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Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access Introduce

Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access offers a serene and scenic camping experience along the banks of the Portneuf River in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. This free campground is ideal for adventurers seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning natural beauty. With easy access to the river, this location provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a favorite among campers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts.

Located just 10 minutes from downtown Lava Hot Springs, Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access strikes the perfect balance between convenience and tranquility. The campground is situated in a breathtaking setting, with mountains framing the horizon in every direction. Whether you're staying in an RV, a trailer, or pitching a tent, this campground offers ample space for vehicles and equipment, ensuring a comfortable stay for all types of campers.

The facilities at Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access cater to both overnight guests and day users. Most campsites feature level gravel parking areas and fire pits, providing everything you need for an enjoyable outdoor experience. Picnic tables are available at three of the nine sites, offering a cozy spot for meals or relaxation. For convenience, there is one vault toilet in the day use area, ensuring basic amenities are readily accessible.

One of the standout features of this campground is its proximity to the Portneuf River, which offers excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The river's edge provides a serene spot to unwind, with plenty of space for picnics under shaded picnic tables. While the sounds of nature dominate, you may occasionally hear the distant rumble of trains passing by, though this is generally minimal and doesn't disturb the peaceful ambiance.

Customers have praised Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access for its clean and well-maintained facilities. Many appreciate the affordability of the campground, as it offers a free camping option in a beautiful setting. One visitor noted that while the train tracks border the site, the noise was not excessive and did not interfere with their sleep. Another highlighted the convenience of the location, making it an ideal base for exploring Lava Hot Springs and surrounding areas.

Despite its small size, Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access manages to provide a diverse range of camping experiences. The mix of RV sites, tent-only spots, and day use areas caters to a wide audience, including families, solo travelers, and groups. The presence of a shelter in the day use area adds an extra layer of convenience for those looking to spend a few hours by the river.

Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access is a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful camping experience without breaking the bank. Its proximity to Lava Hot Springs and the Portneuf River makes it an excellent base for exploring the area's natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or simply looking to unwind in nature, this campground offers a welcoming environment for all.

If you're planning a trip to Idaho and are searching for a charming and affordable camping spot, Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access is definitely worth considering. With its scenic surroundings, diverse facilities, and friendly atmosphere, it's sure to leave you with lasting memories of your outdoor adventure.

  • Location: S Blaser Hwy, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
  • Facilities: Fire pits, picnic tables (covered), vault toilet, day use shelter
  • Activities: Camping, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking
  • Parking: Space for RVs and trailers, level gravel sites
  • Proximity: 10 minutes from downtown Lava Hot Springs
  • Atmosphere: Peaceful with minimal noise from trains and roads

Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access is more than just a campground; it's an invitation to connect with nature in a beautiful and welcoming setting. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this spot offers something for everyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

Location

IdahoBannock CountyLava Hot SpringsSouth Blaser Highway

Customer Reviews

4.0
31 reviews
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Erica Gordan
Aug 21, 2024

This is a clean free campground along the Portneuf River and just 10 minutes from downtown Lava Hot Springs. The campground is surrounded by mountains in every direction, very beautiful setting. We stayed in a 24 ft trailer. Room for tow vehicle and TT. Most sites have mostly level gravel parking and fire-pits. Three of the ~9 sites have a picnic table. There is one vault toilet in the day use parking area and three picnic tables with cover along the river. Mosquitos in the evening as expected by a river, grasshoppers during the day. Yes, the train tracks border the campground. The noise from the trains is not excessive and did not interfere with my sleep, road noise is minimal.

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Aaron Currie
Apr 25, 2024

Looks like it used to have more spread out locations. Now there are about 7 spots that are all back in or tent camping. There's a vault toilet and a shelter in the day use area. Trains were not too bad however they did block us from leaving in the morning for about a half hour while another train passed.

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Stacy Dutt
Jun 21, 2022

This camping area is free it's a 10 minute drive from Lava Hot Springs , there are about 10 spots that fill up quick there is a vault toilet and a day use area with no tables just extra parking. The area is very buggy when we were there over Father's day weekend there were millions of tiny knats in the evening. The Portneuf River is deep in most areas and is great for fishing and you can see people floating the river. The down fall of this convenient campground is that there is a busy railroad close by and trains go by at least every hour, 24 hrs.a day .

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Sara M
Sep 05, 2022

This camp is not the same as Google Maps shows. It is nice, 7 spots but close to entrance/train tracks with a definitive fence around it. The trains pass all hours and do blow horns. Did not deter me from camping here for multiple nights. So close to town and fantastic river fishing spot.

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Carl Christy
Aug 16, 2023

Quite a few mosquitoes in early August. The price is definitely right. Beware that trains run all night and blow their horns like crazy. That was a fun little spot in there a great restrooms and even trash service. It looks like they are adding on to the place, too.

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Samuel Firebaugh
Mar 27, 2025

Very nice little fishing/camping spot; would be better if people would pick up their trash.