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Camping In Wyoming National Forest

Rivers Edge Rv And Cabins Resort

Primitive camping in Wyoming National forest

CENTRAL WYOMING

  • Pool table
  • Teepee cabin

Sitting on the edge of the Platte River by the town of Casper, Rivers Edge RV and Cabins Resort provides numerous recreational activities, as well as a variety of local attractions. You can enjoy trout fishing straight from the campsite, play horseshoes, basketball, or pool. Whereas the area boasts golf courses, ski slopes, rodeo facilities, and plentiful museums.

The campground is open year-round and includes 73 RV sites with full hook-ups and furnished cabins. You can also rent a teepee cabin! There is a lodge with a bathhouse, laundry room, coffee machine, board games, and books. Fire pits to roast marshmallows or hot dogs are available. If you prefer a bigger sort of meal, there are two different steakhouses just 5 minutes from the campground.

Does it sound like you? Reserve your spot online or through the phone. The rates start at USD$ 50!

Check our camping gear reviews:

  • Complimentary coffee or tea
  • 7th night free and discounted monthly rates

Eagle RV Park is based in Thermopolis, home to the worlds largest mineral hot springs. You can conveniently visit Hot Springs State Park, which is just 2.5 miles from the campground. It features a free bathhouse, hiking trails, and a bison herd! And for the smallest ones, there is Star Plunge water park, with two large pools, hot tubs, slides, steam room, and sauna.

Best Wyoming Camping Towns

If you are looking to stay in town, there are several campgrounds, in or on the outskirts of Lander, Riverton and Dubois. These feature hook ups, RV spots, pull thrus and tent sites. They also include amenities like hot showers, restrooms, laundry, dump stations, stores and even wireless internet. Plus you are already in town, so you can explore the shops, restaurants and museums. You can also camp for free in Landers city park.

Camping Near Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is surrounded by public lands and historic towns with Western charm. Weve broken down your camping options by town and region, listing a few options for each place. Be sure to check the campground amenities before you go to make sure they suit your needs some national forest sites are very basic.

Bridger-Teton National Forest

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A large section of the Bridger-Teton National Forest lies directly east of the national park and offers a multitude of camping options for adventurous travelers. While some campgrounds require long drives on rough dirt roads, youll find some spectacular sites to rest your head for the night. Keep in mind while RVs can access many forest service areas, most primitive sites do not have hookups. All of the sites in this region are first-come-first-served, including:

Turpin Meadows Campground: open to RVs and tents

Pacific Creek Campground: open to tents with one small RV site

Hatchet Campground: open to tents with one small RV site

Alpine

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Located less than an hour outside of Grand Teton National Park, the small town of Alpine is a great basecamp to find last-minute camping. Youll have access to a few restaurants and bars, a grocery store, a handful of gas stations, and vast expanses of forest lands. Some of our favorites in the area are:

Wolf Creek Campground: first-come-first-served , open to RVs and tents

Murphy Creek Campground: first-come-first-served, open to RVs and tents

Afton

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Dubois

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Jackson

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Western Hills Campground And Rv Park

SOUTHERN WYOMING

  • Playground
  • Dog play areas

Conveniently located along I-80, Western Hills Campground and RV Park is a place to spend the night when traveling through Wyoming. Its known for its friendly staff and family atmosphere.

All sites are pull-thru, with both full hook-up and no hook-up services. There is a spacious grassy tent area, great for large groups or family reunions. The campground also features log cabins, which sleep up to 6 people.

Western Hills Campground and RV Park offers various sorts of activities, such as miniature golf, playground, horseshoes, or three dog playpens. Should you get bored, there is also a lot to see in the area. How about a ride through the Snowy Mountain Range or soaking in Saratoga Hot Springs?

North Fork Campground Buffalo Bill State Park

National Forest Camper: Crazy Woman Campground

This stunning state park is just east of Yellowstone National Park on the shores of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir, an impoundment of the Shoshone River. The state park delivers on a landscape that rivals its national park neighbors.

