Lost Trail
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
20 RV Sites
Nestled along the Portneuf River in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho—in the Gem State's southeastern corner where the basalt lava flows of the Snake River Plain meet the limestone canyons of the Portneuf drainage and the geothermal activity that the region's volcanic geology produces flows to the surface in the world-famous hot springs that gave the town its identity—Lost Trail Resort provides full hookup RV sites on the Portneuf riverbank, pull-through options, and on-site motel rooms and cabins in the most geographically immediate position to Lava Hot Springs' natural geothermal pools that any campground in the area offers. Mountains rising on one side of the property, the Portneuf River on the other, and the town's geothermal infrastructure within walking distance create the specific combination that makes a Lava Hot Springs stay categorically different from any campground that merely approximates the hot springs experience.
Full hookup RV sites with riverbank positioning accommodate the range of RV configurations, with pull-through options available for guests arriving with large rigs or who prefer not to back into a riverside site. The family-owned property maintains modern facilities including free WiFi, clean bathrooms, pet-friendly accommodations, and air conditioning. Motel rooms serve the guests traveling without RVs, and cabin accommodations provide the enclosed alternative with private amenities. The Portneuf River flowing beside the property provides the natural sound and visual environment that riverside camping specifically offers—and in Lava Hot Springs, where the river's geothermal character gives the water a warmth unusual for a mountain stream, the riverbank itself carries a specific ambient temperature that guests notice immediately on cool Idaho mornings.
Lava Hot Springs' geothermal pools are the resource that organizes the entire visitor experience of this southeastern Idaho town. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation operates the geothermal complex—maintained at no cost to the state beyond its own revenue—as a public facility with soaking pools maintained at multiple temperatures from 102 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit, fed continuously by the natural spring flow. The pools have operated continuously since the Shoshone-Bannock people first used the springs, were developed as a commercial resort in the late 19th century, and have maintained their public-ownership status through the 20th century and into the present as one of the only state-operated geothermal public bathing facilities in the American West.
The Olympic-standard outdoor swimming complex—a separate facility from the hot soaking pools, operated by the same parks authority, open in summer—provides a 50-meter lap pool, diving platforms, and water slides in a facility built to Olympic specification that serves the competitive swimming market alongside the recreational swimming population that the Lava Hot Springs summer economy depends on. Year-round access to the geothermal soaking pools alongside summer-only access to the swimming complex creates the visitor calendar that makes Lava Hot Springs genuinely functional as a destination in every season. Hiking access to the surrounding Caribou-Targhee National Forest terrain, fishing in the Portneuf River system, and the winter sports available in the surrounding southeastern Idaho mountains extend the outdoor programming.
Lost Trail Resort is open year-round in alignment with Lava Hot Springs' year-round geothermal pool access. The summer swimming complex season—from Memorial Day through Labor Day—drives peak demand. Winter soaking season draws the guests who specifically seek a geothermal pool experience in cold weather, when the temperature contrast between the 100-plus-degree water and the freezing air produces the atmospheric steam that makes hot spring bathing in cold conditions its most viscerally satisfying. Reserve your riverbank site early for summer and let Lava Hot Springs' natural geothermal infrastructure earn its place as southeastern Idaho's most irreplaceable visitor experience.
What does this place offer
- Bathrooms
- Beach
- Cabins
- Fishing
- Full Hookup
- Pavilion
- Pet Friendly
- River/Stream/Creek
- Showers
- Sports Courts
Select your site to book online
Location
9611 E US-30, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA
Things to know
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PMRules
Registration and Arrival
Check-In Procedure
- Check-in: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM.
- Check-out: 12:00 PM for the RV Park.
- Check-out: 11:00 AM for the motel.
- Please ensure your site is clear of trash and litter.
- All campfires must be extinguished prior to check out.
- Late check-out may be available with permission.
- You do not need to check out at the main office.
- You can check out by dropping your key in the red drop box outside of the office.
- No early or late check-in without prior arrangements.
- If arriving outside of check-in times, please call to make arrangements.
