Lower Portneuf Campground
Dept. Fish & Wildlife
Write a Review South Blaser Hwy. Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246 208-232-4703 Official WebsiteGPS: 42.6422, -112.0046
Overview of Lower Portneuf Campground
Dispersed camping is no longer allowed at this location. Camping is only allowed in one of the 8 designated campsites.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101.
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by LaurenRitz on 10/7/2023
Longest RV Reported: 44 feet (Fifth Wheel)
Reported by travelingfeet on 4/19/2022
Number of Sites 8
Open Seasonally Yes
Elevation 5,118 ft / 1,559 m
Max Stay 10
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Lower Portneuf Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 208-232-4703
Reviews of Lower Portneuf Campground 33 people have reviewed this location.
“Beautiful Sites And Area, But Next To Train Tracks ”
Reviewed 10/7/2023
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 3 |
RV Length: | 34' (Travel Trailer) |
This is free, and some of the nicest free camping we have seen in 3 years, we aren’t complaining about the train but it is much closer than a thought. You are right next to the tracks and cross them to get into the parking-so be warned. It is a very active line. Lots of wasps, flies and grasshoppers in October but beautiful weather an... more
This is free, and some of the nicest free camping we have seen in 3 years, we aren’t complaining about the train but it is much closer than a thought. You are right next to the tracks and cross them to get into the parking-so be warned. It is a very active line.
Lots of wasps, flies and grasshoppers in October but beautiful weather and respectful neighbors. The park was full when we arrived at 1:30, but they quickly left after an atv ride (which isn’t permitted in this area actually) and told us the train kept them up all night. We are used to the noise, but it was a smidge louder than past places. Either way we would stay again.
LaurenRitz would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great ”
Reviewed 8/26/2023
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | N/a |
We found this on Campendium of course and it was rated very well and turned out to be great 👍 train was no bother at all
Sheriff cruised by and makes it feell secure BUT we did see some traffic that made you wonder if they were partyers or drug connections! Overall very quiet and no problems
camper-865322 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Star gazing spot!”
Reviewed 8/23/2023
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
We almost didn't stay here because of the low reviews due to the train noise but we were in Lava Hot Springs and this was such a short drive up the road. We arrived pretty late and there were still spots available. We found one big enough for our 21ft travel trailer and vehicle. The site was pretty level too, which we appreciated. We s... more
We almost didn't stay here because of the low reviews due to the train noise but we were in Lava Hot Springs and this was such a short drive up the road. We arrived pretty late and there were still spots available. We found one big enough for our 21ft travel trailer and vehicle. The site was pretty level too, which we appreciated. We stayed in the last one on the upper loop. The stars were SO bright! We've veen traveling for almost a month and stargazing last night was definitely one of my favorite moments. The train did come by before we went to bed. But we didn't hear it the rest of the night. I am a light sleeper but I do sleep with white noise on, so maybe that helped. The morning views were beautiful! Would definitely stay again!
camper-857314 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“PERFECT --- an easy 5-Star BUT FOR THE TRAIN TRAFFIC”
Reviewed 12/5/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
This lovely little campground, just out of Lava Hot Springs is perfectly situated. Only a few minute drive from the springs. The night sky is black and beautiful!! I pulled in after dark (in October 2022) and there were cozy fires and glowing windows in the rigs around the circle. It felt safe and homey. UNTIL ... the trains blew past... more
This lovely little campground, just out of Lava Hot Springs is perfectly situated. Only a few minute drive from the springs. The night sky is black and beautiful!! I pulled in after dark (in October 2022) and there were cozy fires and glowing windows in the rigs around the circle. It felt safe and homey. UNTIL ... the trains blew past, blowing their horns for the road crossings - only a few dozen feet from the campground. This was not a once a night thing... as their were multiple trains. IF THE TRAIN NOISE DOESN'T BOTHER YOU, this campground is in a pretty little setting, close to Lava Hot Springs and a wonderful place to hang out.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Close To Lava Hot Springs ”
Reviewed 10/15/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
This was an unexpected find. It is really nice. There’s only a few sites but it is gravel and fairly level. There are washrooms at the day area. The trains did not bother us but it is really close. If you are a light sleeper and don’t want any noise this is not for you.
