Camping

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20 Best Camping Spots In Wyoming (Near Water & Mountains)

Find the top 20 camping spots in Wyoming for incredible experiences near water and mountains. Perfect for travelers seeking nature and adventure.

Tobi Miles
July 13, 2022

Wyoming is located in the Mountain West Subregion of the United States. It is best known for its majestic mountains and diverse wildlife. It is one of the largest yet least populated areas in the country, making it perfect for a private camping getaway with nature.

With millions of acres of preserved forests and mountains, Wyoming has no shortage of campsites available for adventurers to explore. Some of the best spots to go camping are encompassed within the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, including the Norris and Firehole Canyon Campgrounds. Wyoming’s clear blue waters, rugged cliffs, and dense forests offer an unparalleled camping experience.

Keep reading to uncover the best camping locations for those seeking to take advantage of the vast outdoor adventures Wyoming has to offer.

1. Norris Campground

The Norris Campground is nestled inside the world-famous Yellowstone National Park. It is easily one of the top choices for Wyoming visitors.

Located in the center of the park, it offers convenient access to sights and attractions. Many of these are within walking distance. This campsite features the Norris Geyser Basin just a mile away.

There are also tons of nearby hiking trails that lead through the park. Things to do in Yellowstone include fishing, biking, and horseback riding. Picnics are ideal during the warmer months, while skiing and snowmobiles are available in the winter.

Photography enthusiasts are encouraged to bring a camera along for exclusive wildlife shots among the beautiful mountain scenery.

In addition to exploring nature, guests can enjoy guided tours and programs offered by park staff. The nearby Museum of the National Park Ranger is recommended for those seeking an educational experience during their visit.

2. North Fork Campground

Located inside the Buffalo Bill State Park, the North Fork Campground is the largest campsite in the area. It is situated on the shoreline of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. This campsite has no shortage of breathtaking views and thrilling activities.

Visitors of North Fork have access to fishing, windsurfing, and swimming opportunities. There is also a visitors center in the park, featuring historical photos, stories, and artifacts.

Those planning a visit to the North Fork Campground should keep in mind that all spaces are by reservation only during peak season. It is recommended to book before travel from May to September.

Related Read: Best Time To Visit Wyoming

3. Pronghorn Campground

The Pronghorn Campground is located within the Keyhole State Park, a gorgeous reservoir-filled landscape. Home to the Keyhole Reservoir, the park has an abundance of outdoor activities to offer.

Those who are into watersports can enjoy swimming, water skiing, and boating. The bright blue water on the reservoir is perfect for kayaking or canoeing under the sun. It is also just as friendly for wading, splashing, and floating near the shore.

If you prefer to stay on land, Pronghorn has plenty of activities available. Geocaching is a popular choice, along with hiking the expansive trails from the reservoir. The campground and park both have ample picnic areas to share a meal and soak up the sun.

The park and campsite are both located near the Thunder Basin National Grassland, where adjacent to South Dakota’s Black Hills can be viewed.

Out of 10 large campground areas at Pronghorn, there are hundreds of individual sites to park an RV or pitch a tent. The spaces on the eastern side of Keyhole’s Pronghorn Campground feature stunning views of the reservoir.

Despite its other amenities and accommodations, visitors should keep in mind that there are no electrical hookups or water available at Pronghorn. Those seeking these features might be interested in the nearby Tatanka Campground instead.

4. Big Sandy Campground

Inside the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Big Sandy is a campground with an abundance of outdoor excursions to offer. It is considered one of the top camping destinations in the entire state of Wyoming.

This campground offers everything from hiking to horseback riding. The national forest is composed of miles of wilderness areas, rivers, and scenic byways.

The western Wyoming forest houses a whopping 3 million acres of land. This is one of the largest in the entire country. Its boundaries extend to Idaho’s border, touching the Salt River and Wyoming Range mountains in between.

With only 5 total campsites in Big Sandy, visitors are offered tons of privacy. Crowds are minimal even during peak season, so guests can enjoy a peaceful quiet stay year-round.