- While each park attempts to accommodate your exact spot request, the on-site manager has the ultimate decision for spot placement.
Deposits & Payments
Initial Deposit
- At the time of booking, 20% of the reservation balance will be collected.
- Payment for all retail items and gift certificates will also be collected.
Scheduled Deposit
- 2 day(s) before arrival, 100% of the reservation balance will be collected.
- If a reservation is booked "last-minute" (within the scheduled time frame), 100% of the remaining balance will be collected.
Credit Card Security
- Your credit card information is stored and processed securely.
Lost Trail
- Lost Trail is an exclusive property where every guest reservation is both important and special to us.
- If your travel plans change and you must cancel your reservation, please call us at least 2 (two) days* prior to your arrival date to cancel your reservation.
- Guests are charged the full amount of the stay at check-in.
Rates
- Rates/policies are subject to change and vary during high-impact periods and special requests.
- All 20% campground deposits are non-refundable.
- A 7-day cancellation notice is required on group bookings.
Lost Trail Rules and Guidelines for Motel Rooms
- Lost Trail has established these rules and guidelines to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- If guests choose not to observe these rules and guidelines, they will be asked to leave without any form of a refund.
Non-Refundable Deposit
- All Campground bookings require a 20% nonrefundable deposit.
Quiet Hours
- Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m.
- Please, no loud music or excessive behavior
Pet Policy
- Pets are not allowed in the motel rooms.
- Pets must be kept on leashes (six-foot maximum length) or inside and must not be left unattended.
- No excessive barking allowed.
- Pets must be walked by a responsible person to pick up after them immediately.
Smoking
- Smoking is not allowed in motel rooms.
- Guests will be charged a $250 cleaning fee for smoking in rooms.
Parking Policy
- Parking is provided in front of your room.
- Please do not drive or park in the campground.
- One vehicle is allowed per space.
- Certain spaces allow up to 2 vehicles.
- An additional car pass can be purchased for $10 at the main office.
- There is no other parking at the park; do not bring additional vehicles.
- Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense.
Visitors
- We only allow registered guests in the motel rooms.
Emergencies and Assistance
- If the office is open, please come to the office.
- If the office is closed, please call the numbers on the door for assistance.
RV Park and Campground Use
- Motel guests are welcome in the RV Park.
- There are designated areas for River access, campfires, and BBQ/grill use for motel guests.
- Please do not go to the camp and RV spaces.
Lost Trail Inn, RV and Campground Rules and Guidelines
- Lost Trail Inn has established these rules and guidelines to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests staying in the park.
- If guests choose not to observe these rules and guidelines, they will be asked to leave the park without any form of a refund.
Speed Limit
- Please adhere to our speed limit of 5 mph to ensure the safety of all guests.
Off-Road Vehicles
- Off-road vehicles, including side-by-sides, are allowed in the park.
- You must have a vehicle pass for your off-road vehicle.
- Vehicle passes can be purchased for $10.
Quiet Hours
- Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m.
- Please, no loud music or excessive behavior.
Visitors
- We only allow registered guests access to the park.
- Please do not bring additional people to your space.
Trash
- Lost Trail Inn does not offer roadside collection.
- Dumpsters are available for guest use.
Campfires
- Campfires must be in a designated fire pit or ring.
- Do not cut trees in the park for firewood.
- Firewood is available for purchase in the main office.
Park Equipment
- Please do not use portable BBQs on the picnic tables.
- Guests are responsible for damage done to the park equipment.
Children Policy
- Parents are responsible for their children at all times.
- Please do not leave children unattended.
Showers and Restrooms
- Shower availability is limited.
- Please limit showers to no longer than 10 minutes.
- The showers are open from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Alcohol Policy
- Guests under the age of 21 are not permitted to drink alcohol in the park.
- Guests exhibiting disruptive behavior will be asked to leave.
Cancellation Policy
Campground Cancellation Policy
If the guest cancels at least 3 days before their check-in day and time, they will receive an 80% refund (minus Spot2Nite convenience or resort fees). If the guest cancels within the 3 days before check-in, there will be no refund.