Buffalo Bill State Park has two developed campground areas and an additional group camping area by reservation only. Every camping spot features outstanding views of the nearby Absaroka Mountain Range.

The largest campground, the North Fork Campground, provides 62 non-electric campsites that each have a picnic table and grill, and shared access to running water and flushing toilets. Popular things to do from the North Fork Campground, besides simply admiring the horizon, include windsurfing and fishing in the reservoir.

The Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center is also a fun part of any visit, with several informative displays throughout, including historical photos, prehistoric artifacts, and taxidermic animals.

Address: 4192 N Fork Hwy, Cody, Wyoming

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The Bighorn National Forest Is Proposing Solutions To Camping And Ecological Issues

The Bighorn National Forest is proposing solutions to camping-related problems that theyve experienced for years. This largely concerns issues concerning dispersedcamping and the ecological problems that stem from camping and damage to ecological resources.

Issues that both forest service managers and the public have been identifying over several years centered around dispersed camping are both social in nature, said Andrea Maichak, Recreation Lands and Heritage Staff Officer for the Bighorn National Forest. Lack of available campsites and large numbers of campers and sites left unattended for long periods of time, lack of compliance with the 14-day stay limit . And then there’s also the resource aspect of it, which is damage on roads, water quality and damage to meadows and in riparian areas.

Campgrounds and dispersed camping sites are available throughout the forest. Amenities such as camping sites, grills, boat launches, and picnic areas are common at campgrounds while dispersed camping requires the camper to set up their own campsite, either with RVs or tents, and set up within 300 feet of any Forest Service road, Maichak explained. There is no infrastructure available for dispersed camping, so those who decided to camp must bring in all of their own equipment.

The proposed solutions seek to enhance the quality of the visiting experience.

Curt Gowdy State Park

  • Bird watching
  • Horseback riding

Not far from Cheyenne, Curt Gowdy State Park boasts a varied landscape, as well as rich fauna and flora. It lays around three reservoirs. In Granite Springs Reservoir, you can fish for rainbow trouts and kokanee salmons and practice water sports.

Crystal Lake Reservoir, on the other hand, offers shoreline fishing for brown trouts and boating. 5 miles west of the Headquarters Building, there is Upper North Crow Reservoir, an unimproved fishing area designated for one-day visits only.

There are 159 campsites in Curt Gowdy State Park to choose from, suitable for both RV and tent camping. Most of them are located around the reservoirs. There are also lodging facilities.

The camping fee is USD$ 15 per Wyoming resident vehicle, or USD$ 25 per non-resident vehicle, including the daily use fee. For Wyoming residents, a discounted annual camping permit is also available. Note that the sites are reservable only.

With numerous options for camping and outdoor activities, Wyomings state parks and campgrounds will satisfy both beginners and experienced campers. There is definitely a lot to see too. Mountains, lakes, geysers, and beaches. All of this in one state. Moreover, camping in state parks is very affordable, so you dont have to spend a fortune on the holiday of your dreams.

So pack your bags and reserve your spot. If you choose one of the campgrounds managed on a first-come, first-camp basis, better arrive before the summer season hits.

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Circle Park Campground Bighorn National Forest

Circle Park Campground is within Bighorn National Forest in northern Wyoming, near the Montana border. This U.S. Forest Service campground provides quick access to the stunning Cloud Peak Wilderness.

Circle Park has only 10 non-electric sites available, resulting in heavy competition for these scenic campsites that are best suited for tent camping.All overnight users at Circle Park share access to hand-pumped fresh water and vault toilets, and each site has a fire ring and picnic table.

A popular activity from the Circle Park Campground is taking a drive on the 47-mile Cloud Peak Scenic Byway. Another activity that causes Circle Park to fill up quickly on the weekends is off-road driving on nearby canyon roads.

Address: Bighorn National Forest, Forest Rd 20, Buffalo, Wyoming

Jenny Lake Campground At The Grand Teton National Park

Bear Lodge Campground in Wyoming’s Black Hills National Forest

The Jenny Lake Campground is located just seven miles north of the southern entrance of the famous Grand Teton National Park. The campground is best accessed if you enter through the Moose Entrance. The Jenny Lake Campground is perfect for getting quick access to Jenny Lake. This camping ground is also located in the perfect location to allow visitors to enjoy and take in the many impressive sights of the Teton Range.

