Fishing and river access draw campers to this free Idaho Department of Fish and Game site along the Portneuf River, where stone fire rings mark the sites and a short walk puts anglers at the water's edge. The gravel road in is notably rough, and low-clearance vehicles and trailers should approach with caution. That said, reviewers with rigs up to 21 feet have found level spots large enough to accommodate a travel trailer and tow vehicle, particularly in the upper loop.
The setting runs along the river with open sightlines toward the surrounding grasslands and hills. Shade is minimal. Bring shade structures if afternoon sun is a concern, though shrubs near the riverbank offer some cover. Mosquitoes are active near the water, so repellent is worth packing. Vessa N. sums up the tradeoff plainly: "train noise is preferable to hearing a ton of other campers." The railroad runs close to the sites and trains pass at all hours, blowing their horns. Light sleepers should plan accordingly.
Amenities are minimal by design. A vault toilet is on-site; bring your own toilet paper. No water, no hookups, no showers. As Alan B. puts it, "the only amenities here are the vault toilet and the great fishing." Interpretive placards about local wildlife add a small educational element. Campfires are permitted, and alcohol is allowed. No pets are permitted on-site.
The campground sits roughly two miles from Lava Hot Springs, where campers can access showers, restaurants, and supplies. First-come, first-served with no reservation system, the site rarely fills to capacity according to multiple reviewers. Nearby alternatives include Portneuf Bend Campground for those wanting a different configuration along the same stretch of river.
This site works best for self-sufficient campers, anglers, and groups who prioritize free riverside access over amenities and can tolerate freight train noise through the night.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPortneuf River Lower Sportsman Access is located in Idaho near Lava Hot Springs
Coordinates
42.64305288 N
112.00505267 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/5/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/5/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/5/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/5/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/5/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/5/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 37 min from Pocatello, ID
- 1 hr 9 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 1 hr 21 min from Logan, UT
- 1 hr 33 min from Ogden, UT


















