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BLM Camping

Dubois Badlands


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 (BLM) is responsible for managing and preserving public lands throughout the United States. One of the areas managed by the BLM is the Dubois Badlands in Wyoming. This 4,520-acre area features eroded flat-topped benches and deeply carved drainages. Color dots the landscape with red bands of sedimentary rocks. This recreational area offers ample opportunities for day hiking and solitude. The area's main draws include its geological features and beautiful scenery. There are no Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at this site, but you can primitive camp anywhere.

Several national forests are near the Dubois Badlands, including Shoshone National Forest and Bridger-Teton National Forest. Grand Teton National Park is also nearby, located about 60 miles to the west.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Glacier Trail

This is an out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 8,330 feet. It is heavily trafficked and is not recommended for beginners. There is a river, and dogs are allowed.

Length: 43.6 Miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

While there are no fishing or boating activities in the Dubois Badlands area, there are plenty of opportunities for these activities at the nearby Wind River. There are ample opportunities for catching several species of trout, including cutthroat, brook, rainbow, and brown. Grayling are also common.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

The nearby Whiskey Basin Wildlife Viewing Area offers ample opportunities for those looking to spot some wildlife. This area is home to the largest population of bighorn sheep in the world. The area is also home to songbirds, moose, elk, deer, coyotes, and rabbits.

Picnicking

There are no designated picnicking sites at the Dubois Badlands. However, you can set up your own picnic near the Wind River before heading into the Dubois Badlands. Just make sure to properly dispose of all your trash.

StargazingStargazing

The remote and wide-open spaces of the Dubois Badlands and distance from city lights make the area great for stargazing. Just note that it can get quite chilly at night, even in the summer, so plan and dress accordingly.

HuntingHunting

BLM lands offer ample opportunities for hunting. The more than 4,500 acres of the Dubois Badlands offer excellent opportunities for hunting coyotes, antelope, rabbits, and deer. You may also see an occasional elk in this area. Make sure that you have the proper permits for hunting as licenses are required.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

There are no BLM RV camping sites in the Dubois Badlands area. However, you can find several camping options near Dubois, Wyoming. Solitude RV Park has 19 sites. It is surrounded by BLM lands and offers access to the Wind River Mountain Range and Wiggins Fork Wilderness Area. This RV campground offers water, electrical hookups, and Wi-Fi. Windhaven RV Resort is conveniently located right off Highway 26. All sites at this RV resort include water, sewer, and electric hookups. Picnic tables, fire pits, and Wi-Fi also come with each site. There is an on-site laundry facility, dog park, and propane available for purchase.

Free Camping Campground Icon

For Bureau of Land Management free camping sites, you will not find any designated areas at the Dubois Badlands. However, free camping is allowed anywhere within BLM lands. Vehicles must stay close to the roadways. Any flat area that you can pull off on is suitable for camping. You can find several free semi-developed BLM camping near me options in the Whiskey Mountain area located about 150 miles to the south of the Dubois Badlands. Several other BLM areas are near the Dubois Badlands, and you can set up a primitive camp at any of them. 

RV Rentals Near Dubois Badlands Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Dubois Badlands BLM trip

The Dubois Badlands are very remote, and there is very little water. When planning a trip to this area, you need to bring enough water and food for everyone. Sunscreen is a must in this dry area as there is little to no shade. Make sure that someone knows where you are going as some areas do not have cell service. If you plan on backpacking in the area, make sure that you bring a comfortable pair of hiking shoes. The land is rugged and can be difficult to traverse. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

When visiting wildlands anywhere, whether they are managed by the BLM or not, you should respect the land, wildlife, and other visitors. Do not leave trash and pick up any you find, even if it isn't yours. Give the wildlife space. Do not approach them or bother them in any way. When camping, choose sites that have been used before and keep the disturbance to the land to a minimum. Follow all fire laws in the area. Do not cut trees or other plants. Leave them as you find them.

Leave No Trace
Location

Dubois Badlands Location

This area requires good navigational skills to access. Many of the roads leading to the area are two-track roads that are not signed or marked in any way. You will also need four-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles to traverse these two-track roads. From Dubois, head southeast on US Highway 26 for just over four miles. Turn right onto Sylvan Way Road. Drive until the road ends. From here, you will need to use a map and your navigation skills to access the Dubois Badlands.

Ready to visit Dubois Badlands? 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.