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| From snowy slopes to hot springs |
Scenic drives, dinosaurs, ice skating and steamy springs
BEAT THE SEASON WITH A
SPRINGTIME WYOMING RV ROAD TRIP
Guest Blog
BY Lolli John, Wyoming Office of Tourism
ljohns@percepture.com
Edit by Janet Groene
For families ready for something different this spring, Wyoming is a practical and unique option for RV campers. Drive routes that connect parks, hot springs, and outdoor fun with room to explore.
Whether starting from Denver, Salt Lake City or points farther south, Wyoming makes it easy to plan a spring break that feels like a real change of pace. Days are longer, snow is still on the ground in many areas, some ski slopes are still open and wide-open skies make even short trips feel expansive.
Here’s a sample itinerary built around flexible travel, fresh air, and uncrowded campgrounds.
Begin in Laramie. Stop for lunch, walk through the historic downtown or visit the University of Wyoming campus. From there, take a short drive to Vedauwoo Recreation Area, known for its rock formations and easy access. The Vedauwoo Campground, elevation 8,300 feet, has no hookups but there are vault toilets, fire rings, trash pickup and a water hand pump. See Reserve.gov/
Drive north to Casper, where the newly opened Nordic Ski Lodge on Casper Mountain serves as a home base for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Hogadon Basin also offers spring downhill runs into March. In town, learn about westward expansion at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center .Developed campgrounds in the Casper area include a KOA. See VisitCasper.com/
Thermopolis is home to Hot Springs State Park and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. The public bath house is open year-round with naturally warm mineral water, and the park’s bison herd is often visible from the drive. Recent updates to the museum’s galleries and lab spaces give kids an indoor hands-on option too. See a list of area campgrounds at https://www.hotspringsstatepark.com/?detailed_information=accommodations
Wind River Canyon or Saratoga are places to wrap up the trip with a scenic drive. Wind River Canyon cuts through layered cliffs and offers plenty of pull-off spots. For those heading south, Saratoga is a relaxing finish, with its open-air Hobo Hot Springs pools located along the river. Campgrounds with hookups are available in the area.
Take the slow lane through scenic lands where wildlife is emerging from their winter quarters. From bison sightings to hot spring stops, Wyoming gives families a chance to stretch out and try something new without over-planning.
Janet adds:
Wyoming in spring presents capricious weather and unique hazards for RV travelers. Stay keenly aware each day of highway conditions, campground conditions and weather forecasts.
IS THIS THE YEAR YOU'LL GO FULL-TIMING?
Do you dream of living and traveling in a complete home on wheels? Living Aboard Your RV, 4th Edition by Janet Groene & Gordon Groene is a total guide to the full-time life on wheels, from making the decision and living the good life to the time when you decide to settle down .
Should you sell the house or rent it out? Downsize possessions or put them in storage? Too young to retire? See our chapter on ways to make a living anywhere. Kids on board? We cover home schooling and also an exit strategy if and when the time comes to settle down. Order at any book store or let Amazon gift wrap and ship it for you. https://amzn.to/29XFEkq
CAMPGROUNDS & RV PARKS, GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS
NEW AND FUTURE RV PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS
Staying in the new RV campground at the esteemed Harris Ranch Resort, Coalinga, California, is like staying in a hotel (and almost as pricey.) The new RV park there has spacious sites, pickleball, showers, Wi-FI and more plus key card access to the features of the iconic, 50-year-old hotel complex. Take free coffee in the hotel lobby each morning. Dine in splendid hotel eateries. Shop the shops. Explore surrounding areas for golf, shopping and spa. (559) 935-0717
The Hoosier State’s first new state park inn since 1939 will open in Potato Creek State Park, North Liberty, Indiana in 2027 with 120 guest rooms, a cafĂ©, indoor pool and a conference center, with easy access to trails and the 350 campsites. CAMPSites are full hookup, partial hookup, tents only, primitive and equestrian. Phone: (574) 656-8186.
RV PARK CHANGES, UPGRADES, NEW OWNERS
New owners are sought for the historic Meramec River Resort, Cuba, Missouri. The 34-acre resort has 29 RV sites, tent sites, bathhouse with showers and watercraft rentals for fun on the river. Will there be changes? Know before you go. (573) 775-CAMP
Only a year old, Serenity RV Park near Belden, Mississippi is expanding. In the works are a new swimming pool, pavilion near the community fire pit and tons of activities such as movie nights and bingo. Email serenityrvparkms@gmail.com
In Carmel, California, Saddle Mountain Resort is now with RV Park Management, https://rvparkpm.com/ The resort has cabins, luxury tent sites and RV sites with full hookups. The resort has a dry sauna, swimming pool, group activities, hot water washing stations, hiking trails, Wi-Fi, cable TV and sweeping views of the Carmel Valley and Big Sur. See https://saddlemountian.com
According to the Times Colonist, 18 provincial parks in British Columbia are raising camping fees and adding a $20 fee for out-of-province guests.
EVENTS
Register ASAP for the annual Nature Wellness Weekend at Shawnee State Park, West Portsmouth, Ohio. The weekend of May 8-10 will be filled with nature walks, nature writing, identification of edible plants and evenings around the campfire with live music. Take the package that includes lodging, meals and activities or pay a $75 joiner fee for activities only and stay at the campground at prevailing rates. Registration is limited to 40 people. The deadline for sign-up is March 10. Contact ((740) 858-6652 or email jenny.richards@dnr.ohio.gov/
SCUTTLEBUTT
Do you have the right phone apps? All developed facilities in Umpqua National Forest in Oregon will be cashless starting in April. This applies to campsites, trailheads, showers, dump stations, boat ramps and days use areas. See recreation.gov/ (541) 496-0157
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