Portneuf Bend Campground Introduce
Portneuf Bend Campground, located in the scenic Lava Hot Springs Valley, is a true gem for anyone seeking an authentic Idaho outdoor experience. This beautiful, family-owned RV park and campground is perfectly situated along the winding Portneuf River, providing a serene and picturesque setting that makes you feel a world away from the everyday. It’s a place where the sound of the flowing river becomes the soundtrack to your vacation, and the stunning natural surroundings invite you to relax and explore.
What truly sets Portneuf Bend apart is the palpable sense of warmth and hospitality. As noted in multiple customer reviews, the camp hosts and staff are "incredibly warm, helpful, and always ready to cater to every request." This dedication to guest satisfaction creates an inviting atmosphere that makes visitors feel right at home. The friendly and professional demeanor of the staff, even when dealing with difficult situations, ensures a pleasant and stress-free stay for everyone. It's this personal touch that transforms a good camping trip into a truly incredible one, and it's a key reason why so many people, from families to solo travelers, return year after year.
The campground itself is meticulously maintained, with lush, grassy sites that are a welcome alternative to the typical gravel pads found elsewhere. The grounds are thoughtfully laid out, offering a mix of spacious RV sites and comfortable tent camping areas. This careful planning ensures that while you have access to a community of fellow campers, you also maintain a sense of privacy and peace. The cleanliness of the facilities, especially the restrooms, is a consistent point of praise from happy campers, highlighting the commitment of the staff to providing a high-quality experience.
A unique and charming feature of the campground is its proximity to a train track. While some might see this as a potential downside, many visitors find the passing trains to be a "nostalgic touch." The distant rumble and whistle add a sense of adventure and history to the backdrop of the camp, contributing to the overall rustic charm. The sound of the train, along with the gentle flow of the river, creates a peaceful symphony that enhances the feeling of a genuine escape into the Idaho countryside.
Beyond the excellent grounds and service, Portneuf Bend is a hub for adventure. The campground hosts an on-site rental company, offering a wide array of equipment for all kinds of outdoor fun. From side-by-sides and ATVs for off-road exploration to float tubes, mopeds, and paddle boats, you can find everything you need to make your stay unforgettable. The river floating experience is described as "absolutely magical," and the ability to rent equipment on-site is a game-changer for spontaneous adventures. This level of convenience makes it easy to try new activities and explore the surrounding area without having to travel far or haul your own gear.
Furthermore, the campground's location is a major selling point. It is only about a mile from the world-famous Lava Hot Springs, making it easy for campers to walk or bike into town. This close proximity allows visitors to take a dip in the natural hot springs, explore local eateries, or even go white-water rafting. The combination of a peaceful camping environment with easy access to a vibrant and adventurous town offers the best of both worlds. For families and groups, this convenience is invaluable, as it provides a variety of activities to suit all ages and interests.
The campground’s popularity is a testament to its quality. As one review mentions, families are booking up to a year in advance for reunions and annual trips, which speaks volumes about its reputation and the loyalty it inspires. This is a place where traditions are built and memories are made, solidifying its status as a top destination in the Idaho camping scene. The warm welcome, stunning location, and wealth of activities make Portneuf Bend Campground an essential stop for anyone looking for a true Idaho adventure.
Location and Accessibility
Portneuf Bend Campground is conveniently located at 9250 S Blaser Hwy, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA. Its prime position places it just half a mile from the charming town of Lava Hot Springs, making it easily accessible for all types of travelers. The campground is nestled along the scenic Portneuf River, providing a quiet, country-style camping experience while remaining close to a variety of local amenities and attractions.
The site is highly accessible, offering wheelchair-accessible entrances and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot. This commitment to accessibility ensures that people with varying mobility needs can enjoy the beauty and activities of the campground. Ample on-site parking is available for all visitors, whether they are in a large RV or a smaller passenger vehicle.
Services Offered
RV Camping and Hookups: The campground offers RV camping with electric hookups and running water available. There are spacious back-in and pull-thru sites.
Tent Sites: Designated tent sites are available for a more traditional camping experience.
Public Restrooms and Showers: Clean and well-maintained public restrooms and showers with running water are available for all guests.
Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for comfortable outdoor dining.
Payments: Camping fees can be paid using debit cards, providing a convenient and modern payment option.
Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes dogs, allowing the entire family to enjoy the trip.
Wheelchair Accessible: Offers wheelchair accessible entrances and parking, making it a welcoming destination for all.
Features / Highlights
Riverside Location: Situated right along the Portneuf River, perfect for floating, swimming, and fishing.
Family-Owned and Operated: The personal, warm, and helpful service from the family hosts is a consistent highlight for visitors.
On-Site Rentals: A major convenience, with rentals available for side-by-sides, ATVs, mopeds, float tubes, and more.
