The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management, an agency of the US Department of the Interior that’s responsible for managing and sustaining “the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of future generations.” In most cases, camping on BLM land is free, as is the case for Lake Mountain, Wyoming.
Lake Mountain is an extremely isolated location known for its incredible views and vibrant wildflowers that carpet the area in spring and summer. For crowd-shy people in search of an alternative to Grand Teton National Park, Lake Mountain is an excellent option. Fishing, biking, and hiking are all on tap in the region. This wilderness study area covers about 13,865 acres, including a 40-acre inholding. Wintertime temperatures regularly fall below 50 degrees, while the summertime daytime mercury typically hovers between 70 and 79 degrees. No matter the time of year, nighttime temperatures can drop below zero.
Lake Mountain is part of Bridger-Teton National Forest in western Wyoming, and it's a nature lover's dream. The mountains are majestic, the skies are vast, and the area lakes comprise a vibrant palette of blues. There's plenty of open space to horseback ride, hunt, hike, bike, and pursue outdoor recreational vehicles. Plus, Lake Mountain is a BLM free camping area.
Lake Mountain features one out-and-back trail. It’s steep and rocky but rewarding. The views of Lake Alice — the largest natural lake on the western part of the Bridger-Teton National Forest — are incredible, and the region’s natural flora and fauna frequently conspire to create picturesque photographic opportunities.
Length: 6.3 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Fishing is a popular activity in the Lake Mountain region. Visitors regularly dip their rods into Lake Alice and two surrounding creeks. Notably, Alice is the only known lake with a population of naturally reproducing Bonneville cutthroat trout. In the middle of the grounds, Rock Creek has Colorado cutthroat trout, a current candidate for endangered protection status. The fishing season starts June 1st and lasts through the fall. If you’re interested in fishing the region, plan your sessions in the mornings or evenings as the wind frequently picks up in the afternoon, making for an unpleasant experience.
Visitors are free to climb on Lake Mountain BLM grounds, but it’s not for beginners. The ridges are steep and jagged, and elevations range between 7,400 and 9,600 feet.
If you’re performing a search for “BLM camping near me” while hoping for a stay near amazing wildlife, Lake Mountain is the answer. Several endangered species call the region home, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, black-footed ferrets, and peregrine falcons. You also may catch elks, moose, deer, bison, sheep, coyotes, and cougars loafing around. A birding paradise, about 355 avian species have been spotted around Lake Mountain.
Picnicking is allowed on Lake Mountain BLM grounds. Conveniently, rangers maintain a smattering of wood tables around Lake Alice. A few fire rings with grills are also available. Due to the presence of grizzly bears, it’s essential to clean up after finishing your meal.
In the winter, Lake Mountain is a popular spot for snowmobiling. When the weather gets warmer, ORV enthusiasts trek to the location. However, since Lake Mountain is such an isolated location, beginners may want to sharpen their chops at a more accommodating spot that’s closer to civilization in case of an accident.
Hunting and horseback riding are very popular activities in the Lake Mountain region. Some hunters stalk on horseback.
Since it’s a small, isolated, steep mountainside hike without road access, Lake Mountain itself doesn’t have any spots for BLM RV camping. However, there are several RV camping options in nearby LaBarge, Kemmerer, and Cokesville, including Mountain Bluebird RV Park, Lake Viva Naughton Marina, and Hideout Motel & RV.
Primitive tent camping is available on Lake Mountain's BLM grounds. Guests must heed posted signs and cannot stay more than 14 days per 28-day period. Alternatively, nine BLM campgrounds surround nearby Lake Alice, and there's one in Hobble Creek about 1.5 miles away. There is no road access in the region, and you must hike to reach everything. Be aware that the Wyoming Range, of which Lake Mountain is a part, is incredibly isolated and doesn't have many amenities. A few picnic tables, fire rings, and an outhouse are all you get.
As mentioned, Lake Mountain BLM grounds are naturally stunning, and its extreme isolation affords a unique opportunity to go off-grid. If you're looking for silence punctuated by nature's soundtrack, it's a great option. Visitors are advised to wear shoes with good grips because the terrain is rocky. Bears are plentiful in the Lake Mountain region, so cleaning up after yourself and keeping food and hygiene products locked away is imperative. Furthermore, since the weather can change in a snap, bring some layers just in case.
If you enjoy American history, about 50 miles from Lake Mountain sits the unmarked grave of the Oregon Trail. To learn more about the region before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The Bureau of Land Management requires Lake Mountain visitors to clean up after themselves. Doing so preserves the area’s natural beauty and keeps bears away from the trail and picnic areas. Follow best practices by leaving no trace of yourself behind and burying human waste at least 200 feet from bodies of water.
The closest town to Lake Mountain is La Barge, Wyoming. From there, hop on County Road 315 West. The southern boundary of the Lake Mountain territory is about 14 miles from there. Cokeville is about 36 miles away. If you’re traveling from there, take WY-232 going east, stay on that for about 16 miles, and then turn onto Forest Road. The area is about an hour from that point.
Ready to visit Lake Mountain? 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.
