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RV Parks In Thermopolis, Wyoming

43.6461° N, 108.2120° W

Quick Overview

Thermopolis is built around the world's largest mineral hot spring, and that's exactly why RVers stop here. After a long day on US-20 crossing the Wyoming basin, soaking in the free State Bath House at Hot Springs State Park is hard to beat. The town sits on the Bighorn River at about 4,300 feet, a comfortable break between the Wind River Canyon to the south and the Bighorn Basin to the north. We like it as a two- or three-night stop: soak, explore the dinosaur center, drive the canyon, then move on. It's a genuine destination, not just a fuel stop.

For full hookups, the private parks deliver. Eagle RV Park and Campground runs spacious pull-through sites that swallow big rigs, with full hookups and easy highway access. Fountain of Youth RV Park, just north of town, has concrete-pad full-hookup sites and its own natural mineral hot pool right at the campground, which is a rare treat. Wyoming Gardens RV Park adds more full-hookup pull-throughs and cabins, though it closes roughly October through April. Any of these handle a 40-foot motorhome and put you minutes from the state park. Reserve ahead in summer when Yellowstone-bound travelers pour through.

The public side here is more about the soak than the campsite. Hot Springs State Park itself doesn't offer RV camping, but its free bath house, terraced travertine and bison herd are the main event and cost nothing to enjoy. For public camping, the Wind River Canyon south of town has riverside sites with water spigots but no hookups, set in a dramatic 2,500-foot gorge. Here's our honest read: stay full-hookup at one of the in-town private parks so you can soak, refresh and run the AC, and treat the canyon as a scenic dry-camp side trip. Below you'll find the parks grouped public and private, with reservation tips, hookup details and real seasonal costs.

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Traveling to Thermopolis by RV

Thermopolis sits on US-20 and WY-789, which run together through town along the Bighorn River. From the south, US-20 climbs through the spectacular Wind River Canyon between Shoshoni and Thermopolis, a paved two-lane with tunnels and steep rock walls but no real clearance problems for standard RVs. From the north, the highway runs flat and easy across the Bighorn Basin toward Worland and Cody. This is a common route for RVers heading to Yellowstone's east entrance via Cody, about two hours northwest. The town has fuel, a grocery store, propane and basic services, but for major RV repair you'll head to Worland or Cody. Cell coverage is solid in town and patchy in the canyon. Watch for wind on the open basin stretches, which can push a high-profile rig around. If you're continuing north toward Cody and Yellowstone, Worland is the next real services town, about 35 minutes up the basin, so top off there if you skipped it in Thermopolis.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Thermopolis, Wyoming, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Check your RV insurance coverage

A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.

Know your roadside assistance options

RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.

Decide about an extended warranty early

Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.

Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees

A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.

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Dump Station Costs in Thermopolis

Private full-hookup sites in Thermopolis run roughly $35 to $55 a night, with Fountain of Youth on the higher end thanks to its on-site mineral pool and concrete pads. Eagle RV Park and Wyoming Gardens sit in the same general range depending on hookup level and rig size, and weekly rates bring the nightly cost down for longer stays. Hot Springs State Park's main draw, the State Bath House, is free, while the commercial plunges charge modest admission. The Wind River Canyon camping is cheaper but offers no hookups. Most private parks here run a summer season, with some like Wyoming Gardens closing October through April, so winter options are thin. Budget for a soak, a dinosaur center ticket and the canyon drive on top of your site fee.

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What RVers Are Saying About Thermopolis

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Best Time to Visit Thermopolis by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

12F - 36F

Crowds: Low

Cold and quiet. Several private parks closed Oct-Apr. The hot springs soak is even better in the cold, but RV options are limited.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

32F - 60F

Crowds: Medium

Parks reopen, green river valley, fewer crowds. Wind can be strong on the basin. Pleasant soaking weather and good shoulder-season rates.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

54F - 88F

Crowds: High

Prime season with Yellowstone-bound traffic. Warm dry days, cool nights. Book ahead. Afternoons can be hot in the basin sun.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

34F - 64F

Crowds: Medium

Crisp days, golden cottonwoods along the Bighorn, thinning crowds. Some parks begin closing. Excellent time to soak and drive the canyon.

