Cody and Thermopolis WY RV Parks

Thank you all very much for your input. I've taken this same trip on a motorcycle, but never in an RV. So, I know the traveling will be different and slower. The purpose of the first part of our trip is to go to the Headwaters Country Music Fest in Cardwell MT. So, we are going to head from IL to Glacier, staying 4 nights at Whitefish/Kalispell KOA, then on to Cardwell Store and RV for 4 nights. After that, we want to see Yellowstone and Grand Teton, and are staying at Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park in West Yellow Stone for 7 nights. We are interested in full hook-ups and Fishing Bridge was full. We then travel to Teton RV in Victor ID for 4 nights and then Coulter Bay RV for 3 nights (all we could get, will keep trying for more). After that, we have 2 nights, 3 days to play with before we start back through Buffalo to the Black Hills (have reservations for 4 nights at Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort in Spearfish ND and then back to IL. This 2 night, 3 day period is where I'm stumped. It's not much time. I'm trying to see if we should stay in Cody and see the town or even take a day trip to the Beartooth Pass? Or, are the springs in Thermopiles better? Has anyone ever stayed at the Oasis Motel and RV Park in Meeteese, WY? Is it a good location? If any of you have any comments on the places we have reserved, pro and con, please let me know. If there is a better alternative, I'd appreciate that information as well. Thanks, you are all very generous with your information.

We were in Cody for a while three years ago. Knew nothing about the area but took a chance on the first place we came to. We stayed a Absaroka for 3 or 4 days. Price was right and folks were very nice. Paved sites and near downtown. Little too close together to call a resort, but the best thing was the vegetables. It was summer and the guy running the place had fresh tomatoes he shared with us. We would stay there again - if tomatoes are in season.
The park beside the reservoir is nice looking but I am not sure they have sewer.
The WalMart had a huge parking area for RVs and right after dark one night, we counted over 25 trailers, fivers and MHs. If no more than a couple of days stay, that might be an option

mabynack wrote:

Sully2 wrote:
While in Cody...stay at the Ponderosa RV park. Top notch!

x2

I was there a couple of years ago and loved it. It's a great location near the museum and not too far from the East entrance to Yellowstone. They had a nice gift shop there and the folks who ran it were really nice. I can't wait to go back.

I agree with the folks who said you need more time there. I spent two weeks in Cody and didn't get to see everything I wanted to see. I spent two full days at the museum and could have spent more time there.

X-3, We enjoyed our stay at the Pondersoa last time that we were there.

Sully2 wrote:
While in Cody...stay at the Ponderosa RV park. Top notch!

x2

I was there a couple of years ago and loved it. It's a great location near the museum and not too far from the East entrance to Yellowstone. They had a nice gift shop there and the folks who ran it were really nice. I can't wait to go back.

I agree with the folks who said you need more time there. I spent two weeks in Cody and didn't get to see everything I wanted to see. I spent two full days at the museum and could have spent more time there.

Sbrell wrote:
We are new to Rving and planning our very first long trip. We are going to Glacier, South Central Montana, Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Jackson Hole. We have about 3 days that we can spend in Thermopolis and Cody. I found an RV park in Meetetse WY that sounds pretty nice and was wondering if anyone has any ideas about this area. We are traveling in a 43' and 45' rig, and are looking for full hook-ups. I've been to Cody before but never Thermopiles. From reviews, the RV park in Thermopiles sounds like it would be tight to maneuver our rigs. From here we will be headed to the Black Hills for 5 days and then on to Illinois for a wedding. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Joe, Sue and Dolly
Adventures in Paradise!

It's the Ponderosa in Cody.
The Indian in Buffalo.
The Eagle in Thermopolis.
Not sure if we stayed at the Eagle though, but do remember swimming in a hot springs pool with different temperature sections. Wasn't far from the Dinosaur diggings and museum and did enjoy our visit there.
It was the KOA in the Black Hills and very close to both Mt Rushmore and the Chief Crazy Horse Monument, which is still under construction, most likely.

For a spot to stay in the Black Hill, look at Hart Ranch in Rapid City. One of the nicest places we have ever stayed.

We stayed at the Buffalo Bill State Park which is on the reservoir between Cody and Yellowstone. The lake level was down because of the continuing drought in the area but it was still nice. When we left the Cody area we took 120 south to Thermopolis. When we left Thermopolis we took US Hwy 20 S toward Rawlins. That is a very scenic drive.

We have stayed at fountain of youth RV park. It is older and sites are close together. We saw several 40+ rigs in the park. The nice thing is you can soak in their pools and walk back to the rig. It all depends if you are there for the hot springs and touring in the daytime or full time type resort. it is good for a night or 2 stop over, but it can be a drive into Cody.

While in Cody...stay at the Ponderosa RV park. Top notch!

I would stay in Riverton or Greybull and drive to Thermopolis. Only 3 RV parks in Thermopolis area and they don't get good reviews. The "best" one is Eagle RV Park. In Riverton we stayed at Wind River RV Park. Easy drive to Tetons from there. In Greybull we liked the KOA. I would call ahead for reservations and to make sure they know your rig size. Their sites are paved and level but some are tight if you have a toad. They served an awesome breakfast for a reasonable price the next morning! Greybull is a neat little town. For Cody we stayed at Yellowstone VAlley Inn RV Park between Cody and Yellowstone. We drove into Cody (18 miles) and drove to Yellowstone (30 miles) from there. Not a fancy park but had everything we needed.