Lava Hot Springs is a family-friendly, year-round destination for all those seeking fun and rejuvenation in equal measure, with plenty of soaking opportunities alongside swimming, sliding, tubing and adventurin’ in the surrounding nature. Staying in this Idaho town gives you access not only to the state’s most popular and world-famous waters, but also to top spa treatments and wilderness escapes – all within a short walk or drive. Start exploring our choice of the 8 best hot springs in or near Lava Hot Springs!
RECOMMENDED:
1. Riverside Hot Springs Inn – 0.1 Miles
The adults-only, old (or “historic,” depending on your tastes and standards) and quirky Riverside Hot Springs Inn is a 24-hour service boutique hotel, spa, and restaurant under one classic roof in downtown Lava Hot Springs.
What To Expect
While this makes a great classic “Americana” hotel to base yourself in while you explore, it’s also got its own hot spring waters to try – and highly recommended too.
Three private indoor soaking rooms and an old-fashioned tub await, all boasting mineral-rich, untreated, flow-through, odorless waters of 102-106℉, in clean, tiled surrounds. If you want a soak, be sure to reserve your 30-minute session ahead of time – yes, that’s 30 minutes maximum per day.
Don’t Miss…
- Reserving yourself a massage and complimentary soak (available Wednesday – Sunday 9am – 8pm). We recommend “The Works Package”!
Good To Know
There are 18 classically decorated and comfortable guest rooms, with staff on hand 24/7 to help you.
Overnight guests get a complimentary 30-minute private soak and a voucher to use in the Cafe and A’more.
Grab a robe and towel at the front desk if needed.
Hungry? Head to the Cafe & A’more (daily 7am – 11am) for a pastry and coffee, then for lunch and dinner go to the on-site Portneuf Grille & Lounge (reservations recommended) from 4.30 pm – 9pm. The hotel Lounge offers a tempting bar selection.
Clothing optional in the private soaking rooms.
Address: 255 East Portneuf Street, Main St, Lava Hot Springs
Website: riversideinnhotsprings.com
2. Lava Hot Springs Inn & Spa – 0.1 Miles
Find the Lava Hot Springs Inn centrally located and offering both standard and jacuzzi rooms. A beautiful garden houses a further selection of hot mineral pools, and while this hotel was featured on a famous “ghost hunting” show, no-one we know has seen anything spooky while staying there…
What To Expect
In the relaxing garden there are five outdoor 100% natural geothermal pools, with temperatures between 94-107℉. You can also cool off in their 44℉ cold plunge, and have a gentle swim or float in their 20-foot, concrete-surround water therapy pool.
Don’t Miss…
- The spa, offering a variety of massages, reflexology treatments, and aquatic bodywork
Good To Know
Open for day-use soaking (7am to 11pm) and overnight stays.
Accommodation available there varies from 31 lodge rooms, an adults-only spa building with its own jacuzzis, a cottage, vacation rental, and apartments in separate buildings down the road. The price of a stay in any of the lodging includes Wi-Fi, full use of the mineral pools, and breakfast.
Clothing required in public areas.
Address: 94 N. Center St, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
Website: lavahotspringsinn.com
3. Home Hotel – 0.2 Miles
Over 100 years old, Home Hotel lives up to its name, offering a cozy home-from-home with the added bonus of a private hot spring tub in your room.
What To Expect
If you book one of the rooms with a private mineral tub as part of the bargain (in 24 of their total 27 rooms), expect a clean oversized bathtub which you can fill with all-natural, untreated, odorless mineral water to the temperature you feel most comfortable with (it flows from the source as a scalding 145℉). There are also two 102 – 104℉ outdoor jacuzzis (one 4-6 person and one 2-person) to enjoy under open skies.
Good To Know
While lacking soundproofing, the neatly remodeled rooms feature a queen or king-sized bed with Serta Perfect Sleeper mattresses and a private bathroom with shower. The majority of rooms also include an over-sized hot springs bath tub in the bathroom – pay attention to this detail when you reserve.
Hotel amenities include parking, barbecue facilities, toiletries, hair dryers, and flatscreen TVs with cable.
No pets.
Clothing required in the communal outdoor hot tub.
Address: 306 E Main St, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
Website: homehotel.com
4. Lava Hot Springs – 0.3 Miles
Lava Hot Springs is a hot springs playground on two separate properties- one for healing, one for fun, and it is one of our favorite destinations among the many hot springs in Idaho.
What To Expect
The Lava Hot Springs soaking property offers five outdoor gravel-bottomed, mineral-packed hot spring pools kept at 104° to 112°F. These are totally natural, untreated and odor-free. The water flows through the hot springs from its source and is diverted into the Portneuf River, meaning the springs are kept constantly clean and refreshed with new minerals.
The largest pool is the coolest and boasts a smooth rock-bottom and shaded seating area. The gravel-bottomed hotter pools have less shade but plenty of in-water seating, the biggest of which is set back from the others up against the hillside. For added comfort, the pathways between the pools are geothermically heated – for melting away any ice or snow – and an outdoor cold shower to cool you off in the summer heat.