Explore the Thermopolis Area

Do the free soak. The State Bath House at Hot Springs State Park lets you soak in the 104-degree mineral water at no charge, with a 20-minute suggested limit, and it's the whole reason to stop. Go early or late to beat the crowds. The two commercial pools in the park, Star Plunge and the Hellie's TePee, charge admission and add waterslides if you're traveling with kids. Drive the Wind River Canyon at least once; it's short and stunning, with interpretive geology pullouts. Don't miss the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, a legitimate working dig and museum. Fill your fuel and water in town before heading into the canyon or out across the basin, and watch for free-roaming bison in the state park, which are wild animals, not photo props. And if you're traveling with kids, plan a half day at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, since the working dig tours book up in summer and are worth reserving a day ahead.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Thermopolis

Are there full-hookup RV parks in Thermopolis?

Yes, several. Eagle RV Park and Campground offers spacious full-hookup pull-through sites that handle big rigs, with easy highway access. Fountain of Youth RV Park, just north of town, has concrete-pad full-hookup sites and, uniquely, its own natural mineral hot pool right at the campground. Wyoming Gardens RV Park adds more full-hookup pull-throughs and cabins, though it typically closes from October through April. All three put you within a few minutes of Hot Springs State Park and the free bath house. For full hookups with power, water and sewer at your site, these private in-town parks are your best options.

Is the hot springs soak in Thermopolis really free?

Yes. Hot Springs State Park operates the State Bath House, where you can soak in the mineral water at no charge, a condition dating to the 1896 treaty that transferred the springs from the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes to the state. The water is kept around 104 degrees and there's a suggested 20-minute soaking limit for safety. Bring your own towel or rent one cheaply. Two commercial pools in the same park, Star Plunge and Hellie's TePee, charge admission and add waterslides and bigger pools. But the core experience, soaking in the world's largest mineral hot spring, costs nothing, which makes Thermopolis a standout RV stop.

Can big rigs and 40-foot motorhomes camp in Thermopolis?

Yes. Eagle RV Park and Wyoming Gardens both offer spacious pull-through sites designed for larger rigs, and Fountain of Youth accommodates big motorhomes as well. Getting to town is easy too: US-20 and WY-789 are well-maintained highways, and even the scenic Wind River Canyon route from the south, while narrow and walled with tunnels, has no real clearance problems for standard RVs. The flat basin approach from the north is simple. Just watch for crosswinds on the open stretches, which can shove a high-profile rig. Overall, Thermopolis is one of the easier Wyoming towns to navigate with a big rig.

Do I need reservations for RV parks in Thermopolis?

In summer, it's wise. Thermopolis sits on a popular route to Yellowstone's east entrance via Cody, so the private parks see steady through-traffic from June through August and can fill on busy weekends. Reserving a few days to a couple of weeks ahead is usually enough, and longer for holiday weekends. In spring and fall you can often find space with little notice. Winter availability is limited since several parks close from October through April, so call ahead if you're traveling off-season. For the best site and the convenience of soaking on your own schedule, book your summer stay in advance.

Does Hot Springs State Park have RV camping?

No, Hot Springs State Park itself does not offer RV or tent camping; it's a day-use park centered on the mineral springs, terraces, bath house, commercial pools, swinging bridge and bison herd. For overnight stays you'll use one of the private RV parks in town, such as Eagle RV Park, Fountain of Youth or Wyoming Gardens, all just minutes away. This works out well, since you can base at a full-hookup site and walk or drive to the park to soak as often as you like. The park is free to enter and open year-round, so plan to visit even on a short overnight stop.

What is there to do in Thermopolis besides the hot springs?

