We offer a variety of newly renovated RV patio sites, and deluxe cabins with gorgeous views of the river and countryside. Enjoy clean shower facilities located at the office, and at the east bath house/laundromat. The pavilion is a wonderful place for families to gather and eat. Pavilion amenities: gas stovetop/oven, gas bbq, sink and seating for approximately 50 people. The pavilion does not have a refrigerator. The office staff will be happy to instruct guests for extra parking while renting the pavilion. All of our RV and tent sites have fire pits, picnic tables, or tables and chairs. If planning to fish on your vacation, be sure to reserve an RV site on the river. Map reference #2-16. Fishing licenses are sold at the local Sunnyside Sinclair gas station on Hwy 30. Downtown Lava Hot Springs is only a short walk away where guests will find the World Famous Natural Hot Springs, Olympic Swimming Complex and year round Indoor Aquatic Center with Kiddie Cove. See rates and hours on www.lavahotsprings.com Floating the natural Portneuf River is a very popular adventure. Ask about tube rental discounts during your stay. The RV and tent camping season is from April 1-October 31, weather pending. Please call 208-776-5295 or book online for lodging accommodations from November 1-March 30.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska).
Blackfoot Reservoir Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is located on the southwest end of the Blackfoot Reservoir. The Reservoir covers 18,000 surface acres when full and is the second largest reservoir in southeastern Idaho. The campground has an annual fee season from May 15th - September 15th and is equipped with 16 fully developed campsites, 12 standard campsites, 6 day-use sites, 2 boat ramps, and an RV dump station. The site offers recreational activities such as fishing, camping, picnicking, motorized boating, non-motorized boating (i.e. kayaks, rafts, standup paddle boards, etc.), swimming, wildlife viewing, and hunting opportunities.
Blackfoot Reservoir Campground offers recreational activities such as camping, (ice) fishing, picnicking, motorized boating, non-motorized boating (i.e. kayaks, rafts, standup paddle boards, etc.), swimming, wildlife viewing, and hunting opportunities. With almost year-round fishing the reservoir offers anglers a great place to try their luck at catching Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Cutbows. Big game hunting in the fall draws in a lot of sportsmen coming to Southeastern Idaho, with the campground being centrally located between three popular hunting areas it offers a great place for them to stay. The Blackfoot River coming off the northside of the reservoir offers non-motorized boaters a fun thrilled float with over 23 river miles, offering several Class II and a few Class III rapids.
With the campground situated directly on the shore of the Blackfoot Reservoir nearly every campsite offers stunning views of the reservoir. China Hat, China Cap, and North Cone mountains are three geological sites adjacent to the campground, known for their noticeable distinct shapes, the rhyolite domes formed around older volcano lava flows that intruded and pierced the basalt of the Blackfoot Lava Field. The area is known for its abundance of wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. Deer, elk, and moose can be seen coming down to get a drink from the reservoir. Idaho Birding Trail #29 offers the chance to see a vast number of different birds, Gull Island located within the reservoir supports one of the largest nesting colonies in Idaho for the American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, and California Gull. The reservoir is also used by waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds.
The Blackfoot Reservoir Campground is located off Idaho State Highway 34 between Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Soda Springs, Idaho. This stretch of highway is designated as the Pioneer Historic Byway, a main travel route for travelers going to the Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, St. Anthony Sand Dunes, Harriman State Park and Island Park surrounding areas, Bear Lake, and Utah. Local attractions near Soda Springs, Idaho consist of: Formation Springs and Cave - Nature Conservancy Preserve. Ancient mineral springs and wildlife viewing area. Hooper Springs Park - Natural carbonated spring water, picnic spots, playground, and pavilion. Geyser Park - The only captive geyser in the world. Visitor information and history. Oregon Trail Wagon Ruts - Actual ruts left by the Oregon Trail emigrants. Sheep Rock Point - Where the Oregon/California Trail divides.
