Cabins near Soda Springs, Idaho provide access to outdoor recreation throughout the region. Situated in southeastern Idaho at an elevation of 5,779 feet, this area experiences cool mountain temperatures even in summer months, with nighttime lows often requiring heating in cabins. The surrounding Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers diverse camping options including historic guard stations, riverside accommodations, and hot springs destinations.
What to do
River activities: Portneuf River runs through Lava Hot Springs East KOA, offering tubing opportunities during summer months. "The park was very clean and beautiful with the fall colors. The Portneuf River runs right through the campground. You are about a 5-10 minute walk from the main town including the hot pools," notes camper Shad G.
Hot springs access: Multiple natural hot springs facilities within walking distance of cabin accommodations. According to Doug E., Lava Hot Springs KOA provides a "Nice spot to camp by town with plenty to do!" Another reviewer at Lava Hot Springs Spa Motel & RV Park mentions, "It is so fun to watch the Rafters float down the river and to sleep by the sounds of the water."
Wildlife viewing: Forested areas near Eightmile Canyon provide wildlife observation opportunities. "Tons of game and fish, lots of fire wood, and Rocky Mountain pine beetles," reports Austin H. about the area surrounding guard stations and cabins.
What campers like
Guard station isolation: Forest service cabins offer secluded experiences away from crowds. A visitor to Johnson Guard Station states, "Spent two nights. Slept one night in the cabin other night outside. It rained both nights. Stayed dry both nights. Bring a nice pad to sleep on for sure."
Hot pools proximity: Cabins in Lava Hot Springs provide convenient hot springs access. A reviewer at Lava Hot Springs West KOA shares: "The Lava pools are amazing and the town is very charming and walkable options. They have canoeing, rubber tubes, evokes, vespas and four wheelers available."
Year-round options: Some cabin accommodations remain open during winter. At Downata Hot Springs, a visitor explains, "Cold winter months and you need to get away? Wow we rented a cabin three times this last winter. Great little cabins with bathrooms the hot pools were 100 feet away and a heated swimming pool."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Many forest service cabins operate only from mid-May through September. The Lava Hot Springs West KOA specifically lists its season as "May 5 to October 31."
Noise considerations: Some accommodations near highways experience traffic noise. At Lava Campground, a reviewer notes, "This campground is right off the highway so there is some noise but not bad. Well run campground with clean bathrooms and showers."
Limited amenities: Prepare for basic facilities at guard stations. One Diamond Creek Guard Station visitor explains, "I loved staying at the guard station! There is a spot to hang your hammock. You can relax by the fire pit or read a book on one of the two picnic tables provided."
Livestock encounters: Rural locations may include cattle encounters. Aaron W. reports about Johnson Guard Station: "Cows everywhere. Side by sides race up and down the road. Hike around the cow trails. No cell service and no water."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Multiple water activities available for children. According to one Lava Hot Springs West KOA visitor, "This campground was always clean. Walking distance to restaurants and local shops. Our riverside campground was wonderful."
Playground access: Several facilities offer dedicated play areas. One reviewer at Downata Hot Springs mentions, "This is a great place for families where parents can relax as the kiddos entertain themselves and you can meet up at the campfire for dinner."
Cabin variety: Family-sized cabin rentals available at certain locations. A Downata Hot Springs visitor explains, "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."
Seasonal attractions: Summer offers additional family activities. At Downata Hot Springs, "In the summer time the pool is nice and cold and there are water slides. There is RV and tent sites as well as group sites and 3 small cabins, 3 medium cabins and three large cabins/houses."
Tips from RVers
Limited sewer hookups: Not all sites provide full hookups. A Downata Hot Springs reviewer notes, "Tight spots, no sewer were the only downsides. Great groups there during our stay, easy to get around."
Weather preparation: Mountain elevation means variable conditions. One RV visitor at Lava Spa RV Park recommends, "We stayed here for 4 days/3 nights in October. The location is directly across the street from the hot spring pools. Our spot #6 was on the river."
Space constraints: Some RV areas have limited maneuvering room. According to an RVer at Lava Spa RV Park, "This spot for mostly RVs was a no thrills place for people who want to spend most of their time out of the campground or hanging out in their RVs. The site is set up with full RV hookups around the perimeter of a large gravel parking lot area."
Access challenges: Some cabin areas have difficult access roads. One visitor warns, "Please, Please, DON'T take the gravel road that splits off to the right or you will be in trouble due to S 2nd E entrance from N 3rd AV alley way."
