Lava Hot Springs

2 1/4 hr $T

Lava has a nice big swimming pool with diving platforms, slides and an indoor pool with a little climbing wall. There are also some very hot wading pools at the other end of town (nice in the winter). The city owns both of them so you can pay for both together or separate. The large main pools are not heated so I don't recommend going here if it is at all cool. See http://www.lavahotsprings.com/ . You can also tube down a fun river going through town. You can rent tubes for a hefty price or bring your own. To get there head north on I15 to the McCammon Exit between Downey and Pocatello and go east on highway 30 to Lava.

There are several pay camping areas. Here is a link to a good one: http://www.smithstrouthaven.com it is a mile west of Lava called Trout Haven and they are accommodating for scout troops. It is only open May - September. Another one is by a motel just before Lava. The motel has a large grassy area down by the river for camping; you pay at the motel. There are a couple more at the other end of town. See http://portneufbendcampground.com/ & http://koa.com/campgrounds/lava-hot-springs-city-center/. Another good place, but further away, is at the Pebble Creek area. You go east of town and go left on the old highway 30 or Blaser Road about 10 miles until you see the Pebble Creek turnoff on the left. Years ago we camped just a little ways up that road for free, but I can't guarantee you still can. There are established camp sites further up that road. See http://www.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?subTabIndex=0&&contractCode=nrso&parkCode=bscc