More than you'd expect for a small town. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is a legitimate working paleontology dig and museum with active fossil excavations you can tour. The drive through Wind River Canyon south of town is a short, dramatic geology lesson with interpretive pullouts and a churning river below 2,500-foot walls. The Bighorn River offers fishing and floating. Hot Springs State Park has a free-roaming bison herd, walking paths over the travertine terraces, and a historic swinging bridge. Day trips reach Boysen State Park's reservoir to the south. Between soaking, dinosaurs and the canyon, two or three nights fills easily.

When is the RV season in Thermopolis?

The prime RV season runs late spring through early fall, roughly May through September, matching the Yellowstone travel season and the warmest weather. Some private parks, like Wyoming Gardens, close from October through April, while others such as Wind River RV Park stay open year-round. The hot springs and state park are open all year, and many soakers actually prefer the experience in cold weather. But winter RVing here means limited park availability and real cold, with lows in the teens. For the easiest trip with the most options open, aim for the late-spring-through-early-fall window and reserve ahead in midsummer.

Is there public or forest camping near Thermopolis?

Some. The Wind River Canyon south of town has riverside campsites with water spigots but no hookups, set dramatically below the gorge walls; it's the closest scenic public camping. Boysen State Park, on the reservoir at the south end of the canyon near Shoshoni, has multiple campgrounds with basic facilities and is a popular boating and fishing base. There's also limited dispersed camping on surrounding public BLM land for self-contained rigs. None of these offer full hookups, so plan to dry camp and dump back at a town park. For power, water and sewer at your site, stick to the private parks in Thermopolis itself.

How hot does Thermopolis get in summer?

Summer days in the Bighorn Basin are warm and dry, with highs often in the upper 80s and occasionally pushing into the 90s during heat spells. The good news is low humidity and cool nights, which typically drop into the 50s, so sleeping is comfortable and your AC gets a break after dark. The dry air and elevation around 4,300 feet keep things from feeling oppressive. Bring sun protection and plenty of water for daytime activities, especially the canyon and dinosaur center, and time your hot-springs soak for morning or evening rather than the hottest part of the afternoon. Spring and fall are milder if you prefer cooler weather.

Where can I dump tanks and refill water in Thermopolis?

The private RV parks in town, Eagle RV Park, Fountain of Youth and Wyoming Gardens, all provide full hookups so you can dump at your own site, plus dump stations and potable water for guests. If you're dry camping in the Wind River Canyon or on BLM land, plan to arrive with full fresh tanks and empty waste tanks, then dump at one of the in-town parks when you return. Fuel stations in town also offer water. Top off before heading out across the open basin or into the canyon, since services thin out quickly once you leave Thermopolis in either direction.

Are pets allowed at Thermopolis RV parks?

Generally yes. The private parks in Thermopolis are pet-friendly, typically allowing leashed dogs with standard rules, and several have grassy areas for walking. Hot Springs State Park welcomes leashed pets on its paths and lawns, though dogs are not allowed in the soaking pools or bath house for obvious reasons. The walking trails over the travertine terraces and along the river are great for dog walks. Keep pets leashed and well back from the free-roaming bison herd in the park, which are large wild animals that can be dangerous. As always, confirm each park's specific pet policy when you book your site.

How far is Thermopolis from Yellowstone and Cody?

Thermopolis is a popular staging point for Yellowstone's east entrance. Cody, the gateway town, is about two hours northwest via Worland and US-20/WY-120, and from Cody it's roughly another hour-plus over the scenic Buffalo Bill highway to Yellowstone's east gate. Many RVers spend a night soaking in Thermopolis on the way to or from the park. To the south, Shoshoni and Boysen State Park are about 30 minutes through the Wind River Canyon, and Riverton is around an hour. Casper is roughly two and a half hours southeast. Thermopolis makes a relaxed, soak-friendly break on the long Wyoming drives in any direction.

Can I soak at the RV park itself in Thermopolis?

