Snake River Canyon runs along the southern edge of Wendell, Idaho, with the area featuring diverse camping options from RV parks to free dispersed sites. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F during the day, dropping to the 50s at night. Most camping areas are open from March through November, with higher elevation sites offering relief from summer heat.
What to do
Fossil exploration: Visit the nearby Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, accessible from Hagerman RV Village. "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," shares one camper.
Creek fishing: Rock Creek Park offers fishing opportunities right in the heart of Twin Falls. One visitor at Rock Creek RV Park notes, "The Rock Creek winds through the park past picnic tables and covered gathering areas. There are two playgrounds, multiple shelters, a handicapped accessible fishing pier, and biking/walking path."
Waterfall viewing: Several spectacular waterfalls are located within 15 minutes of local camping areas. "Both Shoshone Falls and Perrine Coulee falls are less than 15 minutes from the park!" reports a camper who stayed at Rock Creek RV Park.
What campers like
Shade at established parks: Many campers appreciate tree coverage at established RV parks in the area. A visitor at Hagerman RV Village commented, "Lots of shade and Grassy sites with plenty of space. Well kept. Clean restrooms and laundry. Quiet with no road noise. Level pull-throughs."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers enjoy the free camping at Ricketts RV Camp. "Rickets has several pull-in (not through) RV campsites that are gravel driveways with a table and fire pit. There is OHV/Equestrian areas all around. Each night an officer from Twin Falls will verify licence plates but the campground is free with a 5 night maximum stay."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain good standards. A guest at High Adventure River Tours RV Park stated, "Courteous, extremely clean facilities, quite and safe park!" Another mentioned they had the "cleanest facilites we've used."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds close during winter months. Rock Creek RV Park operates from April 1 to November 1 and "is open April 1-Nov 1 for campers only, no tents."
Limited shade at some sites: Several campgrounds lack adequate tree coverage. At Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp, one camper noted, "Absolutely no shade. Concrete table and fire pit. Gravel drive."
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds have changed from first-come-first-served to reservation systems. A camper at Buhl Chamber RV Park observed, "This use to be a first come first serve stop over. There was always a spot and you could stay two weeks. Now it is a reserved system. Now like all reserved sites they are booked weeks in advance and usually only on weekends making them unavailable for those of us traveling through needing to stay through a weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Agritourism options: Some campgrounds offer farm animal interactions. At Mendoza Ranchette, a family noted, "We enjoyed the quiet location just outside Twin falls and located in the middle of area parks and attractions. Our kids loved the horses and puppies. The hosts were friendly and had great recommendations for the area!"
Swimming holes: Multiple water recreation opportunities exist within short drives of campgrounds. A visitor commented, "We found the location super easy to get to, and most accommodating to our needs. If you want a change up from the large RV parks, this is your opportunity!"
Playground access: Some parks include playground amenities for children. Rock Creek RV Park features "two playgrounds, multiple shelters, a handicapped accessible fishing pier, and biking/walking path."
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: While not all RV parks have onsite dump stations, alternatives exist nearby. A reviewer for Rock Creek RV Park advised, "There is no dump onsite, but Twin Falls has a free one a mile away, so as long as you plan accordingly, you should be fine!"
Big rig accessibility: Several parks can accommodate large RVs. At Love's RV Hookup in Bliss, a traveler shared, "Probably one of the best RV spots we've parked at nice large, wide, full hook ups, reasonably priced."
Site leveling considerations: Some campgrounds have more level sites than others. A visitor observed, "Fyi-Some spots are not very level. There are large rigs here. There is a stream that runs thru the park and has a nice walking trail."
After-dark arrivals: Lighting can be limited at some campgrounds. One RVer at Rock Creek RV Park cautioned, "I pull up to the site only because navigation told me to turn. Thought it was a mistake until I saw the unlit sign of the park (came at 8pm). Then you go into a pitch black unpaved road down a step hill."
