City Center KOA

Lava Hot Springs is one of Idaho’s most cherished destinations, and finding the perfect place to stay is key to an unforgettable trip. The City Center KOA, located right in the heart of town, provides a convenient and well-known option for both RV and tent campers. This campground has been a go-to spot for many years, offering a central location that places visitors within easy walking distance of the area’s most popular attractions. While recent shifts in management and pricing have caused some friction among long-time patrons, the core value of its location and amenities remains.

This KOA is an RV park and campground that prioritizes convenience. It is not a secluded wilderness retreat, but rather a hub for activity and a comfortable base from which to explore the lively town. The sites are designed to be functional, offering essential hookups for RVs. Many campers have noted the close proximity of sites, a trade-off for the park's unbeatable location. For those who want to be able to walk to restaurants, shops, and the famous hot springs, this is a prime choice.

The atmosphere at City Center KOA is geared toward convenience and a social, community-style camping experience. It’s a place where families can stay, and where you'll find other campers to interact with. It’s also pet-friendly, making it easy to bring your four-legged family members along for the adventure. While some changes have been a point of discussion for returning guests, the campground continues to be a central and popular option for visitors to the area. For those new to the campground, it provides a very clean, well-maintained, and professionally managed basecamp for enjoying the local attractions.

Location and Accessibility

City Center KOA is located at 101 Portneuf St, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA. This is an ideal location for those who want to explore Lava Hot Springs on foot. The campground is situated right in the center of town, a short stroll from the famous hot pools, the Olympic Swimming Complex, and the Portneuf River, where you can enjoy floating and other water activities. Its central location is what makes it so appealing to visitors who want to be where the action is.

Accessibility is a strong point of this campground. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that it is a welcoming place for all guests. The park also provides on-site parking for campers, which is a convenient feature given its location. While the proximity to the Portneuf River is a highlight, it also means that some sites can be close together, so campers should be prepared for a less isolated experience and more of a community feel.

The entrance is located near the Olympic Swimming Complex, and its position makes it easy to get to after exiting the interstate. The walkability of the area is a major perk, as you can leave your vehicle parked at your site and easily navigate the town's charming streets, shops, and restaurants. This combination of being in the heart of the action while still having a dedicated place to stay makes the City Center KOA a highly practical option for many types of travelers.

Services Offered

• RV Camping: The campground has sites available for RVs.
• RV Water Hookup: Sites are equipped with water hookups for RVs.
• On-Site Parking: Convenient parking is available for guests.
• Credit and Debit Cards: Payments are accepted via credit and debit cards, offering flexibility for travelers.

Features / Highlights

• Prime Downtown Location: The campground is a short walk from the main attractions of Lava Hot Springs, including the hot pools and the Olympic Swimming Complex.
• Good for Kids: The campground is considered a good destination for kids, with a variety of activities and nearby attractions to keep them entertained.
• Dogs Allowed: Pets are welcome, making it a convenient spot for travelers with dogs.
• Accessible: The campground offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot.
• On-site services: Convenient services are available on-site for campers.

Contact Information

Address: 101 Portneuf St, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA

Phone: (208) 776-5209

Mobile Phone: +1 208-776-5209

What is worth choosing

Choosing City Center KOA is a decision to prioritize location and convenience above all else. For many travelers, the ability to park their vehicle and not touch it again until they leave is a huge benefit, and this campground offers just that. Its central position makes it an ideal basecamp for exploring everything Lava Hot Springs has to offer, from the famous hot pools to the river tubing, dining, and shopping. This is a significant advantage over other campgrounds that require a drive into town. The ability to walk to every major attraction means less stress and more time for fun.

While some of the reviews highlight concerns about pricing and space, it is important to consider the context. This campground is in a prime location in a popular resort town. The prices often reflect the demand and the convenience of being in the heart of the action. For a KOA, which typically offers a range of services and a consistent standard of care, the cost is often associated with the brand and the amenities provided, such as the full hookups and accessible facilities. The fact that the campground is a KOA also means that it is part of a larger network, providing a level of reliability and predictability that some campers appreciate.

Ultimately, the value of the City Center KOA lies in its strategic location and its ability to provide a comfortable, convenient stay. For families, especially, the close proximity to activities and the welcoming, kid-friendly environment make it an excellent choice. It’s a place where you can be a part of the vibrant atmosphere of Lava Hot Springs while still having a secure and comfortable place to call home for a night or two. For those who want to be close to the excitement, this campground offers a fantastic solution.

City Center KOA

101 Portneuf St, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA