In the southeastern section of Idaho, between Pocatello and Twin Falls, is Massacre Rocks State Park. This park is just south of the Craters of the Moon Monument & Preserve, and both are pleasant places to visit when you book an RV in Power County. Massacre Rocks State Park is located along the Snake River and is named in tribute to an emigrant wagon train traveling along the Oregon Trail that was ambushed by Native Americans at the site.
Two large boulders are on either side of the former Oregon Trail, and travelers at the time feared an attack because of the pinch the boulders made in the trail. Alternative names for the boulders that were popular with travelers were the Gate of Death, and Devil’s Gate. Aside from human history, the area has a rich geological history that can be traced back to ancient glaciers that once covered the landscape. There is a lot of history to learn about when you rent a camper near Massacre Rocks State Park.
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This park is easily accessible by Interstate 86, so when you’re renting an RV to see southern Idaho and are passing through on the interstate, be sure to spend a night or three camping with an RV here. Relaxing at the edge of the park and watching for wildlife is a popular activity for guests who camp here, and common wildlife that is spotted include Canadian geese, Great Blue Herons, Pelicans, Grebe, Bald Eagles, Beavers, Jackrabbits, Cottontail Deer, Muskrats, Coyotes, and more.
Hiking in the park is also popular, and there are remnants of the former Oregon Trail still traversable. Taking these footpaths that were once used by pioneers traveling across the country will steep you in history, especially when you are looking out at the landscape with no traces of modern human buildings. This trail starts at the park’s Visitor Center and travels for a few miles, with the occasional placard to educate you on what is nearby.
Disc golf is also a very popular activity here, so be sure to bring your discs while RV camping at Massacre Rocks State Park. The disc golf course here was developed and built to be up to world-class standards, and guests throwing discs here will find that the course follows the Snake River and dips in and out of bushy areas and elevation changes. The course can be accessed from the main parking lot with ease.
There are 42 RV compatible campsites at this state park RV campground, each of which can sustain a maximum of eight people camping at it at one time. Between these campsites, some of them are back-in while others allow you to pull-through, and the maximum RV length varies between 25 feet and 100 feet depending on the site. All of the RV campgrounds at this campsite have both water and electricity, typically offering electrical service in either 20 or 30 amps.
State park RV camping is convenient because there are certain amenities that campers can typically expect, and this campground is no different. Each of the campsites has its own picnic table, fire ring, and grill to make your stay more pleasant. Additionally, centrally located amenities like showering facilities with hot water, bathrooms with flushing toilets, and a campground host are available to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
The small town of American Falls, which is just northeast of the park, is one of the closest and most convenient places to go to while Massacre Rocks State Park camping. This small city is located at the southern end of the Snake River dam and has a few different grocery stores and restaurants to choose from. In town, you’ll find a couple of family-owned diners, a bar and grill, and a few different Mexican restaurants.
American Falls is also home to the Power County Historical Museum. This museum is a fantastic place to visit to learn all about what life used to be like in Power County, including exhibits on old hospital rooms, old kitchens, an old milk strainer, old stoves, old school rooms, old potato sacks, and more. This museum also has old animal bones on display, plenty of literature to read about how life used to be, and history on early settlers in the area. The museum holds irregular hours, so be sure to call ahead before visiting to ensure it will be open.
Just south of the park, along Snake River, is the Register Rock State Historic Site. This rock is famous because it was one of the many spots where pioneers camped while navigating the Oregon Trail. This site, specifically, has the signatures of former travelers along the trail carved into one of the boulders. Aside from looking at the old signatures from the 1880s, guests can also read placards and other informational prompts while at this park to learn more about travelers through the area.
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