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 Jax-n-Me on 12/5/2022
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 30 people have reviewed this location.
“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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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
“Great spot! ”
Reviewed 4/19/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 3 ? |
Rig Size: 44 foot 5th Wheel
No issues getting in. Site is by an active rail line but that is known, so expect the noise.
Kid & Pet friendly, during out stay anyway - shoulder season.
travelingfeet would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Awesome place to stay. Upgraded from last year.”
Reviewed 3/30/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | 1 |
We stayed here prior to the renovations/upgrades. This is now a much better dispersed campground. Beautiful scenery & the trains are not bad.
wevelyn would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Free & Close to Hot Springs”
Reviewed 10/26/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Yeah, there are trains, but they didn’t wake us up during the night. Sites not very level, but they are wide. We parked diagonally to find the most level before setting up. Clean vault toilet in day use area. Stayed here to take advantage of Lava Hot Springs outdoor pools after a few long days of driving. Quiet. Two others in the ca... more
Yeah, there are trains, but they didn’t wake us up during the night. Sites not very level, but they are wide. We parked diagonally to find the most level before setting up. Clean vault toilet in day use area.
Stayed here to take advantage of Lava Hot Springs outdoor pools after a few long days of driving. Quiet. Two others in the campground-one in a rental moving truck & one in a pick-up/cargo trailer. Odd, but not sketchy.
TwoForTheRoad 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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