$15 / night
Allred Flats Group Picnic Site is located below Salt River Pass in the lush forests of western Wyoming. Visitors enjoy exploring local trails on foot, horseback or by off-road vehicle, where allowed. Natural Features: Little White Creek runs alongside the Allred Flats at an elevation of 6,500 feet, where pines and aspens offer partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant and fall colors are breathtaking in the area. The Bridger-Teton National Forest offers more than 3.4 million acres of public land for outdoor recreation. With its pristine watersheds, abundant wildlife and immense wildlands, the forest comprises a large part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the lower 48 United States. Recreation: Numerous hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails are in the area, ranging from easy 1/2-mile paths to challenging 14-mile trails in the backcountry. Free trail maps can be found at the District Office. Facilities: This group picnic site, located only 1/2-mile off the main highway, can accommodate up to 50 guests and 10 vehicles. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. The site offers several large picnic tables, a fire ring with benches and a grill. Roads and parking spurs within the site are gravel. Nearby Attractions: Salt River Pass offers miles of scenic driving with access onto Smiths Fork Road (#10072), and expansive views of the Wyoming and Salt River Ranges. Fishing Salt Creek just across the highway is popular.
$5 - $10 / night
Campground rules and regulations are posted at the site. There are motorized and non-motorized trails leading to the Caribou Targhee National Forest trail system. Campsites: 10 developed sites: 5 are restricted to tent camping and 5 of which are designed for RVs/trailers and tents. At this time, and there is not a reservation system in place for the campsites. Campsites are on a first come first serve basis. This site is equipped with vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. There are no dumpsters on site, visitors must pack in and out their trash. There are no fees associated with this site.
$40 - $85 / night
Water & Sewer Electricity - 30 amp Breakers Internet Cable TV Cement Pads and Grass surrounds Will Accommodate Large RV's & Motorhomes Shade Trees
$40 - $50 / night
Lava Hot Springs East KOA is now a year round mini vacation destination. We offer a variety of newly renovated RV patio sites, and deluxe cabins with gorgeous views of the river and countryside. Enjoy clean shower facilities located at the office, and at the east bath house/laundromat. The pavilion is a wonderful place for families to gather and eat. Pavilion amenities: gas stovetop/oven, gas bbq, sink and seating for approximately 50 people. The pavilion does not have a refrigerator. The office staff will be happy to instruct guests for extra parking while renting the pavilion. All of our RV and tent sites have fire pits, picnic tables, or tables and chairs. If planning to fish on your vacation, be sure to reserve an RV site on the river. Map reference #2-16. Fishing licenses are sold at the local Sunnyside Sinclair gas station on Hwy 30. Downtown Lava Hot Springs is only a short walk away where guests will find the World Famous Natural Hot Springs, Olympic Swimming Complex and year round Indoor Aquatic Center with Kiddie Cove. See rates and hours on www.lavahotsprings.com Floating the natural Portneuf River is a very popular adventure. Ask about tube rental discounts during your stay. The RV and tent camping season is from April 1-October 31, weather pending. Please call 208-776-5295 or book online for lodging accommodations from November 1-March 30.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska).
Blackfoot Reservoir Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is located on the southwest end of the Blackfoot Reservoir. The Reservoir covers 18,000 surface acres when full and is the second largest reservoir in southeastern Idaho. The campground has an annual fee season from May 15th - September 15th and is equipped with 16 fully developed campsites, 12 standard campsites, 6 day-use sites, 2 boat ramps, and an RV dump station. The site offers recreational activities such as fishing, camping, picnicking, motorized boating, non-motorized boating (i.e. kayaks, rafts, standup paddle boards, etc.), swimming, wildlife viewing, and hunting opportunities.
Blackfoot Reservoir Campground offers recreational activities such as camping, (ice) fishing, picnicking, motorized boating, non-motorized boating (i.e. kayaks, rafts, standup paddle boards, etc.), swimming, wildlife viewing, and hunting opportunities. With almost year-round fishing the reservoir offers anglers a great place to try their luck at catching Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Cutbows. Big game hunting in the fall draws in a lot of sportsmen coming to Southeastern Idaho, with the campground being centrally located between three popular hunting areas it offers a great place for them to stay. The Blackfoot River coming off the northside of the reservoir offers non-motorized boaters a fun thrilled float with over 23 river miles, offering several Class II and a few Class III rapids.
