The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management is the federal agency that oversees all federal lands, and their most pleasant task is in building campsites, trails, overlooks, natural preserves, and other places for people to enjoy the country's wild resources. The bureau carries out the services that make recreation on the land possible, and they find amazing places in the US to build into parks and preserved spaces for generations to come.
The Boulder Lake Recreation Area is a great example of a BLM site. Boulder Lake is an artificial lake created by a dam. While it functions as a reservoir, it also makes for a terrific campsite and beautiful place to enjoy if you love hiking, lakes, mountains, and activities on the water. If you/re in this part of Wyoming on an RV trip, then Boulder Lake should be one of your destinations. It offers a huge variety of things to see and do, and it's the ideal place to reconnect with the natural environment.
The Boulder Lake Recreation Area has a boat launch located on the south end of the lake. You can do just about anything you want on the water, including exploring the lake, fishing for trout, and getting in the water for some swimming and diving. It's a very large lake with a lot of places to explore, but you can also take advantage of this spot when looking for some peace and quiet. Try bringing some paddleboards or kayaks for a fun way to poke around the shoreline and find hidden places.
Aside from the trout in the lake, there are birds like eagles, geese, and other waterfowl to see, and land mammals may also be in the area depending on the season. These might include deer and other herbivores, but generally not large predators like bears.
Hunting on the Boulder Lake Recreation Area is permitted on the grounds as long as you have the appropriate hunting license, as well as permits for the weapons that you own and carry. Fall is the best time for hunting due to the prevalence of local wildlife, so be sure to factor that into your plans.
The Boulder Lake Recreation Area is a fantastic place to take a horse. There are multiple stables located less than an hour's drive from the north campground, and the area itself is perfect for horses, lacking steep slopes or broken ground. You can ride around the rim of the lake or out into the surrounding preserve.
The Boulder Lake Recreation Area has tables set up for picnics at the two main campsites, which are on the northwest and southeast sides of the lake. The wind coming off the water and the beautiful views make this a great place to stop for lunch, and you can also use these facilities for breakfast after camping if you don't want to cook anything.
There are two main campgrounds at Boulder Lake, and both of them have support for RV camping. The northwest location is called the North Boulder Lake Campground, and it is one of the official Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. The other location is run by the Forest Service. It's a bit larger, but they both have the infrastructure for an RV camping trip.
The same camping sites also have options for camping out in a tent. Boulder Lake is a great place for free camping, but keep in mind that this location tends to be popular, and spots are available only on a first-come, first-served basis. When the weather is nice, there will be a lot of competition for spots, so plan ahead if you're looking to pursue Bureau of Land Management free camping in the area.
Boulder Lake does experience typical Wyoming weather, so make sure to dress for wet and possibly snowy conditions. Bring plenty of water and snacks and a change of clothes if you plan to go into the water. Bringing a high-end camera is also a good idea because some of the views down the length of the lake can be quite memorable. Make sure to bring enough trash bags to manage your trash. Be sure to look up "BLM camping near me" at Boulder Lake, and check the road conditions if you're visiting in winter. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Like all BLM sites, leave no trace is the law of the land. It's unlawful to leave behind anything that could affect the environment, including all trash and waste. Do not take any plants or cause any damage to the ecology when you're in the Boulder Lake Recreation Area. The plants and animals all rely on each other and on the local water and weather to maintain their place in the food chain.
The nearest town is Pinedale Wyoming. Head south out of town on US Route 191. About 10 minutes down the road, right after the airport, take the left onto Meadow Lark Lane. This turns into Iroquois Trail and then Burnt Lake Road as it winds its way to the north campsite.
Ready to visit Boulder Lake Recreation Area? 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.