Related Read: 15 Best Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park

5. Curt Gowdy State Park

Curt Gowdy is one of Wyoming’s best state parks. Located in the city of Cheyenne, it is one of the most popular destinations for tourism and camping in the region.

The park is most appreciated for its varying landscapes and diverse terrain. There are seven individual sections for visitors to enjoy, from rocky mountains to rolling green hills.

With close to 200 individual campsites on the property, there is no shortage of space or activities to participate in during your stay.

The Granite Springs Reservoir is among the most popular attractions in the park. Visitors can take advantage of opportunities to go kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding in the water. Equipment rentals are also readily available.

The water bodies around the park are plentiful, with two more well-known reservoirs nearby: North Crow and Crystal.

There is unfortunately no swimming allowed in any of the reservoirs throughout the park. However, Curt Gowdy is an optimal location for fishing from a boat or the shore. Rainbow trout and salmon are most plentiful in this region.

Hiking and rock climbing in the nearby wilderness is also a suitable option for campers. With tons of trails along with guided tours and experiences available, there is no shortage of things to do during a stay at Curt Gowdy.

6. Two Moon Campground

Credit: WY0WDR / Flickr

The Two Moon Campground is one of the best camping destinations Platte County Wyoming has to offer. Nestled inside the massive 22,000-acre Glendo State Park, there are tons of diverse areas to explore on a camping trip.

The public recreation area is located about 20 miles away from Douglas, Wyoming, in the city of Glendo. It is situated on the North Platte River, creating the property’s gorgeous Glendo Reservoir.

Some of the wildlife species you may encounter while visiting include antelope, coyotes, turkeys, and various species of deer. With plenty of diverse birds from orioles to kingbirds, there are ample opportunities for birdwatching.

The surrounding state park offers hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, swimming, and archery, to name a few available activities. Another interesting experience to have at Glendo State Park is camping in a yurt instead of a tent.

For fishing enthusiasts, the reservoir is full of colorful species of fish. On a typical day, you may encounter anything from a walleye to a channel catfish.

This is one of the more developed campgrounds available. There are shared flushing toilets and potable water at the campsite.

The trees in this area provide lots of shade for daytime outdoor activities. There are also stunning water and sunset views in the evenings.

7. Mammoth Hot Springs Campground

Mammoth Hot Springs is another one of the best campsites available in Yellowstone. It is certainly a top choice when passing through the park. It is located on the north side near Wyoming’s border with Montana.

Mammoth Hot Springs is truly a must-see when visiting. Those looking for an interactive experience with nature can check out the nearby Boiling River.

Just a few minutes away in the car, the river is a popular tourist attraction that occasionally allows soaking. Contrary to most of the hot springs and rivers throughout the park, this one mixes with cold water from a nearby river. This makes it safe to soak in from time to time.

The campsites at Mammoth Springs are more than equipped for a long stay. They accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers. Each comes standard with a campfire ring and picnic table area.

Access to restroom facilities is available for all guests, inclusive of a flushing toilet. The only campground in Yellowstone that stays open all year, Mammoth Springs does not disappoint even in the wintertime.

Campers can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowmobile tours, and wolf watching during the cold months. Summer activities are inclusive of hiking, rafting, kayaking, and guided wildlife tours.

8. Circle Park Campground

Found within the Bighorn National Forest, the Circle Park Campground is a suitable choice for nature enthusiasts. There are only 10 individual spaces for tents at this campsite.

This makes it an exclusive destination for Northern Wyoming campers. The nearby Cloud Peak Wilderness boasts nearly 190,000 acres of preserved forest land. Its summits and mountains offer optimal hiking opportunities.

Another sight worth seeing is the adjacent Cloud Peak Scenic Byway. It offers unparalleled views for nearly 50 miles.

9. Grant Village Campground

Credit: Yellowstone National Park Lodge

Grant Village is an expansive campground located near Yellowstone National Park. It is a perfect getaway for those seeking a more low-key stay while visiting Wyoming’s most popular destination.

