Discover the Best Camping Spots in Wyoming

← Camping Essentials & Setup | Shelter & Sleeping Gear

Quick answer

• Wyoming’s got it all: mountains, deserts, wide-open spaces.
• Plan ahead. Popular spots fill up fast, especially in summer.
• Know your vehicle’s limits. Some of the best places need 4WD.
• Check fire restrictions before you even think about a campfire.
• Pack layers. Wyoming weather changes on a dime.
• Leave No Trace. Pack it in, pack it out. Seriously.
• Cell service is spotty. Tell someone where you’re going.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you even load the car, get your ducks in a row. It’s the difference between a killer trip and a headache.

• Land manager / legality: Who owns the dirt you want to camp on? Is it National Forest, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service, or a state park? Each has its own rules. A quick look at their website or a call can save you trouble. For example, dispersed camping is often allowed on USFS and BLM land, but not always in National Parks.

• Access/road conditions: Can your rig handle the drive? Don’t eyeball that dirt road if you’re in a low-clearance sedan. Check recent reports for mud, snow, or washouts. A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle might be a must for some of the primo backcountry spots.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is huge. Wyoming can be dry. Fire bans are common and strictly enforced. Check the local ranger district or fire service website for current restrictions. Also, look at the forecast. High winds can make campfires dangerous, even if allowed.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Will there be potable water? If not, you need to pack enough or have a reliable filter/purifier. And remember LNT: pack out all your trash, including food scraps. Bury human waste properly if no facilities exist.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): Wyoming has big critters. Know how to store your food safely (bear boxes or proper hanging). Understand how far you are from the nearest town or ranger station. Cell service is often non-existent. Have a plan for emergencies, like a satellite messenger.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Alright, you’re geared up and ready to roll. Here’s how to set up camp without drama.

1. Arrive at your chosen area.

• What to do: Drive to the general location you scouted or heard about.
• What “good” looks like: You’re in the general vicinity, on a road that’s passable for your vehicle.
• Common mistake: Driving too far down a road that gets progressively worse, forcing a long backup. Avoid it: Scout ahead on foot or use online maps that show road quality if unsure.

2. Locate a legal and suitable campsite.

• What to do: Look for established sites if available. If dispersed camping, find a durable surface at least 200 feet from water sources.
• What “good” looks like: A flat, clear spot that shows signs of previous use (if dispersed) or a designated pad. It’s not in a sensitive area like a meadow or near a water source.
• Common mistake: Setting up camp too close to water or on fragile vegetation. Avoid it: Always check LNT guidelines for distance from water and impact.

3. Assess the immediate surroundings.

• What to do: Look for dead trees or branches overhead (widowmakers) that could fall. Check for animal trails or signs of recent activity.
• What “good” looks like: The area above your tent is clear. You don’t see fresh scat or tracks right where you plan to sleep.
• Common mistake: Ignoring overhead hazards. Avoid it: Always glance up. If in doubt, move your camp.

4. Set up your tent.

• What to do: Clear small rocks or twigs from your tent footprint. Pitch your tent on the flattest part of the chosen spot.
• What “good” looks like: A taut tent that’s well-anchored to the ground.
• Common mistake: Pitching on a slope. Avoid it: Even a slight incline can be uncomfortable for sleeping. Take a moment to find the flattest spot.

5. Organize your camp.

• What to do: Designate areas for cooking, sleeping, and storing gear. Keep your food and scented items secured.
• What “good” looks like: Everything has its place, making it easy to find what you need and keep the site clean.
• Common mistake: Leaving gear scattered everywhere. Avoid it: A tidy camp is a safe and efficient camp.

6. Prepare your cooking area.

• What to do: Set up your stove on a stable surface away from flammable materials. If you have a fire ring, use it.
• What “good” looks like: A safe, contained area for cooking that minimizes fire risk.
• Common mistake: Cooking too close to the tent or dry grass. Avoid it: Always maintain a safe distance and clear the area around your stove or fire.

7. Secure your food and scented items.

• What to do: Use a bear canister, hang a bear bag properly, or store in a bear-resistant vehicle.
• What “good” looks like: Your food is completely inaccessible to wildlife.
• Common mistake: Leaving food in your tent or car (if not bear-proof). Avoid it: Animals have a better sense of smell than you do.

8. Gather firewood (if allowed and necessary).

• What to do: Collect only dead and downed wood that can be broken by hand. Keep it small.
• What “good” looks like: A modest pile of dry wood that will burn efficiently.
• Common mistake: Cutting live trees or branches. Avoid it: This is damaging and often illegal.

9. Start your campfire (if allowed).

• What to do: Light a small fire, keeping it contained within a ring or designated area.
• What “good” looks like: A controlled, enjoyable fire that doesn’t get out of hand.
• Common mistake: Making the fire too big. Avoid it: A small fire is easier to manage and uses less wood.

10. Enjoy your surroundings.

• What to do: Relax, observe, and appreciate the Wyoming wilderness.
• What “good” looks like: You’re comfortable, safe, and soaking in the experience.
• Common mistake: Getting so caught up in tasks that you forget to actually enjoy being there. Avoid it: Take a breath. You earned it.

11. Extinguish your campfire completely.

• What to do: Douse with water, stir the ashes, and repeat until it’s cool to the touch.
• What “good” looks like: No embers, no smoke, just cold ashes.
• Common mistake: Leaving a fire smoldering. Avoid it: This is a major fire hazard. Be absolutely sure it’s out.

