Near Twin Falls, Idaho, campgrounds offer views of the Snake River Canyon with 500-foot basalt cliffs. Most camping options sit at elevations around 3,700 feet, creating mild summer evenings that cool to the low 50s after hot 90-degree days. Fall camping extends into October with temperatures dropping below freezing at night.
What to do
Snake River activities: Hagerman RV Village provides access to boat docks along the Snake River. "Hiked Box Canyon and swam, visited the Fossil Bed NM, and drove to Twin Falls for more swimming, shopping, movie and skating," reports one camper at Hagerman RV Village.
Biking opportunities: Paved trails connect many campgrounds to scenic areas. At Heyburn Riverside RV Park, "there is a nice riverwalk/Park next to the campground" and "great paved bike trail and the lake was beautiful."
Horseback riding: The Mendoza Ranchette welcomes equestrians with facilities for horses. "Our kids loved the horses and puppies. The hosts were friendly and had great recommendations for the area!" shares a visitor at the Mendoza Ranchette.
What campers like
Quiet locations: Campers appreciate peaceful spots away from city noise. "This campground drops you down to river level so you hardly know your in the big city. With the river running through and huge grass area it is beautiful," notes a reviewer about Rock Creek RV Park.
Walking trails: Many campgrounds offer walking paths. At Heyburn Riverside RV Park, visitors enjoy "a great paved walking trail through an arboretum. Our dogs loved it."
Shade coverage: Trees provide relief during hot days. A camper at Hagerman RV Village states it has "lots of shade and grassy sites with plenty of space. Well kept. Clean restrooms and laundry. Quiet with no road noise."
What you should know
Cell service quality: Most campgrounds offer good connectivity. At Rock Creek RV Park, "We used out AT&T hotspot and had an awesome connection. Reliable for video calls all week."
Stay limits: Some free campgrounds restrict duration. At Ricketts RV Camp, "Each night an officer from Twin Falls will verify licence plates but the campground is free with a 5 night maximum stay."
Early arrival recommended: Popular spots fill quickly. For Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp, a camper notes it's "very easily accessible location with a few pull through spots and back in spots" but advises arriving early as sites fill up, especially on weekends.
Seasonal conditions: Weather varies dramatically. "Ricketts RV Camp in Twin Falls county has several pull-in (not through) RV campsites that are gravel driveways with a table and fire pit," but provides no shade or protection from wind.
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Kids enjoy ponds and swimming areas. At Rustic Edge RV Park, "The pond and lazy river were a hit with the kids. We sat all morning on the dock and watched frogs eating bugs off the water."
Hot springs options: Natural heated pools offer family fun. At Nat-Soo-Pah Hot Springs & RV Park, "the pool is wonderful for family's and kids. The staff is excellent. Hardest working lifeguard at the pool I've ever seen."
Animal interactions: Some campgrounds offer unique wildlife encounters. The Mendoza Ranchette gives children opportunities to see horses and farm animals. "We enjoyed the quiet location just outside Twin falls and located in the middle of area parks and attractions."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Some rv sites near Twin Falls, Idaho offer more separation than others. At Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp, "There are 13 individual campsites with tables and fire rings. They filled up most nights but emptied out during the day."
Rig accessibility: Larger motorhomes require specific sites. "Narrow steep, short, paved road in and out, 40 foot rigs navigated in and out" at Rock Creek RV Park, according to a recent visitor.
RV dump stations: Plan ahead for dumping needs. At Rock Creek RV Park, "Dump about a mile away. Extremely well maintained. Vault toilets. Lots of paved walkways."