Thousand Springs RV Resort: Southern Idaho’s hidden waterfront camping gem
When people think about camping in Southern Idaho, places like City of Rocks, Pomerelle, or Lake Walcott usually come to mind first. But tucked along the Snake River between Hagerman and Wendell is one of the state’s most underrated campgrounds—Thousand Springs RV Resort.
My family spent several days here in June 2024, and despite a few small frustrations before we ever arrived, it ended up becoming one of our favorite camping trips of the year.
Imagine waking up every morning to waterfalls cascading over basalt cliffs, launching your kayak directly from your campsite, riding a Sea-Doo to Blue Heart Springs, relaxing in natural hot springs after a day on the water, and watching the sunset reflect across one of Idaho’s most beautiful stretches of the Snake River.
That is exactly what you’ll find here.
Now, this isn’t a polished luxury RV resort with online reservations, mobile apps, and concierge service. In fact, it’s almost the opposite.
It’s an old-school campground that focuses on what really matters: incredible scenery, river access, and affordable camping.
If you know what to expect before arriving, I think you’ll enjoy it just as much as we did.
Booking can be difficult (but don’t let that stop you)
Before talking about everything we loved, let’s discuss the biggest challenge.
Thousand Springs RV Resort does not have a functioning website.
That means reservations require a little more effort than most campgrounds.
You’ll need to call:
(208) 837-4987 – In our experience, you’ll probably reach voicemail.
Leave a message—but if you don’t hear back within a reasonable amount of time, don’t hesitate to call again.
We eventually had much better luck communicating through email:
The resort also maintains a very basic Facebook page where you can occasionally find updates.
While the communication wasn’t ideal, it became obvious once we arrived why that might be the case. Their indoor hot spring pool attracts a steady stream of day-use visitors throughout the summer, so staff are constantly helping guests at the front desk.
Hopefully online reservations become available in the future because this campground deserves to be much easier to book.
My advice? Don’t let the reservation process discourage you. Once you’re there, you’ll probably forget all about the extra phone calls.
Surprisingly affordable for a waterfront campground
One of the biggest surprises was the price.
Current rates during our June 2024 stay were:
For a campground sitting directly on one of the most scenic sections of the Snake River, those prices are honestly difficult to beat.
Many private campgrounds with nowhere near these views charge considerably more.
Considering the full hookups, waterfront access, hot spring discounts, and overall location, we felt it was an excellent value.
The views are worth the trip alone
The moment we pulled into the campground, we knew we’d picked a special place.
Towering basalt cliffs surround the property, while multiple waterfalls spill continuously into the Snake River across the water.
Every morning we stepped outside to birds singing, gentle waves against the shoreline, and waterfalls flowing in the distance.
Every evening ended with colorful skies reflecting across calm water while boats and jet skis cruised by.
It’s the kind of place where you find yourself sitting outside longer than you planned simply because you don’t want the scenery to end.
Southern Idaho has no shortage of beautiful places, but this campground offers one of the best waterfront settings we’ve experienced.
Our best tip for RV campers
One thing we didn’t realize before arriving turned out to be one of the best discoveries of the trip.
Although the campground offers both RV and tent camping, the sites directly on the water are actually tent sites.
At first, we thought this seemed like a disadvantage. Instead, it became one of our favorite features.
If you’re bringing an RV, I highly recommend trying to reserve the tent site closest to your RV site if it’s available.
Why? Because those tent sites give you easy, private access to the river throughout your stay.
Many even include their own dock.
That meant we could leave our paddleboards, kayaks, and water toys just a few steps away instead of carrying everything across the campground every time we wanted to go out.
Some docks are newer than others, but having that direct river access completely changed the experience.
If you enjoy spending time on the water, this little trick is worth knowing before you book.
Spacious campsites and plenty of shade
One thing our family appreciated throughout the trip was how comfortable the campground felt.
Large mature trees provide shade across much of the property, which is especially welcome during Southern Idaho’s hot summer afternoons.
The grassy areas give kids plenty of room to play, while the campground never felt overly crowded during our stay.
The RV sites provide full hookups, and although the canyon wall rises dramatically behind the campground, it actually adds to the unique atmosphere.
When the wind moves through the canyon, you hear it echo across the cliffs—a sound that’s surprisingly relaxing while sitting around the campsite in the evening.
Combined with the river, waterfalls, and shade trees, it creates an environment that feels much more secluded than you’d expect considering the scenic byway is only a short distance away.
This quickly became our family’s favorite way to spend the day—floating, swimming, and exploring the Snake River together.