Proximity to Town: The ability to walk or take a short trip into Lava Hot Springs to enjoy the famous hot pools and other attractions is a huge benefit.
Clean and Well-Maintained: The immaculate grounds and bathrooms are frequently praised by campers.
Spacious Sites: The campground offers plenty of room for both RVs and tents, providing a comfortable and private experience.
Contact Information
Address: 9250 S Blaser Hwy, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA
Phone: (208) 530-1595
Mobile Phone: +1 208-530-1595
What is worth choosing
Portneuf Bend Campground is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a comprehensive and enjoyable camping experience in Idaho. The combination of its idyllic riverside location, friendly family-owned atmosphere, and wealth of on-site amenities makes it a standout destination. For those who love the water, the direct access to the Portneuf River for floating and fishing is a major draw. The availability of on-site rentals removes the hassle of bringing your own equipment, making it easier to enjoy a variety of activities.
The exceptional customer service provided by the hosts, as described by numerous happy campers, ensures that every stay is comfortable and welcoming. The campground's cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, including accessible options, further add to its appeal. For families and groups looking for a place where everyone can find something to love, from relaxing by the river to exploring the town of Lava Hot Springs, Portneuf Bend Campground offers an unmatched experience that is well worth choosing for your next Idaho adventure.
Portneuf Bend Campground Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- RV camping
- RV electric hookup
- RV water hookup
Amenities
- Picnic tables
- Public restroom
- Restroom
- Running water
- Tent sites
Payments
- Camping fee
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- On-site parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Portneuf Bend Campground Photos










Portneuf Bend Campground Location
Portneuf Bend Campground
9250 S Blaser Hwy, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA
Portneuf Bend Campground Reviews
rivertrainstownrentlavafeltkayakschargedhot springspit toilets
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I just had the most incredible camping experience at a beautiful, family-owned RV park nestled in the stunning Lava Hot Springs Valley. The grounds are lush and well-maintained, winding along a picturesque river that’s perfect for floating, swimming, or kayaking. The camp hosts were incredibly warm, helpful, and always ready to cater to every request, making us feel right at home.To my delight, a train passed several times throughout the day—such a nostalgic touch for me. The bathrooms were immaculate, the freshwater was clean and refreshing, and the peaceful, quiet setting was an ideal escape, especially during the busy Fourth of July holiday.Beyond the gorgeous campsites, the park offers rentals for just about anything you can imagine: side-by-sides, ATVs, float tubes, mopeds, dirt bikes, and even the cutest little paddle boats, all with safety equipment included. The river floating experience was absolutely magical—so serene and beautiful.Good news travels fast as I talked to families booking up to a year in advance for reunions and annual camping trips. It's clear why people return year after year.What really stood out was the convenience of being able to walk just about a mile into town to explore the natural hot springs, local eateries, or even go white-water rafting, if you're up for more adventure.This five-star RV park is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a true Idaho adventure. I’ve already booked my next trip for September to bring the whole family along!
July 05 · Marty SiebertzDear Campground Team,We had such a great time camping this weekend with my sister! One of the best parts of our trip was meeting the awesome camp hosts, Mark and Brandi. They are truly amazing at their jobs!Even when they had to deal with some not-so-nice campers, they stayed calm, kind, and super professional. It was really cool to see how patient and polite they were. They also helped us out when we had a small problem and made sure everything was okay.They were always friendly and ready to lend a hand. The bathrooms were super clean, which made the trip even more comfortable!We also want to give a shoutout to the rest of the staff—they were warm and helpful, making the entire campground feel like a great place to be.We’re already excited to come back—we’ve even booked our spots for next month!Sincerely,The Happy Campers – The Larsen Family
July 03 · kara larsenEat here! Wonderful, delicious, a treat! Are you camping? Treat yourself. Staying at Lava Hot springs Inn? You get $40 credit. Lamb, short rib, lobster…you deserve it, do it. Bartender made us unique drinks. Both our dinners were fabulous! You won’t regret it
May 09 · SherylBathrooms only have pit toilets and no water, no showers. This campground is for RVs mostly and not tent campers. It is right next to the train tracks and there are freight trains throughout the night. We did see people having fun walking up the campground and then floating down in tubes and walking back up. You can rent all kinds of equipment.
July 24 · Suzy SpellGreat place to camp in a camp trailer or tent. Easy to float the river and to get in and out. The couple who take care of the grounds are super kind and helpful. Just make sure you bring a longer extension cord to plug in. We would recommend making reservations and bringing bug spray. They have bathrooms but no showers. You can purchase firewood for $6 & bags of ice for $3. Also, there are tons of dirt bike trails nearby. We wish we would have brought our dirt bikes or four-wheelers, maybe next time. :)
June 18 · Jessica Croft
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