Lava Hot Springs
Lava Hot Springs, ID
A small river town known for its natural hot pools set along the Portneuf River. Soak in the evening, then take a float down the river in summer on the inner-tube route through town.
Lava Hot Springs lies in the Portneuf River valley in southeastern Idaho, at an elevation of about 5,000 feet (1,530 m), and has only around 360 residents (2020 census). The valley has served as a travel corridor for centuries, and the hot springs were regarded by the Shoshone and Bannock as neutral ground. Today the town is known for its thermal pools of roughly 102 to 112°F (39 to 44°C) and for tubing, floating down the Portneuf River on an inner tube.
You can relax in the pools in the evening and, in summer, float the river by day; half a day to a full day makes sense for both. U.S. Highway 30 runs through the valley and is the main access route, about 11 miles (18 km) east of I-15 at McCammon. The town is small; check with your lodging or campground in advance if you are traveling with a larger vehicle.
- Nearest town
- Lava Hot Springs, ID
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.6190, -112.0110
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Lava Hot Springs KOAMotorhome stopover1 mi from Lava Hot SpringsMotorhomes
- McCammon RV ParkMotorhome stopover10 mi from Lava Hot SpringsMotorhomes
- Goodenough Creek CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Lava Hot Springs · 8 pitchesTentsCaravansFree
- Scout Mountain CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Lava Hot SpringsTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Mink Creek Group SiteCampsite22 mi from Lava Hot SpringsTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterToilets
- Devil Creek RV ParkCampsite24 mi from Lava Hot SpringsTentsCaravans
All campsites in Idaho · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lava Hot Springs?
Lava Hot Springs is in Lava Hot Springs, ID, at GPS 42.6190, -112.0110. It is about 21 mi from Soda Springs.
Can you camp near Lava Hot Springs?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lava Hot Springs KOA, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 15 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Lava Hot Springs?
Places worth a stop nearby: Soda Springs Geyser (21 mi), Paris Idaho Tabernacle (41 mi), Tony Grove Lake (54 mi) and Bear Lake Overlook (56 mi).
When is the best time to visit Lava Hot Springs?
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)