Nothing beats camping near soothing hot springs so you can soak your tired muscles after a full day of outdoor recreation. Lava Hot Springs in Idaho promises just that, along with plenty of camping options for RV and tent campers. Most of the campgrounds are located within walking distance to the springs, allowing for a bit of exercise before you jump in the water.
Location
Lava Hot Springs offers natural hot springs located southeast of Pocatello in southeastern Idaho. Several airlines fly into nearby Pocatello Regional Airport, where you can rent a car and then drive to Lava Hot Springs. To reach the area, take Interstate 15 south of Pocatello, then take the exit for Highway 30 and drive east to the town.
Campgrounds
River’s Edge Campground offers RV campers full and partial hookups as well as tent camping. Amenities include a shower house with restrooms, a convenience store, gift shop and wireless Internet access. The campground is located one block from the hot springs. You can also raft or take a tube down the Portneuf River located near the campground; tubes are available for rent by the hour or day at the camp office. For shady RV campsites along the Portneuf River, stay at Lava Spa RV Park. The campground offers full hookups, free wireless Internet access, cable television and ice. No restrooms or showers are available.
Fishing Campgrounds
If you want to fish for trout, stay at Smith’s Trout Haven, about a mile from downtown Lava Hot Springs. The campground includes two trout ponds in which both children and adults can fish. Both tent and RV campers are welcome. Sites come with or without electricity. Amenities include a playground and shower house with restrooms. You can also stay at Crystal Springs Campground with its river-front fishing just down the road from Lava Hot Springs. The campground offers water and vault toilets but no hookups.
Activities
Enjoy the hot springs or head to the swimming pool and slides located in downtown Lava Hot Springs. For more fun, try the Frisbee-golf course across from the swimming pool or the course in Lions Park on the river. The courses are free and you can pick up Frisbees at several stores in town. Trout fishing is good at nearby Alexander Reservoir and Kelly Park Pond near Soda Springs, as well as along the Portneuf River. You can also work in a round of golf at nearby Thunder Canyon Golf Course or take a hike in the nearby Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Preparation
Towels and swimsuits are must-haves in Lava Hot Springs if you plan to enjoy the waters. If you want to fish, you’ll need to obtain an Idaho State fishing license, available from the Sunnyside Sinclair store in Lava Hot Springs. The town offers groceries and limited camping supplies at several stores.
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