The Grant Village campground offers over 400 individual spaces. Tents, RVs, and trailers are accommodated at this site. Guests can enjoy several campsite amenities, from restrooms to potable water.

The town of Grant Village, which is just a short trip down the road, offers showers and laundry. There is also a general store in Grant Village for necessities. There are also a few restaurant selections available while passing through.

One of the most notable attractions to visit near Grant Village is the West Thumb Geyser Basin in Yellowstone Park. Another sight worth seeing while inside the park is the famous Old Faithful Geyser.

Some other popular activities to participate in during a stay at Grant Village near Yellowstone include guided wildlife tours, scenic drives, and fishing.

In addition to sight-seeking around the hydrothermal environment, campers staying at Grant Village can enjoy immediate access to some of the best trailheads in the park for hiking.

10. Firehole Canyon Campground

Credit: Aaron Hobbs / Flickr

The Firehole Canyon Campground is located within the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area of the larger Ashley National Forest. The forest bridges the gap between the two states.

Situated on Wyoming's side of its border with Utah, the Firehole Canyon campground offers an abundance of outdoor activities. The recreation area features an expansive reservoir and tons of forest space.

This makes it ideal for fishing, swimming, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The beautiful views of nature from this campsite are a must-see when visiting Wyoming.

11. Tough Creek Campground

The Tough Creek Campground can be found in

Boysen State Park

, one of Wyoming’s best scenic outdoor destinations. The park hosts a reservoir, canyon, and Indian reservation for ample open space.

While there are many campgrounds scattered throughout Boysen State Park, Tough Creek is unique in its location. This campsite sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Boysen Reservoir.

In addition to gorgeous views of the water all around, this campground offers opportunities to participate in water sports, hiking, or just lounging by the reservoir.

12. Gros Ventre Campground

Grand Teton National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jackson, Wyoming. Best known for its breathtaking mountains, Teton is home to tons of campsites.

Among the best choices is the Gros Ventre Campground. This site offers tent camping overlooking the entire Grand Teton Mountain Range. Some popular things to do include building a campfire and taking a nature walk.

Along with the many activities Gros Ventre has to offer visitors on its grounds, the site is in very close proximity to Jackson. Those looking to make a day trip to the city during their stay can enjoy the convenient access.

This campsite is reservation only, so guests are encouraged to book early. Although there are hundreds of spots available, they fill up very quickly during the peak summer season.

Related Read: Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park

13. Belle Fourche River Campground

The Belle Fourche River Campground is located within the Devils Tower National Monument, an 867-foot butte made of igneous rock. This popular tourist attraction has an interesting story behind it.

It holds lots of spiritual meanings, especially in Indigenous cultures. The Arapaho legend has it that a girl once turned into a bear and accidentally hurt her sister.

In an effort to keep herself away from the rest of her family for their protection, she climbed to the top of the butte. The same butte is now called Devils Tower. The story goes that the sister did not survive, and the “Bear Girl” lived there on her own indefinitely.

Now a national monument and protected natural structure, Devils Tower hosts tons of yearly visitors. The cracks going down the exterior of the monument vertically make it a perfect place to climb.

There is also a hiking trail that loops the tower with amazing views of nature all around. In addition to experiencing everything the majestic national monument has to offer, campers have several excursions to enjoy within the Belle Fourche Campground.

Visitors can take advantage of archaeological tours of ancient fossils, woodworking classes, and a history museum. The Center of the National Monument is also a point of interest, with a gift shop for unique souvenirs to bring home.

There are 46 campsites in total at Belle Fourche River, with drinking water available. This campground accommodates both tent and RV camping.

14. Jenny Lake Campground

Another popular campsite in Grand Teton National Park is the Jenny Lake Campground. Situated on the lake it is named after, this site is centrally located in the park for easy access to trails and landmarks.

Those who decide to pitch a tent on Jenny Lake can follow hiking trails through Grand Teton. Many of these start at the campsite with no further walking required.

Other popular activities include wildlife watching and scenic drives through the park. This campground has limited spots in comparison to other choices on the property.

