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 oversees 18.4 million acres of public lands in Wyoming. You are welcome to enjoy these areas for outdoor recreation activities like hiking, watersports, and camping. Developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the state offer amenities like running water and charge a small fee. Free camping is available in primitive camping areas that often have level spots to set up camp. You can stay in most BLM campgrounds for up to 14 days in a given month. Campfires are allowed at these sites, but the BLM asks that you use existing fire rings if available and obey local fire bans when they are in effect. Dugway Campground offers five campsites suitable for RVs near the town of Rawlins and is a short distance from Interstate 80. One site is pull-through for those with larger motorhomes and travel trailers. The North Platte River borders this camping spot and is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is about an hour's drive southeast, and Seminoe State Park, a favored place for boating and fishing, is 25 miles to the north. Dugway Campground may be a good place for a stopover if you are headed to Yellowstone National Park which is about 280 miles to the northwest.
This trail starts behind the Brush Creek Visitor Center in Saratoga, Wyoming. It runs through aspen, lodgepole pine stands, and reclaimed clear-cut areas in a series of looped trails. The route is an especially popular place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter because they groom the trail. Length: 8 miles Intensity: Moderate
This trail in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, near Elk Mountain, Wyoming is a beautiful option in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming. It runs along a creek, and there are several spots to stop and fish. Hikers will also see a small waterfall on this out-and-back trek. Length: 15.8 miles Intensity: Moderate
This trail is also in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and starts out flat before entering a hilly section at about the halfway point. Hikers often see golden eagles and elk while traveling this route. There is also a historic church and other historical artifacts along this route. Length: 10.7 miles Intensity: Moderate
State officials estimate there are about 4,000 wild trout per mile on the Upper North Platte River. Fly and float fishing are popular, especially in the part of the waterway close to Saratoga, Wyoming. In addition, you can enjoy the water by floating down the river in a kayak, canoe, or tube.
The Snowy Range Scenic Byway is a terrific place to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Start your drive in Centennial, Wyoming. Then, stop at the Snowy Ridge Observation Point, Silver Lake Overlook, and Ralph Heston Viewing Platform before reaching the end of this drive in Encampment, Wyoming. Along the way, you may see moose, elk, bears, bald eagles, and wild turkeys.
Greenrock Picnic Area in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is a beautiful place for a picnic. You may see a yellow-bellied marmot playing on the giant rocks while dining at the picnic tables. There are also several parks in the nearby town of Rowlins with shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms.
BLM RV camping is available at Dugway Campground, but there is no potable water or other amenities at this location. Rawlins KOA Journey is only 15 miles away if you are looking for more services. It has full hookup sites with gravel pads, picnic tables, and fire pits. You also have access to laundry facilities, showers, a playground, and a dog park when staying here.
There is no fee to stay at Dugway Campground. Other nearby options for free camping include Corral Creek Campground, which is also on the North Platte River's shores. Teton Reservoir Recreation Site is a great place to camp while going on a paddling adventure on the reservoir. Near Encampment, Wyoming, the Encampment River Campground offers eight sites and is a popular stop for trout fishing enthusiasts. For more free options, you can search "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone or tablet once you are in the area.
The Upper North Platte River runs for 124 miles and is floatable for its entire length, so you may want to plan your trip to this area for the warmer summer months if you are a boating enthusiast. RVers more interested in catching trout and other fish may want to plan their trip for early spring during the height of the fishing season. When you visit, remember that many BLM camping destinations in this area of Wyoming do not have potable water, so you will have to bring it with you. It is advisable to have one gallon of water available for each group member per day to ensure everyone stays well hydrated. Having waterproof sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin when enjoying watersports is also a good idea. Bureau of Land Management free camping options along the river are terrific places to camp during your fishing or floating adventure. They are also a budget-friendly way to enjoy your vacation and are away from the hustle and bustle of developed campgrounds. However, staying comfortable when camping at a location with few amenities can take careful planning. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When choosing a campsite, select one on a durable surface to limit your impact on the local environment. When leaving, make sure you clean up your site and dispose of all trash properly. In addition, while exploring, stay on designated trails and respect wildlife. By practicing "Leave No Trace" principles, you do your part to preserve public lands for future generations.
Take Interstate 80 East from Rawlins for five miles and get off at the Sinclair exit. Go north on County Road 351 for about seven miles. Dugway Campground will be on your right. GPS Coordinates: 41.86053, -107.05435 Ready to visit Dugway Campground? 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.
