Local Area Attractions Near Lava Hot Springs East KOA Holiday

Lava Hot Springs KOA East is located 11.5 miles off of I-15 (exit #47).  This clean, renovated campground with several new cabins, RV sites, and tent sites is just a short walk away to The "World Famous Hot Springs". These natural, geothermal. sulfur-free hot springs range in temperatures of 102-112 degrees Fahrenheit. If traveling to or from Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park, Lava Hot Springs is the perfect stop to refresh your vacation and continue feeling the great outdoor vibe. 

Local winter attractions:

  • Pebble Creek Ski Area.
  • Fire & Ice Winter Festival (first full weekend of every February).
  • Baker Ranch snowshoeing and cross country trails.

Other local summer activities are available between Memorial Day - Labor Day.  

  • The Olympic-sized swimming pool with water slides and diving boards.
  • Sunkin Gardens.
  • River tubing.
  • Zip lining.
  • Biking and hiking.
  • Golfing.
  • Fishing.
  • Historic Chesterfield ghost town. 
  • The world's only captive geyser. Aprox 20 miles
  • Range shooting, archery practice.
  • ATV riding.  
  • Gateway to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Aprox. 135 miles
  • Fort Hall Indian Casino with Bingo www.shobangaming.com. Aprox 45 miles

The World Famous Hot Springs

The World Famous Hot Springs

In the 1800's, the natural hot springs served as neutral ground where men of all tribes and ethnicity would come together in peace and soak. Today you will find the same thing! Visitors from all over the world come to the sulfur free hot springs to soak and relax. Choose from five different soaking pools with temperatures varying from 102° to 112° degrees Fahrenheit. These pools feel wonderful in the winter.
Dressing rooms, showers, restrooms and coin operated lockers are part of this beautiful and clean facility.  For hours and prices please refer to their website.

THE HOT POOLS WILL BE CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION AS OF OCTOBER 13, 2025 AND WILL REOPEN APPROXIMATELY NOVEMBER 7, 2025 (OPEN DATE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE).

430 E. Main St.

Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246

208-776-5221

Website

The Sunken Gardens

The Sunken Gardens

These little gardens are a delightful sight. Meticulously maintained and free to the public, they are nestled down in naturally formed lava reef. This is a great little detour to take during your time in Lava Hot Springs. The Sunken Gardens are located near the Hot Pools.

The Olympic Swimming Complex & Indoor Aquatic Center

The Olympic Swimming Complex & Indoor Aquatic Center

This facility in Lava Hot Springs just keeps getting better! Enjoy the Summer Olympic Swimming Complex with steep speed slides  traveling 30 mph, diving platforms, diving boards, curly slides, basketball hoops and large pool. Enjoy the spacious shallow area where young ones can play for hours. Year round Indoor Aquatic Center has 25yd pool, aqua climb wall, diving board, basketball hoops.  New Portneuf Kiddie Cove shallow pool for the little ones with sprays, geysers, dumping bucket, slide and more.  Rent the party room for your next birthday party or family reunion.  Take advantage of the family discount rate on Wednesdays!

195 N. Center

Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246

208-776-5221

Website

Tubing the Portneuf River

Tubing the Portneuf River

Tubing the Portneuf River is a popular summer activity that opens June 1-September 15.  The entrance into the river is not located at the KOA, but is walking distance from the campground.

Fishing

Fishing

Our campers may fish in the river, right from the campground if they wish, and on a lucky day will snare a good trout. Another popular spot for fisherman is the Chesterfield Reservoir, located about 30 minutes from the campground. We have seen great catches come back to the campground from that spot (no fish tales here!). Stop in the store to pick up your Southeast Idaho fishing guide.

Website

Day Trips

Day Trips

The City of Soda Springs is 25 minutes away. Famous for an active geyser similar to "Old Faithful". It releases every hour on the hour. The beautiful 9 hole, par 36 Oregon Trail Country Club golf course, is a popular past time. And lastly Soda Springs is the home to one of the last Drive in Theaters in the state! The Idan-Ha Drive In Theater.

Caribou National Forest is 20 minutes away, where  ATV's trails, bike trails, and hiking trails take you into the quiet countryside of the Pebble Creek resort area.

Looking for a WalMart,  Pocatello is 35 minutes away.  Check out Southeast Idaho High Country website for things to do in this area. https://idahohighcountry.org

Yellowstone National Park is 195 miles.

Teton National Park is 135 miles.

