The best ranch campgrounds near Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a ranch-style camping experience near Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, we've got you covered with over 248 options to choose from. Whether you prefer a rustic cabin or a cozy campsite, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. With an average price per night of $50 and options as low as $15, there's something for every budget. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Mountain Top Getaways (118 reviews), Granite Creek Ranch (60 reviews), and Windbreak Farm Alpacas (56 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, toilets, and trash facilities, and get your adrenaline pumping with activities such as off-roading, paddling, and boating. Start planning your ranch camping adventure today!

99% (422)

Top-rated campgrounds

Photo of site #6. Very easy to get to, very private and what a view!!

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a ranch-style camping experience near Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, we've got you covered with over 248 options to choose from. Whether you prefer a rustic cabin or a cozy campsite, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. With an average price per night of $50 and options as low as $15, there's something for every budget. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Mountain Top Getaways (118 reviews), Granite Creek Ranch (60 reviews), and Windbreak Farm Alpacas (56 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, toilets, and trash facilities, and get your adrenaline pumping with activities such as off-roading, paddling, and boating. Start planning your ranch camping adventure today!

99% (422)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Mountain Top Getaways

97%

(398)

40mi from Lava Hot Springs · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Preston, ID

My Grandfather owned this property for many years. He dry farmed this land and raised nine children to be hardworking. I visited this property many times to work along side my father and grandfather. I remember horseback riding and building a shed for my grandfathers combine. I recently purchased this property from my grandparents and got to work building my tiny home that my new family lives in. Learn more about this land: **New hammock posts on site #4** These campsites are at the mouth of Cub River Canyon. The views are expansive and beautiful. National forest is only a few minute drive away along with a handful of reservoirs and river access. Come enjoy the views. These are primitive campsites with no potable water. There are antique farm implements visible on the property.

2. Secret Canyon Ranch

99%

(75)

29mi from Lava Hot Springs · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Malad City, ID

Meadow Springs campground lies at the foot of the Elkhorn hills, on St. John’s bench in SE Idaho. Surrounded by open fields and accessible only by dirt road, this unique spot is located next to two small natural ponds, and as such, is a terrific spot for bird watching and golden sunsets. It is the site of an old homestead, and the surrounding land is still actively farmed, so you can look out over open fields of this year’s crop as you enjoy dinner and quiet evenings in the fresh air.Whether you come as a single family for an adventurous night outdoors, or as a group with one to several tents or RV’s, this site has room to accommodate and is far enough away to be remote, (no neighbors!) while still close enough to town and other attractions to be convenient.--10 minutes from downtown Malad (Picture a small Idaho town with no stoplight still, but easy-to-find grocery, drive-in, pizza place, hospital, bar, etc)--15 mins from Devils Creek Reservoir and Malad Summit trails--20 minutes from Downata Hot Springs--30 minutes from Lava Hot Springs--3 hours from Yellowstone and Jackson HoleLearn more about this land:Come escape and recharge in a private campground under the shade of giant poplars alive with birdsong and a sky full of stars you can actually see. Located on the ancestral lands of the Shoshone-Bannock people, this campsite is nestled under a grove of poplars planted by the original homesteaders over 100 years ago. It features a Tipi, a newly built outhouse, two swings, a picnic table, fire-ring, cast-iron hand pump to access well water, plenty of flat ground for tents, RV's, and car parking, and most importantly, wide-open space in every direction. If you are looking for somewhere completely opposite of hectic city living, this is it.

3. Arcadia Legacy

100%

(11)

48mi from Lava Hot Springs · 45 sites · Tents, RVs · Dingle, ID

Come enjoy the tranquil undeveloped, best kept secret of the Bear Lake valley. We are just 10 minutes off North Beach. Camp above a natural pond, fed by multiple springs, or next to a grove of Ash and cottonwood trees. Listen to the chorus frogs, crickets and numerous birds and coyotes compete in serenading the closing day. If quiet is what you are seeking after a day of play on the water, in the mountains, or just relaxing in farm country, we've got ya covered.

