About 2,700 people live in Thermopolis, which is located north of the Owl Creek Mountains and east of the Absaroka Range. Dinosaurs roamed the mountains about 45 million years ago, and you can see some of the fossils by visiting the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. Go for a hike on the Absaroka Range, and you may discover fossils on your own. Watch as you hike for petroglyphs formed by prehistoric people who eventually became the Shoshone, but do not disturb any of the pictures as they are considered sacred by the people living on the nearby Wind River Indian Reservation. Then, head to Wind River Canyon to soak in the mineral-rich hot springs filled with bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, sodium, and silica.
While fur traders, like Daniel Potts, started living in the area during the 1820s, Thermopolis was not established until the 1880s. The hot springs were on the Indian reservation, so others could not build lodging near them. Therefore, business people developed Thermopolis for tourists who wanted to soak in the waters, which many believed had healing properties. The original town was a short distance downstream from its present location. Right across the Bighorn River from Thermopolis was Andersonville, a frequent hangout of the Sundance Kid, Butch Cassidy, Jim McCloud, and others. The Shoshone Indians gave the property where the world’s largest mineral hot spring is to the state in 1925. You can explore the reservation by taking a scenic drive starting at the Shoshone Tribal Service Station. This drive lets you see Fort Washakie, Sacajawea’s gravesite, and other attractions. You will want to stop and explore the Eastern Shoshone Cultural Center and the three reservation missions.
About the same time that businesses were starting in Thermopolis, ranchers began farming. These vast ranches raised cows and sheep. Farmers also used the water from Owl Creek to grow alfalfa. You will want to try some locally grown products by dining at Black Bear Café, One-Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company, and Kirby Creek Mercantile.
In 1897, the state created Hot Springs State Park. The city almost immediately moved to its present-day location next to the park. Soon, prospectors found oil and coal deposits nearby, which spurred railroad officials to service the area in 1911. Energy, agriculture, and tourism are still significant economic driving forces in Thermopolis today.
Big Horn Folk Festival – Learn more about folk art at this August festival held in Hot Springs State Park.
Shoshoni Hot Summer Nights – Participate in the car show, family games, and more before dancing the night away with a DJ at this Labor Day festival held in Shoshoni.
Apple City Festival – Win a prize for baking the best apple pie or simply explore and sample local apple cider and food treats at this September festival at the Pioneer Museum in Lander.
There are so many places to explore near Thermopolis, Wyoming. But how to make the most of your time when traveling with your friends or family? With RVshare RV rentals, you can elevate your experience and smooth your journey by getting comfort and luxury at budgeted prices.Thermopolis, Wyoming, is a small town in Hot Springs County with approximately 3,000 people. It is known for its hot springs and rich history. If you're traveling to Thermopolis in your RV, here are some places you should consider exploring.Hot Springs State Park has multiple hot springs that have been flowing continuously for thousands of years. You can dip your toes or swim in mineral water at no cost. The park has picnic areas, hiking trails, and a bison herd.The Wyoming Dinosaur Center houses over 30 mounted dinosaur skeletons and offers guided tours through their working paleontological laboratory. Visitors can even participate in excavations during the summer months.Star Plunge is a family-friendly water park with indoor and outdoor pools with water slides, diving boards, and geothermal mineral water from the nearby hot springs.Thermopolis also offers attractions like the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway and the Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center. Additionally, if you visit during late July or early August, you may be able to attend the annual Park County Fair & Rodeo held in nearby Cody.
Grand Teton National Park is a fantastic place to climb, and there are over 200 miles of hiking trails. It is also a great place to fish in the Snake River, and you can explore this river’s whitewater in a kayak.
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the United States. You will want to watch Old Faithful erupt and explore the thermal field. Many people head here to see the wildlife, including bugling elk in the fall.
Wind Cave National Park is a great place to go caving in one of the world’s largest caves. The main cave is home to boxwork, which is found in very few caves. Above ground, you will want to follow the miles of trails to see elk and bison.
Boysen State Park, established in 1956 and located in Fremont County, Wyoming, is a great destination for RV camping. The Tough Creek Campground at this park has 60 campsites, 23 of which have electrical hookups for RVs. Other amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. During your stay here, you can participate in water sports such as swimming, boating, and fishing or enjoy hiking along the trails available.Seminole State Park is located in Carbon County, Wyoming, and covers an area of 20848 acres (84.37 km2). This park offers limited accommodations for RV camping, with one campground, electrical hookups and dump stations. The Seminole Campground has 46 sites available on a first-come-first-served basis. During your stay at this park, you can engage in activities such as fishing or hiking around the reservoir.Buffalo Bill State Park is another great destination for RV campers in Park County, Wyoming. Established in 1957, this park offers over 170 campsites with electric hookups spread across three campgrounds - North Fork Campground, Loop A and B Campground and Loop C and D Campground. Other amenities at this park include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and fire pits. While here, you can take a scenic drive to explore the area or enjoy water sports like kayaking or fishing in the reservoir.
Explore the rich history of the Pacific Northwest at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Managed by the National Park Service, this site covers an area of 166 acres and is home to a range of cultural and historical attractions. Visitors can discover the story of Fort Vancouver, which played a significant role in the region's fur trade in the 19th century. Visit the Pearson Air Museum, which showcases historic aircraft and aviation artifacts. The Clark County Historical Museum provides insight into the local history and culture of Southwest Washington. Take a stroll along the walking trails to enjoy scenic views, or join a guided tour for an in-depth experience of this unique site. Bring a picnic, enjoy lunch on-site, or spend some time birdwatching in the park's natural areas. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is an excellent destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and families looking for an educational day trip near Thermopolis, Wyoming. Pick an RV from RVshare and enjoy the trip at your own pace by renting your portable home on wheels.
Worland RV Park and Campground is a pet-friendly option near Thermopolis, Wyoming, which provides water and RV hookups with 50, 30 and 20 amps.Jim Moss Arena Campground is on 250 acres of land and offers RV pull-through sites with fresh water and dump facilities. They have showers, restrooms, Wi-Fi, good cell service, and are pet-friendly. The price per night is $25 plus lodging taxes for one of their 20 RV sites.Ten Broek RV Park offers daily, weekly, and monthly rates starting from $34 with full hookups. They have 52 back-in/pull-through sites with 30/50 amp services. Sleeping Bear RV Park & Campground has 65 full hookup sites for back-in/pull-through RVs with 30/50 amp services. The campground features a pool/hot tub area, showers, pets are allowed, as well as Wi-Fi access. Good Sam Club members and Escapees or AAA members get incredible discounts here.
Thermopolis has several convenient dump stations for RVers.At Longhorn RV and Motel, you can dispose of your black and grey water, fill in on fresh water, and use their hose for flushing tanks.Foothills Motel & Campground also offers waste disposal services for a small fee.Rawhide RV Park provides a dump station and a trash bin for easy cleanup.Zip Trip gas station also has an RV dump station.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Thermopolis, WY, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Thermopolis?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Thermopolis from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Thermopolis?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