Ant would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beware Of The Trains…”
Reviewed 10/5/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
RV Length: | 42' (Fifth Wheel) |
This is a good campground That’s close to the hot springs. I think there was 8 or 10 sites that all seem big rig friendly. Our 42’ 5er fit fine with plenty of room. HOWEVER beware of the trains. The tracks are only about 100 yards away and they all blast their horns 4 times while going through the crossing. We slept with ear plugs so i... more
This is a good campground That’s close to the hot springs. I think there was 8 or 10 sites that all seem big rig friendly. Our 42’ 5er fit fine with plenty of room. HOWEVER beware of the trains. The tracks are only about 100 yards away and they all blast their horns 4 times while going through the crossing. We slept with ear plugs so it was manageable.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Reviewed 9/8/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 5 |
RV Length: | 32' (Class C) |
Easy access just off on Hwy 30. The spots are level and have gravel pads. They are also spaced far enough apart that you don't feel like you're sitting on top of one another. There was only 1 other visitor when I arrived on the Thursday before Labor Day. It filled for the weekend. There is a rail line adjacent to the grounds. There ar... more
Easy access just off on Hwy 30. The spots are level and have gravel pads. They are also spaced far enough apart that you don't feel like you're sitting on top of one another. There was only 1 other visitor when I arrived on the Thursday before Labor Day. It filled for the weekend. There is a rail line adjacent to the grounds. There are two tracks actually with one being a siding. There was one train on the siding during the entire that blocked the entrance for about an hour.
The only drawback is that when it's 90+ degrees out, there isn't any shade temper the heat. However, the temperature drops down pretty quickly when the sun goes down.
Good Verizon and AT&T coverage. Not able to speak on T-Mobile.
pbatchelder would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Relaxing”
Reviewed 6/11/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 10 |
Site Number: | N/A |
RV Length: | 30' (Class C) |
Everything you read in previous reviews is true. As Arnie said, “I’ll be bock!”
Joe A. would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Choo Choo!”
Reviewed 5/27/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 10 |
RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
First things first, yes, there are trains that pass by the site at all hours and, yes, it can be quite loud. If that is a dealbreaker for you, look elsewhere. If not, this site is near perfection. Each site is level and has a fire pit. I arrived on a Sunday afternoon and only 2 others were there. Filled up as the week went along, but w... more
First things first, yes, there are trains that pass by the site at all hours and, yes, it can be quite loud. If that is a dealbreaker for you, look elsewhere. If not, this site is near perfection. Each site is level and has a fire pit. I arrived on a Sunday afternoon and only 2 others were there. Filled up as the week went along, but was never constantly busy. The river is just a short walk away from the sites which is perfect for early morning strolls. Lava Hot Springs is just down the road, and then Soda Springs and Pocatello about a half hour away in each direction. Only negative I had was a few wasps tried to infiltrate my RV within a few minutes of being there, but was not a constant problem. I’ll mention the train again, because I actually found it quite cool. I was also in a spot closer to the river so the train was less loud compared to other sites, but there was still a night where I was woken up from a deep sleep because I thought the train was coming straight into my house lol. Seriously though, I can’t wait to come back to this site. Reliable internet, nice views, and FREE!!!
mikelang6613 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great free spot”
Reviewed 4/24/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 10 |
Campground is dry camping. Sites are new and very nice and level. Stream runs right behind sites. Yes, train is close but not a bother. Very nice place to stay and very close to Lava Hot Springs. You can get boxed in by the train if trains are coming the other way. We had to sit on the side of the road waiting to enter.
D would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Dedge
Boondocking Lava Hot Springs Idaho | Travel Is Sweet
Sitting on 60 mph (96 kph) the constant drone of Cup Cakes’ wheels on the highway is broken by the sudden and wild rush of displaced air. Sending her into a frantic pitch away from the larger, faster m...
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
Recreation
- fishing
Facilities
- restrooms: vault
Pets
- pets
Nearby
Lost Trail Motel & RV Resort
Unmatched river front spaces, just expect train/road noise at night
- Kindra
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