RV Park Thousand Springs Idaho: Camping From Hagerman
Planning an RV trip to Thousand Springs, Idaho? How the state park units suit big rigs, which roads to skip with a trailer, and how to reach Hagerman from I-84.
If you are looking for an RV park in the Thousand Springs area of Idaho, Hagerman puts you in the middle of it. The town sits on U.S. Highway 30 in the Snake River canyon, with the units of Thousand Springs State Park, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and the river itself close by. Hagerman RV Village is on Highway 30 at the north end of town, open year-round, with full-hookup sites and six cabins. This guide covers what the area holds, which stops work well with a big rig, and how to get here without a bad turn off the interstate.
The Thousand Springs Scenic Byway
The Thousand Springs Scenic Byway begins at I-84 near Bliss and follows U.S. 30 southeast through Hagerman, Buhl and Filer to Twin Falls, then loops back to the interstate on Idaho 50. Visit Idaho lists it at about 65 miles and roughly an hour and a half of driving, open year-round, with full services in Bliss, Hagerman, Buhl, Kimberly and Twin Falls.
The springs that give the byway its name are the outflow of the Eastern Snake River Plain aquifer. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Snake River cut its canyon down into the aquifer’s basalt layers, and the water now discharges from the north canyon wall as springs of many sizes and heights. Driving the canyon, you can see white streams of water coming straight out of dark rock.
Thousand Springs State Park, unit by unit
Thousand Springs State Park is not one place but a set of separate units along the canyon. Several have roads that matter if you are driving something large, so here is what Idaho Parks and Recreation says about each.
Billingsley Creek
Billingsley Creek, a former ranch in Hagerman, holds the Thousand Springs Visitor Center, which the state park shares with Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. It is a good first stop for fossil exhibits, maps and current conditions at the other units. There is also fishing and wildlife viewing along the creek. Our fossil beds guide covers the monument itself.
Malad Gorge
Malad Gorge sits near I-84 and covers 451 acres. The Malad River drops through a series of stair-step falls into a gorge about 250 feet deep, and a footbridge crosses the canyon above the waterfall called the Devil’s Washbowl. There is hiking and picnicking. The back gate is closed to motor vehicles outside the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends), though walk-ins are welcome.
Box Canyon (Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve)
Box Canyon is one of the most rewarding short walks in the area. Springs flow out of the canyon at roughly 180,000 gallons a minute, and a primitive trail leads to a 20-foot waterfall. The park notes that the road is paved to the overlook, and that winter is a good time to look for bald and golden eagles.
Niagara Springs
Niagara Springs is a National Natural Landmark, where water tumbles down the canyon wall at about 250 cubic feet per second. Idaho Parks and Recreation says plainly that the road down is narrow and steep and advises against driving it in a motorhome or with a large trailer. The day-use area also closes to vehicles outside summer.
Ritter Island
Ritter Island has springs, wildlife and historic buildings you can tour. Its access road is also narrow and steep, and the park advises against taking a motorhome or trailer down it, noting very limited parking and no RV turnaround. Ritter Island keeps seasonal hours, so check the park’s page before you go.
Kelton Trail and Crystal Springs Lake
Two smaller stops round out the park. The Kelton Trail preserves Oregon Trail-era wagon ruts and traces of a stage stop. Crystal Springs Lake is a seven-acre lake with fishing, docks and shaded picnic tables.
The short version for RVers: leave the rig at camp and explore in a tow vehicle or car. Niagara Springs and Ritter Island are not places to take a motorhome, and the rest are easier with something you can park anywhere. The state park charges a per-vehicle entry fee at some units; check current fees on the park’s site.
Other stops within reach
- Hot springs. Soaking is one of the main reasons people come to Hagerman. Our Hagerman hot springs guide covers the options and what to know before you go.
- The Snake River. Kayaking and paddleboarding on the river, including the trip to Blue Heart Springs, are covered in our Snake River kayaking guide. Hydro Hustlers in downtown Hagerman rents kayaks and paddleboards; see rentals.
- Shoshone Falls. East of Hagerman near Twin Falls, the falls drop 212 feet and are about 900 feet wide, according to the City of Twin Falls. Flow is highest in spring; irrigation season can reduce it sharply by late summer.
Your site at Hagerman RV Village
The park is set up as a quiet base for exploring the canyon. All 59 RV sites have full hookups with 20, 30 and 50 amp power, water and sewer. Sites are grassy and shaded by mature trees, with a picnic table at each one, and both pull-through and back-in sites fit rigs up to 75 feet. Wi-Fi covers the park.
Around the grounds you will find remodeled restrooms and showers, laundry that takes coins or cards, a dog park, a clubhouse, and propane at the office. Pets are welcome, up to two per site.
Rates start at $60 a night for an RV site, with a weekly rate of $360 (pay for six nights, get the seventh) and a monthly rate of $650 plus metered electric. If you are traveling without a rig, or bringing friends who are, the cabins start from $110 a night. You can book online or call (208) 837-4906.
Know before you go
- Open year-round. The park does not close for winter, though some state park units change hours or close roads seasonally.
- Sites are grass, not concrete. Bring leveling blocks if your rig needs them.
- Stock up on the way. There is no camp store or dump station on site, so plan supplies and tanks before you arrive.
Getting here from I-84
Hagerman RV Village is at 18049 Highway 30, Hagerman, Idaho 83332. Which exit you take depends on your direction of travel.
Heading west on I-84 (from Twin Falls): take Exit 155 (Wendell / Hagerman), head west on E 2900 S to Highway 30, then turn north through Hagerman. The park is on the left.
Heading east on I-84 (from Boise): take Exit 141 (Bliss), turn west onto Highway 26, then take the first left onto Highway 30 toward Hagerman. The park is on the right after the speed limit drops to 25 mph.
Do not take Exit 147 (Tuttle). GPS often routes drivers that way and down Justice Grade Road, which is narrow and steep and not safe for large rigs or trailers. Stick to Exit 155 or Exit 141. Full directions and a map are on our contact page.