The Jenny Lake Campground is home to 49 non-electric, tent-only camping sites. There are also ten biker/hiker campsites that are separate. Each campsite has a picnic table fire ring, and there is shared access to potable water and flushing toilets.

Bikers can make their way to the Jenny Lake Campground through the Grand Teton National Park bike path. One of the best features of this camping ground is the stunning views you get to see of the majestic peaks of the Teton Range across the water. Remember that the camping ground gets full very quickly, and campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis only. In the summer season, donât be surprised if the campsites at Jenny Lake fill up before 9 in the morning itself. So arrive early if you want to get yourself a spot at this camping ground.

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Camping In Wyoming State Parks & Recreational Areas

Wyoming is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy camping. It is the least populated state in the USA and is home to two national parks , two national recreation areas, two national monuments, and several national forests. Not to mention the diversified landscape, which runs from the wests mountains to the easts high plains.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy Wyoming campgrounds is to camp in a tent. Wyoming has something for everyone, from modest, primitive camping to bustling campgrounds with a variety of facilities.

Free Boondocking Spots In Wyoming

Wyoming is home to a vast swath of wilderness, protected regions, and Wyoming boondocking campsites. Yellowstone National Park, Americas first national park, and Grand Teton National Park are both located in Wyoming. There are also two national monuments, mountain ranges, national forests, and Wyoming parks. Wilderness areas can be found in abundance where boondocking campsites in Wyoming are hosted.

Wyoming, the least populated state in the United States, is nevertheless a wild area. These vast open spaces are ideal for free Wyoming camping sites, and over half of the state is public land. With campgrounds in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, Wyomings two national parks , filling up regularly and quickly, visiting top places like those can be difficult if youre seeking a Wyoming campsite with a view.

Smart campers, on the other hand, are aware that both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are next to forest property. That means you may camp for free in Wyoming and enjoy mountain views, wildlife encounters, and easy access to your favorite locations.

There are various names for free camping. Whether you call it dispersed camping, primitive camping, wilderness camping, dry camping, or boondocking, its still camping with few if any amenities. You dont have to pay a facility charge at dispersed campsites in Wyoming.

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Loop Road Dispersed Camping Hwy 131

AddressGPS: 42.517741, -108.786766

Management: Public Forest Service

This whole highway 131 loop road allows Free Wyoming camping areas and there are tons of offshoot roads leading to sites with and without fire pits. There are paid campgrounds up this road too near the larger lakes, but the tiny streams have tiny fish that are fun to catch.

Twin Buttes Dispersed Camping

1 June Camping in Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming

The Twin Buttes Reservoir is located southwest of Laramie and is a great option for dispersed camping in this part of Wyoming. Easy to access with large sites that can accommodate a variety of camp setups make this a popular spot to spend a night or two. You can fish in the reservoir and there are great views of Sheep Mountain to the west.

There arent many trees at Twin Buttes so expect the wind to really whip through here , but if you can tolerate that youre likely to enjoy a peaceful and quiet night camping here.

There are some basic vault toilets around the lake, but no dedicated water source or trash removal. Given that, please be sure to come prepared to be self-sufficient and pack you all of your trash.

A great dispersed camping spot in eastern Wyoming near the Fort Laramie National Historic Site is Grayrocks Reservoir. This public reservoir has several campsites right on the water and a few have some basic fire rings you can use. There are some restroom facilities at the lake as well.

Grayrocks is a popular dispersed camping area so be prepared to have some neighbors camping near you. That being said every site is lakeside and there are tremendous views from here.

Fishing is permitted in the reservoir so be sure to bring your fishing pole and see if you can snag a trout. The campsites are easy to access and can accommodate most camping setups so this is a great option of youre pulling a larger trailer or in an RV.