With the campground situated directly on the shore of the Blackfoot Reservoir nearly every campsite offers stunning views of the reservoir. China Hat, China Cap, and North Cone mountains are three geological sites adjacent to the campground, known for their noticeable distinct shapes, the rhyolite domes formed around older volcano lava flows that intruded and pierced the basalt of the Blackfoot Lava Field. The area is known for its abundance of wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. Deer, elk, and moose can be seen coming down to get a drink from the reservoir. Idaho Birding Trail #29 offers the chance to see a vast number of different birds, Gull Island located within the reservoir supports one of the largest nesting colonies in Idaho for the American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, and California Gull. The reservoir is also used by waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds.
The Blackfoot Reservoir Campground is located off Idaho State Highway 34 between Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Soda Springs, Idaho. This stretch of highway is designated as the Pioneer Historic Byway, a main travel route for travelers going to the Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, St. Anthony Sand Dunes, Harriman State Park and Island Park surrounding areas, Bear Lake, and Utah. Local attractions near Soda Springs, Idaho consist of: Formation Springs and Cave - Nature Conservancy Preserve. Ancient mineral springs and wildlife viewing area. Hooper Springs Park - Natural carbonated spring water, picnic spots, playground, and pavilion. Geyser Park - The only captive geyser in the world. Visitor information and history. Oregon Trail Wagon Ruts - Actual ruts left by the Oregon Trail emigrants. Sheep Rock Point - Where the Oregon/California Trail divides.
$15 / night
Allred Flats Group Picnic Site is located below Salt River Pass in the lush forests of western Wyoming. Visitors enjoy exploring local trails on foot, horseback or by off-road vehicle, where allowed. Natural Features: Little White Creek runs alongside the Allred Flats at an elevation of 6,500 feet, where pines and aspens offer partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant and fall colors are breathtaking in the area. The Bridger-Teton National Forest offers more than 3.4 million acres of public land for outdoor recreation. With its pristine watersheds, abundant wildlife and immense wildlands, the forest comprises a large part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the lower 48 United States. Recreation: Numerous hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails are in the area, ranging from easy 1/2-mile paths to challenging 14-mile trails in the backcountry. Free trail maps can be found at the District Office. Facilities: This group picnic site, located only 1/2-mile off the main highway, can accommodate up to 50 guests and 10 vehicles. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. The site offers several large picnic tables, a fire ring with benches and a grill. Roads and parking spurs within the site are gravel. Nearby Attractions: Salt River Pass offers miles of scenic driving with access onto Smiths Fork Road (#10072), and expansive views of the Wyoming and Salt River Ranges. Fishing Salt Creek just across the highway is popular.
$5 - $10 / night
Scout
About 10 dispersed spots right next to the water/right off the road but holy shit it’s VERY ACTIVE TRAIN TRACKS about 50 yards from these spots. A train every 1-2 hours that blows its horn the whole night so not very peaceful
Legend
$10 ($5 with pass). Visited on Sept 19, 2024. Did not camp here; just passing through after dispersed camping down the road. Included some photos of the campground for those considering this campground in the future. It looks okay; nothing special. Easy access to Greys River for bank fishing. Vault toilet, well water pump and trash service. Sites looked small at first glance; looks unmaintained, but it's going into the winter season when I visited. Sites include a picnic table and metal fire ring.
Traveler
So there’s a few good spots. there’s a shooting range near by so you’ll hear gun shots but it’s all very safe. I usually camp down here every time I’m in town
Legend
Visited in mid-September 2024. $10 ($5 with senior pass). Did not camp here; just checking it out. Included some photos in this revciew. Except for one towable camper, I was surprised that no one else was camping here, especially considering it was hunting season. The campground was set back in the trees off of Greys River Road. Lots of trees here; lots of shade. Nice looking campground. Good size sites; appear to be level. Picnic table and fire ring included. Not much privacy between sites, but separation between sites was good. Two clean vault toilets. Hand well water pump. Trash service. No other amenities. No hook-ups. Campground appears to be well maintained. I would consider camping here in the future.
Legend
Coordinates: 42.78898,-110.68746. Free. Camped here Sept 17, 2024. One of several dispersed campsites along Greys River Road (Forest Road 10138). Large dispersed site, set back from forest road; no concerns with dust coming into the site from passing vehicles. Should comfortably accommodate 3 or 4 rigs. Clean rock fire ring. Mostly level, dirt surface. Easy access from forest road. Open site surrounded by trees. Next to Grey's River; easy access for bank fishing. There is a set of trees that may accommodate hammock camping. Tent camping also possible. Area can get muddy after rain. Solar recharging possible in middle of afternoon. No T-Mobile nor AT&T cell service. Loved this spot.
