8 Places To Camp In Wyoming When The National Parks Are All Sold Out
By Kim Magaraci|Updated on April 10, 2023(Originally published April 05, 2023)
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Are you looking to go camping in Wyoming, but are feeling discouraged because the National Parks are all sold out, and the dispersed camping in western Wyoming is getting more and more crowded? Here are a few campgrounds that are still under the radar. Be sure to check each campsite’s BLM page, linked in each image caption, for specific information about usage, restrictions, and seasonality.
1. Hogan and Luce Campground
Hogan and Luce Campground, 1002 Blackburn Street Cody, WY 82414
This waterfront campground sits on the Hogan Reservoir 18 miles north of Cody, off of Highway 120. There are picnic tables and bear boxes, plus facilities for horse trailer parking and post corrals. It's a great spot for primitive camping in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, close to the Beartooth Highway and Absaroka Range. Visit the Hogan and Luce Campground BLM page here.
Let's check out the remote Hogan and Luce Campground in Cody, WY in this video. It may be remote but that just means you'll be able to enjoy a peaceful camping trip:
2. Golden Currant
Golden Current Campground, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, Trapper Rd, Casper, WY 82604, USA
If you're looking for a place to lay out under the stars or cast a reel, there's no better spot than Golden Currant. This primitive campground is ideal for tent camping - though you'll find no water at the site and you'll have to bring your own. You could relax on the banks of the North Platte River. Though you won't be far from Casper, you'll feel like you're on a different planet.
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3. Buffalo Creek Campground
Buffalo Creek Campground Road, Buffalo Creek Campground Rd, Wyoming 82648, USA
Buffalo Creek is one of our favorite campgrounds. It sits on the Middle Fork of the Buffalo River, and the drive is one of the most scenic byways in the state, the South Bighorn/Red Wall Back Country Byway. There are only four sites here, but each one has a fire ring. You'll find a vault toilet, which is great to have in such a primitive campground, but you will have to bring your own water.
Cottonwood Campground is fairly developed, as far as this list goes. You'll find it in Jeffrey City, in the Green Mountain area. It's a great place to stay if you want to make a vacation out of exploring Wyoming's mining ghost towns, as it's close to South Pass and Atlantic City. There are 18 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, water, vault toilets, and there's even space for your RV to park.
Check out Cottonwood Campground in Wyoming in this video from Travels with Trigger to see the Hobo Hot Springs and Vedauwoo Rocks:
There are five campgrounds at Teton Reservoir, a beautiful campground in the Great Divide Basin. It's a popular spot for fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching. There's a boat ramp here, so you can enjoy the reservoir during your stay.
6. Buffaloberry Campground
Buffaloberry Campground, Buffaloberry Campground Rd, Casper, WY 82604, USA
Buffaloberry is a charming, tiny campground near Alcova. There are only four sites here, but they each have tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. There's a vault toilet, too! People come here for fishing, picnicking, and to relax in nature.
The Rim Campground is in the Muddy Mountain area and provides a great way to enjoy a peaceful getaway near Casper. This is an ADA-accessible campground with access to ADA trails with overlooks of the Muddy Mountain area.
8. Five Springs Falls Campground
Five Springs Falls Campground, Lovell, WY 82431, USA
Five Springs Falls is a closely guarded secret for many Wyomingites. This primitive campground has 19 sites across two separate areas, and it's an ideal spot for hikers and backpackers. If you choose to stick around the campground, you'll have plenty of recreation options too, because the beautiful Five Springs Falls is just a short walk from any of the sites.
Head to the Five Springs Falls Campground to enjoy the wild outdoors. This video from Wyoming Out of Doors will take you to the falls to show you the scenic hike you can expect to take when you visit:
The next time the national park’s campgrounds are full, check out any of these places to slip in some camping in Wyoming. They’re fantastic! What are the best campgrounds in Wyoming that you’ve found?
For even more lovely Wyoming campgrounds check out this epic list of 15 places to enjoy a little camping in Wyoming.
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More to Explore
More Wyoming campgrounds
Chris Muras|April 10, 2023
What are some of the best campgrounds in Wyoming?
Wyoming has a beautiful blend of desert and forest land with stunning waterfalls and canyons to explore. Here are a few of the best Wyoming campgrounds to explore on your next vacation:
Canyon Village Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY: This beautiful area has one of the most popular campgrounds in the state. With access to the Grand Canyon from several access points in the campground, you have lots of options to enjoy the most stunning views. A couple of areas of note are Artist's Point Overlook and Uncle Tom's Trail which give you scenic views of the canyon and majestic waterfalls.
Horse Creek Campground, Dubois, WY: The Shoshone National Forest is another wonderful region of Wyoming with incredible views, scenic hiking trails, and waterfalls galore. There are only nine sites in this campground so make sure you get in early to grab a spot since reservations are not accepted. Expect to be treated to some excellent fishing on Horse Creek and other streams nearby.
Rex Hale Campground, Cody, WY: Another smaller campground with about 30 sites, you can expect peace and quiet while enjoying epic views of the Shoshone River. Take the beautiful Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway west of Cody, WY to get here. You'll be close to Yellowstone National Park's east entrance for all of the outdoor adventures you can handle.
Firehole Canyon Campground, McKinnon, WY: This is a fascinating area with interesting rock formations around the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The Ashley National Forest is a unique area of high desert with Russian olive trees and sagebrush. There are several family camping spots available in this fairly primitive campground.