Camping sites near Gooding, Idaho spread along the Snake River valley at elevations between 3,000-4,000 feet with temperatures averaging 32°F in winter and 90°F in summer. Many campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for potentially snowy conditions. Free dispersed camping options exist alongside the established RV parks and hot springs resorts.
What to Do
Kayaking to Blue Heart Springs: Access this crystal-clear blue spring about 30 minutes by kayak from Banbury Hot Springs Campground. "We kayaked down stream to the Thousand Springs Bed and Breakfast Winery where we did some wine tasting and bought a few bottles, which we took back to camp. We also paddled to Thousand Springs to see the waterfalls coming down. Another hidden gem that we paddled to was Blue Heart Springs," notes one visitor to Banbury Hot Springs Campground.
Visit Hagerman Fossil Beds: Located near several campgrounds, these fossil beds provide educational opportunities. "It has good access to many boat docks along the Snake and also has easy access to the world renowned Hagerman Horse Fossil Beds," explains a camper who visited Hagerman RV Village.
Box Canyon Hiking: Trails near Hagerman offer relief from summer heat with swimming opportunities. "We spent our time around the picnic table, despite 98° temps. Hiked Box Canyon and swam, visited the Fossil Bed NM, and drove to Twin Falls for more swimming, shopping, movie and skating," reports a visitor.
What Campers Like
Private Hot Spring Options: Multiple campgrounds offer both public and private hot spring experiences. At Miracle Hot Springs, "I would recommend renting a private room for $40 to soak in your own tub. It was great during the pandemic to have fresh clean water in your own private room."
Riverfront Sites: Direct access to the Snake River ranks high among camper preferences. "We were right on the water and the river was awesome. The hot springs pool was huge my kids had a lot of fun," shared a visitor at Banbury Hot Springs Campground.
Free BLM Camping: Cost-conscious travelers appreciate the free options near Twin Falls. At Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp, "Each space has a picnic table and fire ring, and there are drop toilets and trash bins. All the sites look pretty level. Easy to find off the highway."
What You Should Know
Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds in the canyon have poor or no connectivity. At Miracle Hot Springs, "There was no wifi or cell coverage (T-Mobile or AT&T), so plan accordingly!"
Varying Site Conditions: Site quality and amenities differ dramatically between parks. "The sites were cramped and campers really have to hope for good neighbors. The only water pump was a hike for most tents," notes one camper at 1000 Springs Resort.
Farm Odors: Agricultural activity nearby affects some campgrounds. "You'll have a great breeze of manure all day long," warns a Miracle Hot Springs visitor, while another notes, "There is a constant smell of a combination of septic and farm compost" at Wilson's RV Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water Activities: The numerous water features make this region ideal for family trips. At Twin Falls-Jerome KOA, "Kids love all the games mini golf, gaga ball and toys. We enjoyed the wildlife and hearing and seeing a huge owl outside our camp was a great touch."
Kid-Friendly Hot Springs: Select pools cater specifically to younger visitors. "The hot spring pools themselves are fantastic. Newly built, 21 individual tub rooms plus a big, deep swimming pool with perfect temperature water, a hot hot hot pool, a more shallow less hot big pool, and another pool yet!" reports a Miracle Hot Springs visitor.
Educational Opportunities: The area offers wildlife viewing and learning experiences. "We just walked down by the group site before they came and were immediately bitten," warns a camper about mosquitos at certain riverside locations.
Tips from RVers
Site Leveling Challenges: Come prepared with leveling blocks at several campgrounds. "Spots were a little uneven and made our stairs a lot higher then we like," notes a Twin Falls-Jerome KOA visitor.
Fairgrounds Option: The Jerome County Fairgrounds offers a basic alternative for self-contained units. "Clean and quiet. All paved. Water and electrical hook ups. Pull through spots. Such a great place to stop and a killer sunset from the bleachers," advises an RVer.
Off-Season Travel: Consider visiting outside peak summer months for better availability. "The advantage of camping in March was that there were no other tent campers, but the RV lots were quite full," shares a visitor to Banbury Hot Springs Campground.
