Star Valley Ranch RV Park is located in Thayne, Wyoming, pressed up against Prater Mountain. The RV park is part of the Star Valley Ranch Resort, which also includes several other real estate opportunities, various golf courses, and access to water over the area of three canyons. The region is mountainous, and many of those who visit are there for outdoor activities such as hiking or fishing.
The Star Valley Ranch RV Park is one of many sub-properties that form Star Valley as a whole. The RV park boasts over 700 RV sites, and they are currently renovating new space for an additional 100. Most of these sites are on a contracted basis for private ownership over more extended periods, though 32 RV sites are open for all-purpose renting. Beyond that, they have ten motel rooms, one family cabin, five tent cabins (which can be described as "little bunkhouses"), and other additional tent sites. The resort has a wide array of amenities and attractions on site. They sport pickleball courts and frequently host tournaments for residents. There is a pool at the RV park that's about five feet deep. Other amenities include basketball, shuffleboard, a small park, and a pond. There is also a clubhouse that is frequently used for parties, dances, and other activities. To conclude Star Valley's extensive list of attractions, they have two privately owned golf courses (though there are other golfing options nearby as well). Basic site amenities are as follows: water and sewage hookups, electricity, communication lines, and access to an on-site laundromat. There is also a store on-site with simple food and snacks, as well as standard outdoor supplies such as sunscreen and water bottles.
Arguably the most distinctive feature of Star Valley Ranch RV Park and the surrounding area of Thayne, Wyoming, is the moderate climate that can be experienced during the summer. Many people flock to the region in order to escape the dry heat of summer that much of the midwestern United States sees on a seasonal basis. Temperatures in Thayne rarely exceed the mid-eighties (Fahrenheit), even in July and August. Due to the close proximity to rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests, many visitors to Star Valley are there for hiking, fishing, ATVing, and other such outdoor activities. Yellowstone National Park is relatively nearby, though far enough away that Star Valley Ranch Resort does not mark up prices for being a recognized lodging property of Yellowstone. The Intermittent Spring (or Periodic Spring) sits in Swift Creek Canyon, which falls under the broad acreage owned by Star Valley. This spring is the largest rhythmic spring in the world and has gained some notoriety. Star Valley Ranch RV Park is open from May to October of each year, and they find that their busiest month is typically July. Guests enjoy a quiet atmosphere and a variety of activities. Most of the people who stay in Star Valley are those who have made private contracts for ownership of the ranches or sites at which they reside. Due to the more extended residencies of the guests, the average demographic at Star Valley is the elderly—those who have retired and use the resort for long-term vacationing in the summers. However, the RV park is equipped to handle visiting families (including small children) too, and their wide range of scheduled activities is a unique feature of the property.
Back in 1962, Harold Stewart and his family stayed in Afton, Wyoming (a town situated extremely close to Star Valley). They were impressed with the surrounding landscape. Harold and his brothers were in the contracting business in Las Vegas, Nevada, and he convinced them to purchase a small ranch with him along Crow Creek—about 20 miles to the southwest of Afton. After building various cabins, remodeling an existing ranch house, and constructing a golf course, more contractors and architects were brought up from Las Vegas to see the area and experience the vacationing potential of such. The business began to pick up, and those who visited expressed an interested in buying lots. This sparked the idea in Harold's mind to create a resort in nearby Star Valley. In 1970, five ranches in the area became available for purchase, allowing the Stewart family to buy 3600 acres. With the new land, they created the Aspen Hills golf course, tennis courts, a pool, a clubhouse, and a private water system. Buyers continued to stream in from Las Vegas until about 1983. During that time, RV sales were more popular in the market. Seeing this, the Stewart family decided to build the Star Valley Ranch Resort RV Park. Various subdivisions in the nearby area have been purchased by the property and implemented into their domain. Today Star Valley is owned by four of Harold's children: Val, Tim, and Mick (his sons), and Pam Drisdal (his daughter).
3522 Muddy String Road
Thayne, Wyoming 83127
United States
Campground
Pam Drisdal; Val, Tim, and Mick Stewart
Harold Stewart