The Olympic Swimming Complex up the road has a 50 meter long, 87 – 90⁰F outdoor Olympic pool that is eight lanes wide and has summer-use diving boards (5 – 10 meters up), waterslides, and a year-round 85⁰F indoor pool. The property has plenty of grassy areas and pavilions that are perfect for sunbathing and picnicking. There is also a fun kiddie pool of around 92⁰- 94⁰F, and a mineral water hot tub of a toasty 105⁰F.
Don’t Miss…
- Water Basketball
- The AquaClimb Wall
- The Portneuf Kiddie Cove
- The beautiful, flower-packed Sunken Gardens
- The Speed Water Slides, where you’ll reach speeds of up to 38 miles per hour on your way down!
Good To Know
There is no accommodation on-site, but you’ll find plenty of rooms, vacation homes, cabins, cottages, and camping options in and around the town. Our favorite hotels are Riverside Hot Springs Inn and the Lava Hot Springs Inn & Spa, while for campers, we love Lava Campground and Mary’s Place Campground.
Restrooms, showers, and dressing rooms are available on both sites, as are coin-operated lockers.
Bathing suit and towel rental available at the Gift Shop.
Check the calendar on the resort’s website for the latest opening times of the Hot Pools and Swimming Pools.
Hot pool rates: Adults (weekdays – weekends) $8 – $12, Child / Senior (weekdays – weekends) $7.50 – $10
Olympic Pool rates: Adults (weekdays – weekends) $12 – $15, Child / Senior (weekdays – weekends) $10 – $12
Open: Hot Pools 9 am – 11 pm
Olympic Pool 11 am – 8 pm (weekends 10 am – 8 pm)
Hungry? There are privately run concession stands and food trucks on the property, and at the Gift Shop you can buy coffee, ice cream, snacks and drinks.
Food and drinks can be brought into the Swimming Complex but not the Hot Springs facility. There, you can bring your own bottle and use the water station to top it up– when soaking in hot water, it’s important to stay hydrated!
Get there weekdays and early mornings so as to avoid the crowds.
Clothing required.
Addresses: 430 Main Street, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho 83246 (World Famous Hot Springs Pools)
195 N Center Street, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho (Olympic Swimming Complex)
Website: lavahotsprings.com
5. Downata Hot Springs – 28 Miles
Downata Hot Springs has something for both soakers and splashers as a simple, green, family-favorite hot springs destination.
What To Expect
The perfect day out or stay-over resort for mineral water fulfillment, Downata Hot Springs offers two handicap-accessible hot springs pools, a swimming pool with water slides, a water playground, and massage services in clean surroundings.
The property’s two 102 – 106°F, natural and odorless hot mineral pools offer a bonus bit of fun with color-changing lights for exhilarating night soaks.
The chlorinated recreation pools, with slides, squirters, pool toys and a lifeguard watching over, average 85 – 99°F in summer and 95 – 101°F in winter. The hot mineral water, though treated, is what they use to feed the water slides and water playground too, so you and the kids will still be getting those health benefits while you play!
There is also a horseshoe pit, basketball court, volleyball court, and soccer pitch (extra charge for horseshoe and ball rental).
Don’t Miss…
- Head out on a horse or ATV trail (or in winter take out a snowmobile)
- Go bird and wildlife watching
- Grab a spa-massage treatment
Good To Know
If you want to stay longer, there are camping, lodging, and “yurting” options. We like the large yurts and cute modern cabins.
There is a bathroom, pay-per-minute shower facilities, and picnic tables.
This facility has a long list of rules, policies, and pricing. Check the details on the resort’s website before you go to ensure a comfortable arrival, soak and stay.
The swimming pool is drained and cleaned on Wednesday and Saturday nights, so on Thursday and Sunday, the water is fresher but also hotter.
Hungry? You can get filling breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on-site. Go for the “pizza and pool” passes on Fridays and Saturdays, or their brilliant “steak and soak” deal.
Opening times are subject to the seasons. Check the resort’s website for the latest before you go.
Rates: Swim n Slide Pass (Recreation Pool) $12, Everything Pass (Hot Pools & Recreation) $19, Hot Pools only (age 3+) $10.
You can rent bathing suits, towels, pool toys, balls, horseshoes, and lockers.
Address: 25900 S. Downata Road, Downey, Idaho.
Website: downatahotsprings.com
6. Maple Grove Hot Springs & Retreat Center – 40 Miles
A freshly renovated, “off the beaten track” 45-acre commercial hot springs in a beautiful riverside location – this is the perfect destination for those looking to escape it all.
What To Expect
Three large, round, stone-based hot springs pools offer seating and a soothing soak on a bank of the Bear River. The 100-107℉ untreated water is high in feel-good lithium, and is fed into the pools from an inland 180℉ source. If you get too hot, take a dip in the icy cold river (if you can bear it)! A larger rectangular and partly shaded recreation pool can be enjoyed near the reception building and offers a cooler 95-100℉ opportunity to absorb that mineral goodness.