Website

Parks

Parks

Lava Hot Springs maintains several parks which are perfect for a family reunion meal or just a place to romp for the children.  Some parks are first come first serve, see website for more information.   Buddy Campbell park can be reserved for your group by calling City Hall at 208-776-5820 or Lava Hot Springs Foundation regarding their 4 parks at 208-776-5221.

Website

Pebble Creek Ski Area

Pebble Creek Ski Area

Located 25 miles North of Lava Hot Springs, this alpine ski hill is for any skier, snow boarder's, or telemark skier's "slice of heaven".

3340 E Green Canyon Rd

Inkom, ID 83245

208-775-4452

Website

Fire & Ice Winter Festival

Fire & Ice Winter Festival

Lava Hot Springs celebrates the annual "Fire & Ice" Winter Festival the first full weekend of February every year.  Book your cabin today and pre-register for the events to guarantee your ticket of fun. Click on the link below for the weekend event schedule and pre-registration details.

Website

Zipline Adventures

Zipline Adventures

Year round recreation for everyone. Zip line tours arranged daily. 2 hour tours pick you up on main street in Lava and bring you back. Special group tours available upon request. Come on out for some fun and enjoy the zipline and obstacle course.

155 E Main

Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246

208-589-1734

Website

Folk Festival

Folk Festival

The Annual Lava Hot Springs Folk Festival has been rescheduled for this fall.  Visit sponsoring venues and enjoy great music performed by Folk Singer/Songwriters from the Northwest. Admission is free, but donations at the door are appreciated or purchase a raffle ticket for a great list of prizes. All proceeds are contributed to the Lava Hot Springs Elementary School Music Program. Visit the Folk Festival website for details.

Website

Baker Ranch Snowshoeing, X-Country Skiing and Fat Tire Bike Trail

Baker Ranch Snowshoeing, X-Country Skiing and Fat Tire Bike Trail

A winter activity that will get you out in the fresh air on a well marked, groomed beginners or intermediate trail, south of Lava Hot Springs. A warming hut is available at the mid-way point to rest, take in the wonderful views, and use the sleds/tubes on the perfect winter slope that everyone can participate in.

11716 S. Dempsey Creek

Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246

208-776-5684

Website

South Bannock County Center & Museum

South Bannock County Center & Museum

Lava Hot Springs has been a gathering place to rest and bathe in the hot springs for centuries.  Native people from many tribes used the waters as a spiritual place of healing and hunting.  Visit our "Poha-Ba, Land of Healing Water", a permanent interpretive exhibit depicting the use of hot waters by Native Americans before the coming of white man, to learn more about the Native Peoples use of this area.

110 E. Main

Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246

208-776-5254

Website

Lava Hot Springs Golf Course

Lava Hot Springs Golf Course

Golfing at Lava Hot Springs has reopened for the 2021 season. Please call 208-648-4170 for Tee Times.  Address is 9898 E Merrick Rd, Lava Hot Springs, ID. 83246

9898 Merrick Rd

Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246

208-648-4170

Lava Hot Go-Karts

Lava Hot Go-Karts

Our Theme is "Muddy, Dirty Fun!" You will experience so much fun getting muddy, dusty, and dirty in the beautiful Pebble Creek Valley.

8068 South Blaser Hwy.

Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246

385-312-3526

Website

Lava Horseback Adventures

Lava Horseback Adventures

Horseback riding is a fantastic way to explore our beautiful and rugged countryside. It is a unique Idaho vacation experience that allows you to see the world how generations before us experienced it.Our friendly wranglers and well-trained horses are ready to take you on your next mountain adventure during your visit to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.

S. Dempsey Creek Road

Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246

208-261-1131

Website

Local Entertainment Events

Local Entertainment Events

The Lava Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce calendar posts several live music, craft fairs and annual events.

Website

Himalayan Salt Cave

Himalayan Salt Cave

A Himalayan salt cave, located in the heart of Lava Hot Springs.  This cave is a peaceful escape designed for deep relaxation. With soft lighting, calming energy, and a halo generator that gently fills the air with fine salt particles, it's the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Adults-only for a truly tranquil experience a natural treatment that may help with:

  • Symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and allergies.
  • Clears mucus and reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract.

  • Healthier Skin 
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  • Effective in treating skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. 
  • Promotes skin hydration and reduces inflammation. 

  • Stress Relief and Relaxation 
    • Provides a calming environment that helps reduce stress and anxiety. 
    • Enhances overall well-being and promotes better sleep. 

  • Enhanced Immune System 
    • Boosts immunity by improving respiratory function and reducing inflammation. 
    • Acts as a natural antibacterial agent.

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    67 South 2nd East

    Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246

    385-272-7690

    Website