RV & camping guide

Thermopolis by RV

1 h 17 min from RIWCamping score 7/10

Trip snapshot

Arrival airport
RIW
Airport drive
1 h 17 min · estimate
Suggested stay
1–2 days
Reservation demand
Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes
A standard car is fine for town, but an SUV is better for reaching Legend Rock or exploring BLM lands.

Your route

RIW

Central Wyoming Regional Airport

Thermopolis

About 1 h 17 min · 60 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.

Vehicle & road notes

Which vehicle

A standard car is fine for town, but an SUV is better for reaching Legend Rock or exploring BLM lands.

parking

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.

signal

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.

fuel

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.

Campground reservations

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.

Official source

2 · Choose a motorhome or campervan

Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.

Prefer a car and campground trip?

3 · Where to park the rig near Thermopolis

Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.

Your route

  1. Day 1 · Ancient Waters and Terraces

    Big Spring → Rainbow Terraces

  2. Day 2 · Jurassic Giants and Bison Fields

    Wyoming Dinosaur Center → Bison Pasture Drive

  3. Day 3 · Canyons and Ancient Art

    Wind River Canyon → Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site

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

Optional 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.

Quick answers

Can I take an RV to Thermopolis?

Yes, Thermopolis is a good fit for camping trips. Check vehicle length limits on park roads and campgrounds before you book, and plan fuel stops on remote stretches.

Where do I pick up an RV for Thermopolis?

The nearest airport is Central Wyoming Regional Airport (RIW), about 1 h 17 min away by car. Rental depots are usually in larger cities, so compare pick-up points before booking flights.

Do campgrounds near Thermopolis need reservations?

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.

Full guideStays, day-by-day plan and route map for Thermopolis