Our Top Camping App The Dyrt PRO

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Firehole Canyon Campground Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area provides endless outlets for camping and adventure split between the states of Wyoming and Utah. This nationally recognized recreation area extends along the 360 miles of shoreline of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This expansive area has more than 43 developed campgrounds to choose from and 700-plus individual campsites.

Perhaps the best of these campgrounds in Wyoming is Firehole Canyon Campground, operated by the US Forest Service. The campground features 36 non-electric campsites set against high-desert scenery. The real appeal of Firehole Canyon, however, is the boat access to Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the red rock formations that define the area.

All overnight users at Firehole Canyon share access to flush toilets and potable water. Primitive camping and river camps are also available throughout the national recreation area and surrounding Ashley National Forest.

Address: Forest Road 106, McKinnon, Wyoming

Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest is located in northeastern Wyoming and spans across the border into South Dakota. Known for its interesting rock formations, grasslands and canyons, this national forest offers rock climbing, mountain biking and wildlife viewing among its many recreational opportunities. In the winter, snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular activities.

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Wyoming Dispersed Camping: The Complete Guide

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Wyoming offers something truly unique for every outdoor lover. From the stunning heights of the Grand Tetons, to awe inspiring Devils Tower, and the beautiful expanse of Yellowstone there is something for everyone here. These public lands are much less than crowded than some neighboring states, making Wyoming the perfect place to explore if youre truly looking to get out there.

For the adventurous, all of these public lands make dispersed camping in Wyoming a great way to experience these landscapes. Regardless of which part of the state youre hoping to pitch your tent, there is likely some free, dispersed camping nearby.

Weve created this guide to help you navigate the various rules and regulations to help you plan your perfect Wyoming dispersed camping adventure.

Lets get started.

  • Grayrocks Reservoir
  • Gros Ventre Wilderness Area

    EP2 Wyoming’s Bighorn Natl Forest // Prune Creek Campground

    For those seeking a true wilderness experience, the Gros Ventre Wilderness Area east of Jackson offers free camping in primitive sites with spectacular views of the Tetons. August and early September are your best bets for camping free of snow, but the area is accessible year round for those campers who don’t mind roughing it in the snow. Please check with the Gros Ventre Wilderness Area Forest Service website for specific information about access and seasonal closures.

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    Can I Camp In A National Forest In Wyoming

    Whether youre driving a motorhome, pulling a trailer or just looking for a place to pitch a tent, the three national forests and one national grassland located in Wyoming will have a spot thats just right for you! Most campgrounds in the Rocky Mountain Region are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

    Flaming Gorge Dispersed Camping

    Photo courtesy of Bill Jackson

    • Campsite Name: Lost Dog Dispersed Camping Area

    • Coordinates/Directions: 41.297583, -109.548139. From Green River, WY follow Hwy 530 south for 6.75 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 012, follow for 7 miles to Lost Dog Day Use Area.

    • Bathroom/Facilities: Vault toilet, no water

    • Top Activities: Swimming, fishing, hiking, boating, paddle boarding

    • Pit Stops Nearby: Flaming Gorge Recreation Area, Flaming Gorge Uintas National Scenic Byway

    • Top Hikes Nearby: Red Canyon Rim

    Spanning the Utah-Wyoming border is a deep red canyon reservoir, where the Green River winds for 90 miles, lined with a whopping 360 miles of shoreline. With that much shoreline, theres plenty of space for everyone to enjoy this scenic recreation area.

    Photo courtesy of Lindsey B. Davis

    There are many options in this area for dispersed camping as well as designated campgrounds. If youre looking for a free place to stay for the night in a beautiful remote area , Lost Dog is for you.

    This undeveloped site is located near the confluence, and offers dispersed camping for tents, 4×4 campers, RVs and campervans along the riverbank. While much of the gorge is surrounded by sheer rock face, this location allows easy entry into the water.

    Spend your days fishing and exploring the miles of scenic walks and drives in this unique area. Relish the high desert landscape surrounding the river and chill out under the dark night sky in this secluded camping spot.

    Also Check: Camping Reservation Rocky Mountain National Park

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