4. Crazy Cow Farm Adventures

100%

(71)

38mi from Lava Hot Springs · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Malad City, ID

Crazy Cow Farm Adventures is located in a small quiet town called Samaria, Idaho. Our family has run this farm since, Samaria was first settled in the late 1800s. It is a working farm, and so you will see us feeding the baby calves, and lambs, irrigating the fields, harvesting and hauling hay as we go about our day. We work hard on the farm but we also know how to play hard. Crazy Cow Farm Adventures has a fun hay chopper wagon ball game, peddle cart track (lots of fun for all ages), and farmyard laser tag. All of these fun activities can be purchased along with your night stay. Contact us for reservations and prices. The Crazy Cow Farm Adventures is the perfect place to unwind and become renewed. The Blue Goose is the old saloon that has been restored and turned into a little store, right here in Samaria just a few blocks from Crazy Cow Farm Adventures. Samaria is located near several reservoirs, where those that love to fish, can go enjoy the water. Yellowstone is just a few hours away, while Downata and Lava Hot Springs are both just a few minutes away. Malad City, Idaho is just a short ten minute drive and you can find the grocery store, pharmacy, hospital, and all the other comforts from home there.

5. Mountain Maple Ranch 🍁

99%

(81)

35mi from Lava Hot Springs · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Preston, ID

Learn more about this land: Open for 2025 This property offers a pavilion that measures 16x20, and a picnic table that can seat 10-12 people. We have extended our tent pad to be able to add up to 4 big tents measuring roughly 40x17-18. Please be honest about the number of guests that are coming max is 20, if you want more than that don't hesitate to get in touch with me separately. Mostly cause I clean and want to ensure it's clean for the next camper. This tent site is PACK IN PACK OUT. I don’t have city services, if you need trash services It's $7.50 per TRASH BAG that I need to take out. Outhouse is a pit toilet, but I make sure it does not stink and is extremely clean. I only have it listed as 1 place so you can have a family reunion or just come as a family. When you come to our place we have an accenting driveway, and a large boulder retaining wall with a gray gate to keep the camp secured and keep range cows out. This property is a working homestead. YOU WILL SEE ANIMALS and hear US working especially if you hike up the main road where we live. WE HAVE separation however we are still needing to manage the land and the animals. The campsite we don't enter, but we have to access the main road to run errands or go to work. We do our own thing and the campers do their own thing. If you are curious about the farm and operations we are happy to show you around and you are welcome to explore but you WILL RUN INTO us :) we don't mind as long as you don't mind. If you want to see more of the property and all the projects, we do a YouTube channel @mountainmapleranch to see all the updates. Bring your toys, such as bikes, 4-wheelers, and ATVs we have some fun trails close by that go to the back of Worm Creek Basin that goes on for miles of beautiful trails.

Stories from the community

C

Chris

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mountain Top Getaways

We had a great time staying at site #5! Would highly recommend it. The views were beautiful, amazing stars at night, and super convenient location to head in to town quickly.

D

Dyan

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Secret Canyon Ranch

The yurt is clean and in a great location. The dogs and I loved it. Julie went out of her way to make sure I was comfortable.

C

Christian

September 2025

25 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Mountain Top Getaways

Cord provided excellent directions to the site, which made getting there simple. Once we arrived, we were blown away by how peaceful and quiet it was. The campsites are well spread out, so it truly felt like we had the whole mountain to ourselves. A perfect place to relax and recharge — we’ll definitely be back!

M

Moe

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Mountain Top Getaways

Stunning views and great communication from the host. Site 6 was perfectly secluded and you get to enjoy both the sunset and sunrise.

S

Sarah

September 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Mountain Top Getaways

Loved staying here. We stayed at site 5 and the views were beautiful. One of the highlights was hearing beautiful elk! The drive up was a little scary but short and totally doable.

B

Baylie

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Legacy

Loved tent camping in Bryce’s land. He was an excellent host and was so so helpful!!