The Snake River is the main attraction
If you’re staying at Thousand Springs RV Resort, chances are you’re coming for the water.
And it absolutely delivers. From sunrise until sunset, our family spent nearly every waking hour somewhere on the river. Whether we were paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, riding the Sea-Doo, or simply floating near the shoreline, there was always something to do.
Unlike many reservoirs, the water here feels alive. Crystal-clear spring water constantly feeds into the Snake River throughout this stretch, making it incredibly beautiful.
Near the campground, boats, wake surfers, fishing boats, and jet skis travel the middle of the river, while the shoreline remains calm enough for families to enjoy.
Our kids loved being able to climb on paddleboards, splash in the shallows, and simply float while watching boats pass by.
It turned into one of those vacations where everyone kept saying, “Just five more minutes,” until suddenly the sun was setting.
Kids can enjoy the river too. The calm shoreline makes it a great place to kayak and paddle.
Great for paddleboards, kayaks, and families
One thing we appreciated was how accessible the river is.
You don’t need a large boat to enjoy this campground.
In fact, paddleboards and kayaks may be the best way to experience everything nearby.
The shoreline near camp is generally calm enough for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can venture farther to explore the surrounding springs and waterfalls.
Our daughter spent hours paddling around the shoreline, while the rest of us alternated between swimming and floating.
If you don’t own a kayak, that’s not a problem either.
Kayak rentals are available right at the campground
One of the nicest surprises was discovering that Blue Heart Kayaking Company operates directly from Thousand Springs RV Resort.
Instead of hauling your own equipment—or trying to rent somewhere else—you can simply rent a kayak on-site and launch from the campground.
It makes the resort an excellent base camp for exploring this stretch of the Snake River.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing paddle around Ritter Island or a longer trip toward Blue Heart Springs, having rentals available on-site makes the experience much easier.
The waterfalls around Ritter Island are one of the highlights of staying at Thousand Springs RV Resort.
Exploring Ritter Island was the highlight of our trip
If there is one experience I recommend above everything else, it’s exploring around Ritter Island.
As you make your way upstream, the scenery becomes more spectacular with every turn.
Waterfalls begin appearing across the cliffs.
Then another.
Then another.
By the time you reach Ritter Island, there are several waterfalls—probably four to six significant flows—pouring directly into the Snake River.
The result is incredible.
Crystal-clear spring water mixes with the river, creating beautiful blue-green shallows that are noticeably different from the deeper water near camp.
We spent quite a while simply floating near the waterfalls and taking in the scenery.
It’s one of those places that doesn’t quite seem real until you’re there.
You can loop around Ritter Island
Depending on water levels, it’s possible to make a complete loop around Ritter Island.
We completed the loop using our Sea-Doo, and it was easily one of the highlights of the trip.
Kayaks and paddleboards can make the journey as well, although naturally at a slower pace.
If you’re bringing a very small fishing boat or lightweight watercraft, it can usually be done too.
The only caution is to watch for shallow areas and submerged rocks.
Water levels change throughout the season, and scraping bottom is certainly possible if you’re not paying attention.
Take your time, stay alert, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in Southern Idaho.
Blue Heart Springs is only a short ride downstream from the campground.
Blue Heart Springs is surprisingly close
Another reason this campground makes such a great home base is its location.
Blue Heart Springs is only about a 15-minute Sea-Doo ride downstream from the campground.
It’s also a realistic kayaking destination if you’re looking for a longer paddle.
Launching directly from your campsite saves considerable time compared to driving to another access point.
If Blue Heart Springs has been on your Idaho bucket list, Thousand Springs RV Resort is one of the most convenient places to begin the adventure.
Between the river, grassy areas, and playground, there was always something for the kids to do.
Campers receive discounted access to the hot springs pool
Although we spent most of our time on the river, another nice perk of staying here is discounted admission to the resort’s indoor hot spring pool.
After a long day swimming, paddleboarding, and riding the Sea-Doo, soaking in naturally heated mineral water sounded pretty appealing.
The campground also includes:
- A small playground
- Large grassy areas
- Clean common areas
- River access throughout the campground
It offers enough activities that families can easily stay entertained without ever leaving the property.
A great campground for dogs
We almost never travel without our dogs, and they had just as much fun as we did.
The campground is pet friendly, with plenty of grassy areas, mature shade trees, and opportunities to cool off in the river.
One of our favorite memories was watching our Labrador swim alongside paddleboards while our Goldendoodle supervised everything from shore before eventually joining the fun.