Ranger
Stayed in #14 which is small, but suited us well (van). Other sites tend to be larger. #13 is best one, with shade on the west side, a good level driveway and backs up to the creek.
Lots of ants and flying bugs, making it hard to stay outside for very long. #9 is also nice with a large spread and decent shade. There is one vault toilet across from #13, a little stinky but relatively clean and had hand sanitizer. Another one is adjacent to the entrance and it has 2 toilets each for women and men; hard to find, back into the shrubs between two concrete markers at road.
Lots of shrubs means sites are pretty private. No real hiking trails identified in the area means there is not much to do. Didn't seem overly busy.
Food aside: Had freeze dried mushroom wild rice risotto with Popeye's chicken nuggs and spiced up with lemon pepper and Italian seasonings, also used parmesan. Putting nuggs into bag at end of cooking time and stirring worked fine to incorporate them. Very tasty and 2.5 servings means very filling. Broke up astronaut (freeze dried) ice cream sammich and put into freezer overnight before putting into milk for pseudo milkshake with cappuccino mix. Not bad, worth trying again. Also had sweet potato curry with applewood chicken cubes (fully cooked packet), seasoned with garlic. A bit spicy but good. Freeze dried breakfast of biscuits and sausage gravy good flavor but need to break up the biscuits before cooking or they are big and end up being soft on the outside but dry and crunchy on the inside.
Traveler
The place is big and the locals certainly come here. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring and some grass. They’re fairly level. The bathroom and the showers are huge and very clean. Small trees at each site now so until they get big, there won’t be much shade in the summer. 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.
Guide
Good spot to stop for a night. Big gravel parking lot and some hiking trails nearby. Close to the highway.
Guide
Had the whole campground to ourselves. It is free to stay here after September 15th. We camped the 1st of October. Just a quick pit stop. Was a little hesitant at first because it seemed so far from the highway but it was so worth it! There are bathrooms as well but bring your own TP as this time of year I dont believe anyone comes to check on them. Also, no more running water either. However, the creek is lovely and we were able to have a fire and every site had a picnic table. Very pleasant experience.
Guide
I reckon it’s a decent place to spend the night. The road up although somewhat steep at times can easily be accessed without 4WD. A few nice sites right as you enter with fire pits & picnic tables. Unfortunately most of the sites are right next to the road, which the locals seem to rule with their 4 wheelers and side by sides, making lots of noise and dust.
Guide
This place is in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. I drove all the way out here only to find the gate to someone’s ranch with a no trespassing sign. Super frustrating.
Guide
The farm road that leads into this area was once paved and is now covered in gravel with a few ruts here and there but easily avoidable. Sites all the way down to the river edge many with rock fire rings. We were all by ourselves about halfway down - quiet and beautiful!
GuideNice spot but potentially a flood zone. Vault toilets at entrance. Dispersed camp but sites with fire pits. No benches.
Guide
(October 5th, 2023) Camped in the backyard of a brewery! Got here after dark and it wasn’t totally clear where to find the camp spots, but after some exploring we got to the best site (43.1666131, -111.0380217). Great beer (and bathrooms) were just a quick walk away!
Traveler
Just stayed for a night but in a sight directly at the lake. We were able to go to the lake easily and swim a little bit. Due to being late in the season it was not crowded at all.
Guide
Great camp ground with spring nearby
Scout
Beautiful place to camp. The water is shallow and surrounded by mountains. You have to wade through mud to get to the water (which is also muddy). You can also still hear the highway traffic, but not bad. We visited in August, so the fires made the area hazy. The up sides: lots of space and privacy. Camp sites are super far apart in comparison to others. Fire pits are available and drift wood is everywhere. Some spots have trees for hammocks. Pet friendly and lots of bird watching.