R

Ramon

August 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at Arcadia Legacy

The place is quiet and peaceful. In close to Bear Lake and a small town, I'll definitely be coming back

H

Hyrum

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Legacy

This was an incredibly peaceful place to stay, super close to the lake. Holli & Bryce are amazing hosts and willing to help with anything you need. Will definitely be back had a great time!

J

Julie

August 2025

17 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Legacy

Nice spot, Bryce and Holly were awesome hosts. Nice grassy area with a beautiful view.

S

Sofia

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mountain Top Getaways

it was pretty, the drive up was very steep, but my hyundai sonata was capable.

J

John

August 2025

15 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Mountain Top Getaways

This was our first time using Hipcamp. Everything went as planned. I think site #5 is the best site for a camper. We have a 15 foot Geo pro and had plenty of room to turn around. It’s also the highest spot on the hill and has a great view of Cache valley to the south. Word of caution: you will definitely want to arrive before dark (as per written instructions) otherwise it can be very confusing to locate your campsite.

R

Riley

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mountain Top Getaways

We were roadtripping and late to finding camping spot - this one worked out perfectly for us! Would 100% camp again.

N

Nadine

August 2025

12 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Arcadia Legacy

Beautiful, quiet spot overlooking farmland with a GREAT sunset view. Bryce & sons were easy to talk to & helpful.

M

Michelle

July 2025

30 ft Class B

3 nights at Mountain Top Getaways

We had a great stay at site #5! The directions were good and our 30 ft RV made it up the hill to site #5 with no problem. There was plenty of space to let the dogs run around. Our favorite part was watching the beautiful sunsets in the evening and star gazing at night. Would definitely stay again!!

M

Mariah

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Mountain Top Getaways

I loved the location, however the campsite were pretty close (1-3), no one was there when we stayed but next time I’d opt for campsite 3 for more space away from others. I had internet at the top (Verizon). The toilet was a little rugged, and close to the ground, it was kinda gross. It looked like it had been a while since it was cleaned. However if you look past that it was the perfect place to stay for a day!

Denise

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mountain Top Getaways

The hammock site was great as always! I love the land and the spot is perfect for what we needed. The stars just light up the whole sky! I can't wait to stay here again!

J

Julie

July 2025

25 ft Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Mountain Top Getaways

Wonderful views! Easy access. We had a very peaceful night there.

B

BENJAMIN L

July 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Arcadia Legacy

Spent 3 days here over independence day weekend. From the moment we arrived we were greeted with nothing but kindness. The owners (Holli & Bryce) were incredibly welcoming and accommodating. They provided a hand washing station (which was sincerely appreciated), outhouse was clean and well taken care of, Bryce provided a fire pit and firewood for us, chairs, mowed a path to the river that runs parallel to the field we camped at so I could fish (full of massive carp) and Holli gave us kits for s'more's and a homemade tea kit which was delicious! As well as a wealth of local knowledge and insight for navigating the area! Truly couldn’t ask for better service. As far as the land and campsite goes, the campsite is situated on a flat grass field that overlooks the farm, easy to access, only ~15 mins to the north beach along a dirt road on the east side of the valley. Incredible scenery and incredible wildlife. In the evening you can hear the frogs croaking and the coyotes howling in the distance at night. We saw owls, deer, a family of raccoons and eagles. Their property is right next to the bear lake wildlife refuge so if you’re a birder i’d highly recommend. Overall we couldn’t recommend this site enough, and would gladly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic escape near Bear Lake. Especially during a holiday weekend!

Amimarie

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Crazy Cow Farm Adventures

We had a great time. Shayna was very attentive and friendly. There were so many great games and attractions. The space was great for the kids and adults and it was great for our large group. Some of us stayed in campers and some in tents. It was great for all types of camping.

Amimarie

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Crazy Cow Farm Adventures

We loved staying at the Crazy Cow. It was a very nice glamping experience. The kids absolutely loved the animals.