There is plenty of seating around the green, grassy site, and paved picnic areas with wooden furniture. Everything here breathes relaxation and a connection with nature.
Don’t Miss…
- Yoga by the pool or in a giant yurt
- An evening or early morning walk around the property
- Wildlife spotting for swans, deer, and turkeys
- The local watersports
- Heading there in fall for the beautiful colors of nature
Good To Know
If you want to stay longer, accommodation here includes glamping tents with canvas seating areas, fully furnished yurts, stone shelters and cabins.
Both those planning to overnight and those wishing to visit for the day should reserve in advance. Day-guests can book a soak time online (there are three slots a day, three hours each). Overnighters have 24-hour access to the pools.
Fire pits are available, as is a snack bar in the River House.
The River House reception area also has a General Store (8am – 8pm) offering camping necessities like firewood, good-for-you snacks and drinks, and custom gifts made by local artists.
Clothing required.
Address: 11386 Oneida Narrows Rd, Thatcher, Idaho.
Website: maplegrovesprings.com
7. Bear River Hot Springs (Riverdale) – 53 Miles
Bear River Hot Springs (also known as Riverdale) offers a small, family-friendly, well-kept green site in the rolling hills of Preston, Idaho. You’ll find something for everyone – for those seeking a therapeutic soak to those wanting to zip down a tube slide or laze on the grass in the sunshine and let their worries fade away.
What To Expect
Bear River Hot Springs has four pools- one a 3 – 10 foot deep Junior Olympic pool with a diving board, one a landing pool for their two 60-foot tube waterslides, one a covered, 105℉ mineral-rich hot tub, and the Peanut Pool – a large, 3.5 foot deep therapy pool great for easing aches and pains in, kept at a comfortable 85-95℉. The Junior Olympic Pool and slides are only open in summer.
Don’t Miss…
- A healing soak in the Peanut Pool
Good To Know
Both day-use and overnight guests are welcome.
Accommodation on offer includes eight standard hotel rooms (with a mini fridge, satellite TV, and microwave, and either an oversized bath or shower), a condo with a kitchen, 20 camping sites, and three cabins.
Overnight stays in hotel rooms and the condo include complimentary use of the waters. Those in tents or RVs get $1 off the price of their soak.
On-site, you’ll find some useful amenities – a picnic area, lockers, bathrooms, an area for your dog to run free, and parking.
Soaking rates: $10 (+$5 for slide and Junior Olympic Pool access), Spectator $2.
Open: Monday – Thursday 11am – 10pm, Friday – Saturday 11am – 11pm, CLOSED Sundays for cleaning.
Clothing required.
Address: 3696 N 1600 E, Preston, Idaho
Website: bearriverhotsprings.com
8. Indian Springs Resort & RV – 65 Miles
Indian Springs Resort & RV is designed to provide some RnR and simple fun times for families and friends alike, continuing a tradition that has lasted a century. Expect a friendly, old-school welcome!
What To Expect
Indian Springs Resort & RV offers an open-air 90℉, 2 – 7 foot deep hot mineral water concrete swimming pool with in-pool seating, a jumping board and two slides. The water is treated with chlorine. There is also a simple koi-and-lily pond on the property, great for sitting and relaxing by, as the fish go about their business.
Don’t Miss…
- Horseshoes and volleyball
- Massacre Rocks State Park
- American Falls 9-hole Golf Course
Good To Know
The resort welcomes both day-guests and those looking to stay overnight.
Plenty of grassy and shady campsites and pull-through, full hookup RV sites are available, with fire rings. You can rent picnic tables and pavilions and buy firewood bundles and ice. Soaking is not included in the price of your stay.
Best visited May to September, when all the facilities are open, though you can stay in winter too.
There are bathrooms and showers on-site.
All-day soaking rates: Adults (age 12+) $12, Children $10, Family of four $35.
Suit and towel rentals are available.
Pet friendly.
Open: Monday – Saturday 10am – 9pm, Sundays 10am – 6pm.
Clothing required.
Address: 3249 Indian Springs Road, American Falls, Idaho.
Website: indianspringsresortandrv.com
What Else To Do And See In Or Near Lava Hot Springs
Lava Hot Springs (the town) is great for shopping and dining.
Rent a tube at a stand in Lava Hot Springs for the inner tube run on the Portneuf River, or bring your own kayak or raft.
Ride the Lava zipline through a pretty canyon.
Learn about the history of Lava Hot Springs and the area at the South Bannock County Historical Center Museum.
Get out of town and go for a scenic ride on horses or mules through the beautiful mountains of Idaho.
Go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.
Explore miles of hiking and biking trails.
Visit Idaho’s art and history museums.
Pay a visit to the town of Soda Springs, famous for its 70-foot geyser.
The Lava Hot Springs Fire & Ice Winterfest is also worth attending, held each year during the first weekend of February.
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the latest information about these hot springs sites, life happens, weather happens, and property owners happen. We always recommend you go to the official hot springs’ web page and/or the relevant state authority page to check conditions, times, and prices (where relevant) before you head out. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your soak!