Legend
The KOA is just off US-30, so easy to find. Our GPS and Waze did not have the exact address, but you can easily see the KOA sign coming in from the east. We were traveling with another couple and there were basically two marked check-in spaces. You have to pay attention to where you position your rig so you don't block office car parking. We had reserved a premium K-9 site and were assigned site 102 at check-in. Site 102 was 1 of 3 premium sites next to the office. The problem with site 102 was 1) there was a truck parked there with no owner in sight, 2) trees that would have scraped the top of our 5th wheel, and 3) a very difficult and tight back-in swing on this 90-degree site with our 40' rig. You need to be an expert backer, or very lucky, to clear the trees at the entrance of this site if you're in a larger rig. Sites 100 and 101 do not have these same obstacles and with the river view, are arguably the best sites in the park. We went back into the office to request a different site and were assigned a non K-9 premium back-in site, 200, in their new area. We would have enjoyed the original site as it does have a nice river view. Sites were under construction in the 200 area and each site is highlighted by 7-inch high and 6-inch wide cement curbs. Whoever designed much of this CG did not understand RVs. It was challenging to back into your site as there are also cement barriers to protect the sewer hookups off the curbs in front of sites on the adjacent pull-through sites. We almost tore off a snap pad getting too close to a curb as the curbs are not sloped to prevent this and based on the markings, a lot of tires have fallen victim to these curbs. Also, we had to be very careful going up and down our steps as you have the curb there as well. While we were getting into our site, a 45’ class A was trying to get into pull-through site 221 across from us. Just trying to make the turn onto this row, he ran his rear tires up on the curb around the shower/laundry facility. He still had his toad attached and had to disconnect it to avoid damaging his vehicle. Hopefully, the management of this park will mark that site for shorter rigs as he also had problems clearing the curbs when departing his site. Their free Wifi was decent. We got 3 bars on Verizon and no issues getting a shot to the north sky for Starlink as there are no mature trees in this new area. There are plenty of other CG options in the area, so we will not stay here again. The main positive of this CG is the staff. They were friendly and accommodating when we requested to change sites. They also credited us the diffrence in cost since we didn't get the K-9 site, without us asking for the credit.
Traveler
We absolutely loved this small cabin. it had a fenced area and plenty of room. bathroom was clean. Must bring your own toilet paper, water and mattresses but it's worth the hassle.
Scout
Tons of land, tons of campsites.. but most are "occupied" by empty trailers with no other vehicles or people around. There's empty cars parked on top of fire pits, no tents or any sort of life nearby. Felt strange.
This road is rough and very bumpy. Didn't feel comfortable "taking over" a campsite with things already parked there. Wouldn't recommend coming here.
ScoutI brought my dog here and he swam and it was great. beautiful weather and tons of space. There’s some different turn offs of that main road for the beach. 100% come again
Traveler
The campground itself is nice. Nice spots, beautiful river and waterfalls, and close to Lava Hot springs. The trains; however, were a drag at night. Not many ran during the day but at night we counted 8 that went by. The tracks are only about 100’ from most of the spots. The real kicker is, because there’s a crossing to get into the campground, the trains blast their horn literally right as they pass you. Like excessively so, unnecessarily so. It was not a great nights sleep.
Ranger
This is a higher end campground with great mountain views all around. Very nice spacious sites with Full hookups. Concrete pads, outdoor table and chairs provided, great landscaping, fire pits. Highly recommend!!
TravelerPerfect for a Friday night last minute spot! Lots of dirt bikes and generators. Also the bend in the road seems to have a lot of traffic.
Scenic with a nice spot to launch watercraft.
GuideEnded up driving this road up to Idaho to find a bigger spot and some solitude. Took the dirt road for about 30 minutes and got the most perfect spot. Nobody was near us and the view was amazing. We went at the beginning of June, it was a bit chilly some mornings and at night, so come prepared.
GuideNumber of dispersed sites along the waters edge. The spots are spread out nicely.
Leading up to the water is a bit muddy but overall great place. Not much shade.
Traveler
Nice stop, road is a little rough, but other than that it was great
Camping near Soda Springs, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Soda Springs, Idaho, has something for everyone, from families to solo travelers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Soda Springs, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Soda Springs, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 167 campgrounds and RV parks near Soda Springs, ID and 22 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Soda Springs, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Soda Springs, ID is Lava Hot Springs East KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Soda Springs, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Soda Springs, ID.
What parks are near Soda Springs, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Soda Springs, ID that allow camping, notably Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Bridger-Teton National Forest.