At one of them, yes. Fountain of Youth RV Park, just north of town, has its own large natural mineral hot pool right on the property, fed by a flowing artesian spring, which guests can use, a genuinely unusual perk among RV parks. The other parks don't have their own soaking pools, but they're all just minutes from Hot Springs State Park's free State Bath House and the two commercial plunges. So whether you want soaking steps from your rig or prefer the historic state park experience, you're covered. If on-site soaking is a priority, book Fountain of Youth specifically and confirm pool access when you reserve.

Are there full-hookup RV parks in Thermopolis?

Yes, several. Eagle RV Park and Campground offers spacious full-hookup pull-through sites that handle big rigs, with easy highway access. Fountain of Youth RV Park, just north of town, has concrete-pad full-hookup sites and, uniquely, its own natural mineral hot pool right at the campground. Wyoming Gardens RV Park adds more full-hookup pull-throughs and cabins, though it typically closes from October through April. All three put you within a few minutes of Hot Springs State Park and the free bath house. For full hookups with power, water and sewer at your site, these private in-town parks are your best options.

Is the hot springs soak in Thermopolis really free?

Yes. Hot Springs State Park operates the State Bath House, where you can soak in the mineral water at no charge, a condition dating to the 1896 treaty that transferred the springs from the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes to the state. The water is kept around 104 degrees and there's a suggested 20-minute soaking limit for safety. Bring your own towel or rent one cheaply. Two commercial pools in the same park, Star Plunge and Hellie's TePee, charge admission and add waterslides and bigger pools. But the core experience, soaking in the world's largest mineral hot spring, costs nothing, which makes Thermopolis a standout RV stop.

Can big rigs and 40-foot motorhomes camp in Thermopolis?

Yes. Eagle RV Park and Wyoming Gardens both offer spacious pull-through sites designed for larger rigs, and Fountain of Youth accommodates big motorhomes as well. Getting to town is easy too: US-20 and WY-789 are well-maintained highways, and even the scenic Wind River Canyon route from the south, while narrow and walled with tunnels, has no real clearance problems for standard RVs. The flat basin approach from the north is simple. Just watch for crosswinds on the open stretches, which can shove a high-profile rig. Overall, Thermopolis is one of the easier Wyoming towns to navigate with a big rig.

Do I need reservations for RV parks in Thermopolis?

In summer, it's wise. Thermopolis sits on a popular route to Yellowstone's east entrance via Cody, so the private parks see steady through-traffic from June through August and can fill on busy weekends. Reserving a few days to a couple of weeks ahead is usually enough, and longer for holiday weekends. In spring and fall you can often find space with little notice. Winter availability is limited since several parks close from October through April, so call ahead if you're traveling off-season. For the best site and the convenience of soaking on your own schedule, book your summer stay in advance.

Does Hot Springs State Park have RV camping?

No, Hot Springs State Park itself does not offer RV or tent camping; it's a day-use park centered on the mineral springs, terraces, bath house, commercial pools, swinging bridge and bison herd. For overnight stays you'll use one of the private RV parks in town, such as Eagle RV Park, Fountain of Youth or Wyoming Gardens, all just minutes away. This works out well, since you can base at a full-hookup site and walk or drive to the park to soak as often as you like. The park is free to enter and open year-round, so plan to visit even on a short overnight stop.

What is there to do in Thermopolis besides the hot springs?

More than you'd expect for a small town. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is a legitimate working paleontology dig and museum with active fossil excavations you can tour. The drive through Wind River Canyon south of town is a short, dramatic geology lesson with interpretive pullouts and a churning river below 2,500-foot walls. The Bighorn River offers fishing and floating. Hot Springs State Park has a free-roaming bison herd, walking paths over the travertine terraces, and a historic swinging bridge. Day trips reach Boysen State Park's reservoir to the south. Between soaking, dinosaurs and the canyon, two or three nights fills easily.

When is the RV season in Thermopolis?