If your family camps with pets, this is definitely one of the more accommodating campgrounds we’ve visited.
Internet and cell service: Plan to disconnect
One thing you should know before arriving is that internet service can be inconsistent.
Cell service during our stay ranged from weak to nonexistent.
The campground does offer Wi-Fi, but it’s centered around the pool building and other main structures.
If your campsite is farther away—as ours was (the farthest away, #22)—you probably won’t have reliable internet access.
For some travelers, that’s a downside. For us, it actually became one of the unexpected benefits of the trip.
Without constant notifications and emails, we found ourselves spending more time talking, swimming, playing games with the kids, and simply enjoying where we were.
Sometimes disconnecting is exactly what a camping trip should be.
The setting is uniquely Southern Idaho
One thing we appreciated more each day was the campground’s location.
Thousand Springs RV Resort sits directly along the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway, tucked between the Snake River and a steep basalt canyon wall.
Throughout the day, the cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop. In the evenings, they catch the last light of the setting sun. When the wind picks up, it whistles through the canyon, creating sounds that add to the peaceful atmosphere.
It never felt like we were camping in a crowded RV park.
Instead, it felt like we had found our own little corner of Southern Idaho where the river sets the pace of the day.
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Our final thoughts
Every campground has strengths and weaknesses.
Thousand Springs RV Resort certainly isn’t perfect.
The reservation process could be much easier. A modern website would make planning a trip significantly more convenient, and better communication would go a long way.
But once we arrived…
None of that mattered very much.
We found ourselves waking up to waterfalls.
Launching paddleboards directly from camp.
Watching boats cruise by while eating dinner.
Swimming in crystal-clear spring water.
Exploring Ritter Island.
Riding to Blue Heart Springs.
Relaxing with family.
Watching our dogs enjoy the river as much as we did.
Those are the memories we’ll remember—not how many phone calls it took to make a reservation.
Sometimes the best destinations are the ones that haven’t been overly commercialized.
They still feel authentic.
Thousand Springs RV Resort is one of those places.
If you’re looking for a quiet waterfront campground that gives you access to some of Southern Idaho’s most beautiful scenery—and you don’t mind making a few extra phone calls to get there—we think you’ll leave wondering why more people don’t know about it.
We’ll certainly be back.
The Snake River becomes your backyard when you camp here.
Things to know before you go
Before heading to Thousand Springs RV Resort, here are a few things we learned that may help make your trip even better:
- Reservations require patience. Call, leave a message, and don’t be afraid to follow up if you don’t hear back.
- Email worked well for us: 1000springsresort@gmail.com
- Reserve early during the summer. The campground is popular with both campers and day-use hot spring visitors.
- If you’re bringing an RV, consider reserving the closest tent site as well for easier river access.
- Bring your paddleboards, kayaks, fishing gear, or personal watercraft. The river is the main attraction.
- Expect limited cell service. Download maps before arriving.
- Bring water shoes. They’ll come in handy around the docks, shoreline, and while exploring Ritter Island.
- Plan at least one day for Blue Heart Springs if you enjoy paddling or boating.
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One last evening on the river before heading home.
Quick facts
Location: Thousand Springs Scenic Byway near Hagerman, Idaho
Reservations: (208) 837-4987
Email: 1000springsresort@gmail.com
Camping options
- RV sites (full hookups)
- Tent sites
- Pet friendly
Current rates (June 2024)
- RV sites: $50/night + tax
- Tent sites: $35/night + tax
Amenities
- Indoor hot spring pool
- Discounted pool admission for campers
- Blue Heart Kayaking Company rentals
- Playground
- River access
- Full hookups
- Pet friendly
- Docks on many tent sites
- Excellent boating access
Frequently asked questions
How far is Thousand Springs RV Resort from Blue Heart Springs?
Blue Heart Springs is approximately a 15-minute ride downstream by Sea-Doo from the campground. It’s also reachable by kayak for paddlers looking for a longer adventure.
Is Thousand Springs RV Resort good for families?
Absolutely. Between the calm shoreline, playground, hot spring pool, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, and wide-open grassy areas, we found it to be an excellent family campground.
Is the campground pet friendly?
Yes. Pets are welcome, and there are plenty of grassy areas and river access for them to enjoy.
Does the campground have internet?
Wi-Fi is available but is strongest near the pool building. Cell service can be limited depending on your carrier and campsite location.
Is it worth staying even without a website?
We definitely think so. While making reservations requires a little extra effort, the scenery, affordability, and access to the Snake River make the campground well worth it.
