Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Thermopolis
Know before you go
Bath House Congestion
Parking at the State Bath House can be competitive on summer weekends. Utilize overflow lots near the Swinging Bridge if the main lot is full.
Canyon Dead Zones
Signal is lost quickly when driving south into Wind River Canyon. Ensure you have physical directions if traveling toward Riverton or Shoshoni.
Basin Logistics
Thermopolis is the primary fuel hub for the Bighorn Basin area. Refill your vehicle before heading to remote sites like Legend Rock or Bighorn Canyon.
Seasonal Water Flow
Rafting in the canyon is typically available from May to September depending on snowpack runoff. Mineral pool steam is most dramatic in the cool morning air.
Tribal Land Permits
Parts of the Wind River Canyon are on the Wind River Reservation. Stay in designated public pull-outs unless you have a specific tribal fishing or recreation permit.
Check current conditions:Wyoming State Parks - Hot Springs
2RVs, campervans & cars near RIW
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to RIW
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at RIW
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at RIW
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at RIW
- ✓ Compare suppliers at RIW
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at RIW
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at RIWA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Thermopolis
- 01
Ancient Waters and Terraces
Suggested: 9:30 AM from Hot Springs State Park
Big Spring
Witness the source of the mineral water flowing at a constant 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rainbow Terraces
Walk the boardwalks to see colorful mineral deposits formed by flowing hot water.
Minimal; local transfers within the state park area.
Soaking in the State Bath House is limited to 20 minutes for health reasons.
Pick up your vehicle at RIW → - 02
Jurassic Giants and Bison Fields
Suggested: 9 AM from Downtown Thermopolis
Wyoming Dinosaur Center
Tour the museum and active prep lab to see world-class fossil specimens.
Bison Pasture Drive
Drive the loop road to observe the state-managed bison herd in their natural habitat.
Allow 1 hour for local stops; roads are generally well-maintained.
Bison are unpredictable; remain inside your vehicle at all times.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Canyons and Ancient Art
Suggested: 8:30 AM from Thermopolis
Wind River Canyon
Drive through the towering rock walls to see spectacular geological formations.
Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site
View over 300 prehistoric rock art carvings located 30 miles northwest of town.
Allow 2–3 hours round trip; Legend Rock involves rural roads.
Check the Thermopolis Chamber for access keys or gate codes for Legend Rock.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Low
Hot Springs State Bath House and Dinosaur Dig Bookings
Access to Hot Springs State Park is generally open, but the State Bath House has specific time-limited entry rules. Specialized 'Dig for a Day' programs at the Dinosaur Center and canyon rafting trips require advance reservations. Check the official Wyoming State Parks site for seasonal pool maintenance closures.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
RIWThermopolis
Central Wyoming Regional Airport · 1 h 17 min drive
Find flights to RIW
Plan your road trip
From Central Wyoming Regional Airport
1 h 17 min
about 60 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Thermopolis on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Thermopolis on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Thermopolis
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Thermopolis
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Thermopolis
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Thermopolis
Explore guided activities around Thermopolis. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Thermopolis
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Wildlife & night viewing
WG9801 4K Night Vision Binoculars
3″ HD display · 48MP photo · 8X digital zoom. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$189.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
