Lava Hot Springs KOA

The Great Outdoors

One of the more popular activities to take part in when you’re camping at Lava Hot Springs KOA is inner tubing through the center of town. The Portneuf River is the perfect place to beat the heat on a summer afternoon, and if you’re anything of a thrill-seeker, you’ll love its little rapids. Tube rentals are available from a few different vendors in town, and the put-in points are right in the downtown area.Of course, if you’d prefer something a little more relaxing, there are the mineral water-fed hot pools that the town is named after. Ranging from 102-111 degrees Fahrenheit, a short soak in the hot springs is sure to relax even the most tired muscles. The Lava Hot Springs aquatic center also has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and water slides if you’re not a fan of hot tubs.The Sunken Gardens just outside the hot springs is another popular outdoor attraction to enjoy when you’re RV camping at the KOA. Above the Portneuf River, the gardens are ringed with beautiful rock walls that look volcanic in origin but are actually algae reefs from when the river was much higher. Native Idahoan plants grow all along the footpaths, making it an educational and relaxing experience.For good hiking when you camp in an RV near Lava Hot Springs, you’ll probably need to head over to the city of Pocatello. Its City Creek system is ideal for day hikers who don’t have a lot of time but still want to get some exercise and fresh air. The trails vary widely in difficulty, so there’s something for everyone, but most are relatively flat and suitable for all fitness levels.

Exploring the City

Given its location on the famed Oregon and California Trails, Lava Hot Springs has a wealth of historical sites worth visiting during your motorhome camping adventure. The South Bannock County Historical Center Museum is a good place to start exploring that rich history; exhibits focus on Lava Hot Spring’s founding and important characters who made it the town that it is. The community museum is volunteer-run and serves as a depository for its resident’s important relics.Need some big-city amenities when you’re RV camping at Lava Hot Springs KOA? One of the largest cities in Idaho, Pocatello, is just a short drive away. Here you’ll find an abundance of shopping, eateries, and interesting attractions. This is also one of the better places to visit a truck stop, where you can fuel up and empty your tanks - most of them are located near Interstate 15 on the north and south ends of the city. Salt Lake City is about two hours' drive south of Lava Hot Springs and could be an exciting day trip for those willing to take their campervan rental on a road trip. The city’s Mormon Temple in the city center is fascinating in its architecture and Salt Lake’s most popular tourist attraction.Environmentalists might want to check out Pocatello’s Museum of Clean; as the name suggests, it has wonderful exhibits focused on things like washing machines, brooms, and vacuum cleaners, but more importantly, it delves into the importance of clean air, clean water, and the need for recycling to keep a clean planet. The museum gives some great suggestions for how visitors can make changes in their own lives to support a healthier planet. Many of the exhibits are hands-on, making this an excellent stop for anyone traveling with kids in their RV rental.