The prime RV season runs late spring through early fall, roughly May through September, matching the Yellowstone travel season and the warmest weather. Some private parks, like Wyoming Gardens, close from October through April, while others such as Wind River RV Park stay open year-round. The hot springs and state park are open all year, and many soakers actually prefer the experience in cold weather. But winter RVing here means limited park availability and real cold, with lows in the teens. For the easiest trip with the most options open, aim for the late-spring-through-early-fall window and reserve ahead in midsummer.

Is there public or forest camping near Thermopolis?

Some. The Wind River Canyon south of town has riverside campsites with water spigots but no hookups, set dramatically below the gorge walls; it's the closest scenic public camping. Boysen State Park, on the reservoir at the south end of the canyon near Shoshoni, has multiple campgrounds with basic facilities and is a popular boating and fishing base. There's also limited dispersed camping on surrounding public BLM land for self-contained rigs. None of these offer full hookups, so plan to dry camp and dump back at a town park. For power, water and sewer at your site, stick to the private parks in Thermopolis itself.

How hot does Thermopolis get in summer?

Summer days in the Bighorn Basin are warm and dry, with highs often in the upper 80s and occasionally pushing into the 90s during heat spells. The good news is low humidity and cool nights, which typically drop into the 50s, so sleeping is comfortable and your AC gets a break after dark. The dry air and elevation around 4,300 feet keep things from feeling oppressive. Bring sun protection and plenty of water for daytime activities, especially the canyon and dinosaur center, and time your hot-springs soak for morning or evening rather than the hottest part of the afternoon. Spring and fall are milder if you prefer cooler weather.

Where can I dump tanks and refill water in Thermopolis?

The private RV parks in town, Eagle RV Park, Fountain of Youth and Wyoming Gardens, all provide full hookups so you can dump at your own site, plus dump stations and potable water for guests. If you're dry camping in the Wind River Canyon or on BLM land, plan to arrive with full fresh tanks and empty waste tanks, then dump at one of the in-town parks when you return. Fuel stations in town also offer water. Top off before heading out across the open basin or into the canyon, since services thin out quickly once you leave Thermopolis in either direction.

Are pets allowed at Thermopolis RV parks?

Generally yes. The private parks in Thermopolis are pet-friendly, typically allowing leashed dogs with standard rules, and several have grassy areas for walking. Hot Springs State Park welcomes leashed pets on its paths and lawns, though dogs are not allowed in the soaking pools or bath house for obvious reasons. The walking trails over the travertine terraces and along the river are great for dog walks. Keep pets leashed and well back from the free-roaming bison herd in the park, which are large wild animals that can be dangerous. As always, confirm each park's specific pet policy when you book your site.

How far is Thermopolis from Yellowstone and Cody?

Thermopolis is a popular staging point for Yellowstone's east entrance. Cody, the gateway town, is about two hours northwest via Worland and US-20/WY-120, and from Cody it's roughly another hour-plus over the scenic Buffalo Bill highway to Yellowstone's east gate. Many RVers spend a night soaking in Thermopolis on the way to or from the park. To the south, Shoshoni and Boysen State Park are about 30 minutes through the Wind River Canyon, and Riverton is around an hour. Casper is roughly two and a half hours southeast. Thermopolis makes a relaxed, soak-friendly break on the long Wyoming drives in any direction.

Can I soak at the RV park itself in Thermopolis?

At one of them, yes. Fountain of Youth RV Park, just north of town, has its own large natural mineral hot pool right on the property, fed by a flowing artesian spring, which guests can use, a genuinely unusual perk among RV parks. The other parks don't have their own soaking pools, but they're all just minutes from Hot Springs State Park's free State Bath House and the two commercial plunges. So whether you want soaking steps from your rig or prefer the historic state park experience, you're covered. If on-site soaking is a priority, book Fountain of Youth specifically and confirm pool access when you reserve.

Are there free dump stations in Thermopolis?

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Thermopolis.