With only 30 spaces available, the entire campground gets booked up almost instantly during the warmer months. Those looking to experience Grand Teton from the lake should act quickly to secure a reservation.

15. Horseshoe Bend Campground

The Horseshoe Bend Campground is a gem that can be found inside the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. One of the best places to visit in Wyoming, Bighorn Canyon shares some of its beautiful rocky landscape with neighboring Montana.

The canyon is renowned for its bright greenery, mountains, and prairies. If features gorgeous views of nature in every direction. Horseshoe Bend is the perfect place to pitch a tent for a few nights to take it all in.

Activities available at Horseshoe Bend and Bighorn Canyon include fishing and boating in the water and hiking through the lush green forests.

16. Sinks Canyon State Park

Sinks Canyon State Park is a nature preservation area located a few miles southwest of Lander, Wyoming. It is part of the Wind River Mountains, boasting a beautiful, rugged canyon throughout.

Sinks Canyon is named after the section of the Popo Agie River that dips underground and returns on the other side, resembling a sink in the ground.

There are two campgrounds on the property where camping is permitted: the Popo Agie Campground and Sawmill Campground. Another campsite in the nearby Shoshone Forest to consider is the Sinks Canyon Campground.

All three are optimal choices, with tons of opportunities for scenic hikes, birdwatching, fishing, and the like. The canyon also hosts a visitors center, where campers can view photos and artifacts from historic sites around the property.

Related Read: Best Time to Visit Jackson Hole, WY

17. Beartooth Lake Campground

Credit: Frank Kovalchek / Flickr

The Beartooth Lake Campground is one of the best locations to camp inside the Shoshone National Forest. The nationally protected area is the first of its kind in the country.

It is composed of over 2 million acres of naturally preserved land. With so much open space, the forest has ample hiking and biking trails for visitors.

The Beartooth Lake Campground is centrally located among plenty of lakes for fishing and swimming. There are also tons of mountains for wildlife viewing and nature walks.

While the space is limited at this campsite to only 21 individual spots, it offers a private, serene experience with the surrounding nature of the forest.

Campers looking for beautiful views and tons of activities within walking distance should check out Beartooth Lake.

18. Vedauwoo Campground

Home to the Vedauwoo Campground, the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is a gigantic 2 million-acre stretch of preserved forest land in Wyoming.

It was once three separate areas: the Thunder Basin National Grassland, Medicine Bow National Forest, and Routt National Forest.

They were all combined in the mid-1990s and renamed the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest after nearby Native American tribes.

The Vedauwoo Campground boasts gigantic boulders and cliffs made of granite rock. It gives visitors plenty of opportunities to go hiking, rock climbing, and exploring through this geologically diverse area.

19. Fishing Bridge RV Park

The Fishing Bridge RV Park is a premier campsite located in the world-renowned Yellowstone National Park. This spot is unique, as it is the only space in the park dedicated to RV camping alone.

Best known for being the first of its kind in the country and the world, Yellowstone National Park features hot springs, geyers, mountains, and diverse wildlife. Its famous Old Faithful geyser is among the most popular sites to see while visiting.

Those traveling through Wyoming in an RV will be delighted to find hookups for water, electric, and sewer upon arrival to this campsite.

The RV site itself is located in very close proximity to the beautiful Yellowstone Lake. This is one of the most popular places to visit and a must-see before leaving the park.

20. Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site

Credit: Jeff Hartman / Flickr

Medicine Lodge is a remote campground situated on a lake in Northern Wyoming. There are a total of 28 individual spots available at this campsite, which are best utilized for tent camping.

There are rich historical experiences at every turn, inclusive of ancient pictographs carved into rock formations. One of the best things to do is visit the Medicine Lodge Creek Site.

This is a landmark attraction that features the remains of a Native American village. There are all sorts of historical treasures to find when exploring at Medicine Lodge.

Tobi Miles
Article updated:
March 28, 2024
A nomadic wordsmith savoring the world's flavors and penning stories that turn every journey into an epic.
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