The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bennett Mountains is a fee-based recreation area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This is a federal agency tasked with the responsibility of managing public lands throughout the United States. At Bennett Mountains, you'll find Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, a boat ramp, fishing access for the disabled, a vault toilet, and day-use parking. This site located along the North Platte River is considered a riparian area with cottonwood, willow, juniper, wild roses, ponderosa, Douglas fir, and mountain mahogany dominating the landscape. RVers most commonly visit between June 1 and Nov. 15, depending on winter conditions.
The Encampment River Trail is a point-to-point trail near Encampment, Wyoming, with an elevation gain of 2,139 feet. The trail starts at the Odd Fellows Campground and goes south to the Commissary Park Trailhead. Encampment River runs through this trail, and leashed dogs are allowed.
Length: 16 miles
Intensity: Difficult
French Creek Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail located near Centennial, Wyoming. The trail is lightly trafficked with an elevation gain of 1,840 feet. South French Creek runs through this trail that's mostly used for hiking, fishing, running, and mountain biking. Visit in the spring or early summer to see the wide variety of wildflowers.
Length: 12.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This area is located along the North Platte River and provides access for boats, shore fishing, and handicapped anglers. Rainbow and brown trout are the most sought-after fish species here, but you'll also find white suckers and channel catfish.
While there are no designated climbing areas around this area, Bennet Peak is a popular place for bouldering. It's the highest point in Rio County and features a gentle summit that makes for a relatively easy ascent.
Wildlife is abundant in this area and includes mountain lions, grouse, bald eagles, wild turkeys, rattlesnakes, antelope, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. There are also many avian species to interest avid bird-watchers.
This area is a great place to enjoy a relaxing and tranquil float down the river on a tube. You can also take the two-day trip along Six Mile Gap to Bennett Peak by arranging a rafting expedition.
The Bennett Peak Campground is a popular place for hunters to stay. Whether you're hunting elk in the nearby Snowy Range or other large game such as mountain lions or antelopes, this campground makes for a great home base. Just make sure you have met all of the proper licensing requirements.
Bennett Peak Campground has fire rings and picnic tables. However, if you bring a blanket and pack a lunch, you can set up a picnic along the river. You can also find picnic tables and fire rings at the nearby Corral Creek Campground that borders a riparian area.
RV camping is permitted at Bennett Peak Campground. There is a $10-per-night use fee. Keep in mind that there are no hookups and no pull-through sites, and horses are not allowed here. The closest RV campground with amenities is Lazy Acres Campground and RV Park, located 22 miles west in Riverside, Wyoming. This campground has full hookups that include water, sewer, electric, and wireless internet.
If you go 11 miles to the southeast of Bennett Peak, you'll find French Creek Campground along the edge of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. This campground has 11 campsites that can accommodate trailers up to 32 feet long. Picnic tables, fire grates, and trash service are available. You'll also find potable water and toilets. This site offers fishing access to both North French Creek and South French Creek.
Coral Creek Campground is near Bennett Peak and offers Bureau of Land Management free camping. There are six campsites here plus a vault toilet. There is no fresh water, though, so make sure you bring your own.
Plan your trip to the Bennett Mountains by searching for "BLM camping near me." This will help you find options for where to stay along your way. This area is known for having rattlesnakes, so it's important to be alert when hiking around. Always make sure someone knows where you're going and when you plan to be back. Taking along paper maps is a good idea in case cell service is minimal. If you plan on fishing, make sure to get a license and bring your gear. Many of the campgrounds in this area do not have potable water, so make sure you're prepared with enough water for everyone in your group to drink. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When visiting any BLM land, it's important to do your part in maintaining it by following Leave No Trace principles. This means planning for your visit according, respecting wildlife, packing out what you pack in, picking up trash when you see it, limiting fires to designated areas, and being courteous to others visiting the area. By doing your part, you can help ensure these lands are preserved for generations to come.
Bennett Mountains are located near Riverside, Wyoming. From Riverside, drive 4 miles east on Wyoming 230. You'll see County Road 660 on the left. Turn on County Road 660 and drive for about 12 miles, where you'll turn on Bennett Peak Road, also known as BLM Road 3404. Bennett Peak Campground is 7 miles down the road.
Ready to visit Bennett Mountains? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