12. Pack out everything.

• What to do: Double-check your campsite for any trash, food scraps, or forgotten items.
• What “good” looks like: The campsite looks as if you were never there.
• Common mistake: Leaving micro-trash (bottle caps, twist ties, food wrappers). Avoid it: Do a thorough sweep before you leave.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Ignoring fire restrictions	Fines, devastating wildfires, jail time.	Check official sources daily. If banned, no fire. Period.
Driving an unsuitable vehicle	Getting stuck, damaging your vehicle, needing a costly tow.	Know your vehicle’s capabilities and the road conditions beforehand.
Improper food storage	Attracting bears, raccoons, or other wildlife; potential animal encounters.	Use bear canisters, hang bags properly, or use designated bear boxes. Never leave food unattended or in your tent.
Camping too close to water	Contaminating water sources, damaging riparian areas.	Stay at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers, and streams. Use existing sites where possible.
Leaving trash behind	Polluting the environment, harming wildlife, making the area look bad.	Pack it in, pack it out. All of it. Even tiny bits of trash.
Not checking weather	Getting caught in unexpected storms, hypothermia, dangerous conditions.	Always check the forecast for your specific location and be prepared for rapid changes.
Not having a communication plan	Inability to call for help in an emergency.	Carry a satellite messenger or PLB if venturing far from cell service. Tell someone your itinerary.
Disturbing wildlife	Stressing animals, habituating them to humans, creating dangerous situations.	Observe from a distance. Never feed wildlife. Keep a clean camp.
Not knowing land ownership/rules	Trespassing, getting ticketed, or facing eviction from your campsite.	Identify the managing agency (USFS, BLM, NPS, State Park) and check their regulations for the specific area.
Setting up camp in a hazardous spot	Falling branches, rockfall, flash floods.	Look up! Check for dead trees and assess the terrain for potential hazards. Avoid dry washes.
Not extinguishing campfires properly	Starting wildfires.	Douse with water, stir, and feel for heat. Repeat until cold.
Ignoring Leave No Trace principles	Degraded campsites, negative impacts on the environment and future visitors.	Educate yourself on LNT. Always strive to leave a place better than you found it.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If the weather forecast shows high winds and no fire restrictions are in place, then avoid building a campfire because strong winds can make it uncontrollable and dangerous.
• If you are in bear country and don’t have a bear-resistant container, then hang your food bag at least 10-15 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from the trunk because this makes it harder for bears to access.
• If you find a pristine, undeveloped spot for dispersed camping, then check if it’s within 200 feet of a water source and avoid camping there because protecting riparian areas is crucial for wildlife and water quality.
• If the road to your planned campsite looks rough and you have a 2WD vehicle, then turn back and find an alternative because getting stuck can be a major problem.
• If you plan to camp in a popular National Park or Forest during peak season, then make reservations well in advance because first-come, first-served sites often fill up by Thursday.
• If you are unsure about the legality of dispersed camping in an area, then look for signage or contact the local land management agency because rules can vary greatly.
• If you see signs of recent animal activity (tracks, scat) near your intended campsite, then consider moving to a different spot because you don’t want to camp right on an animal’s regular path.
• If you are planning a multi-day trip with no cell service, then bring a satellite communication device because it’s your lifeline for emergencies.
• If you are unsure about the water source’s safety, then treat all water (filter, boil, or use purification tablets) because giardia and other pathogens are no joke.
• If you are leaving your campsite for an extended period (like a day hike), then secure your food and valuables because animals can be opportunistic.
• If you are unsure about the local wildlife’s behavior (e.g., mountain lions, rattlesnakes), then research it before you go and practice caution because knowing is half the battle.

FAQ

• What’s the best time of year for camping in Wyoming?

Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and most accessible trails, but it’s also the busiest. Shoulder seasons (May, September, early October) can be fantastic with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow at higher elevations.

• Can I camp anywhere in Wyoming?

No, you can’t just camp anywhere. Most camping is managed by agencies like the US Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service (NPS), or state parks. Dispersed camping is allowed in many USFS and BLM areas, but always check local regulations.

• Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in Wyoming?

Often, no permit is required for dispersed camping on USFS or BLM land, but always verify with the specific ranger district. Some areas may have quotas, fire permit requirements, or require a camping fee even for dispersed sites.

• What are the biggest wildlife concerns for campers in Wyoming?

Bears (black and grizzly), mountain lions, moose, and rattlesnakes are the primary concerns. Proper food storage, making noise while hiking, and maintaining a safe distance are key.

• Is cell service reliable in Wyoming campgrounds?

Generally, no. Cell service is spotty to non-existent in most of Wyoming’s backcountry and even in many established campgrounds. Always have a backup communication plan.

• What’s the difference between a National Park and National Forest campsite?

National Park campgrounds are typically more developed with amenities and often require reservations. National Forests offer a mix of developed campgrounds and more primitive dispersed camping opportunities.

• How do I know if a road is passable for my vehicle?

Check recent trip reports online, call the local ranger station, or look at detailed maps that indicate road surface and maintenance. If you have a standard sedan, stick to paved or well-maintained gravel roads.

• What are “widowmakers”?

These are dead trees or large dead branches that are still attached to a living tree but are unstable and could fall without warning. Always check the trees above your campsite.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific campsite reservations or availability for any particular location. Check the official land manager’s website.
• Detailed trail descriptions or backcountry route planning. Look for guidebooks or regional hiking resources.
• Advanced wilderness survival techniques. Consider taking a dedicated course.
• The best fishing or hunting spots. Consult local wildlife agencies and regulations.
• Detailed geological or historical information about specific areas. Visit local visitor centers or museums.