North Platte River

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Wyoming Bureau of Land Management maintains over 18 million acres of public land for recreational and educational use. The spectacular Wyoming wilderness and cultural sites are preserved for our enjoyment and the benefit of future visitors. As you travel the area, do an Internet search for "BLM camping near me" for specific information about camping availability, reservations, and fees.

The North Platte River is a waterway renowned for fishing. Rated a Class 1 Fishery, the river supports three species of trout. If you are not an angler, duck hunting, hiking, biking, river floating, and wildlife viewing are popular attractions in the region. There are several lakes, trails, and campgrounds in the surrounding area.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Muddy Mountain Interpretive Nature Trail

This is a network of loop trails that link the Lodgepole and Rim campgrounds. There are 28 interpretive signs providing information about the wildlife and topography. The trail is handicap accessible and for hiking only.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Muddy Mountain Loop Trail

Also located in the Muddy Mountain Environmental Area, this network of hiking and biking trails leads you on an excursion through dense forest and grassy plains. The course provides beginning riders and moderately fit hikers with spectacular views and an opportunity to see wildlife.

Length: 5 miles

Intensity: Easy to Moderate

Trevet Trail

The out and back trail leads hikers along the bluffs overlooking the Platte River. The trail is set on a grassy plain. Views of the river and Casper Mountain are the main viewing attractions.

Length: 1.2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Fishing is the main attraction of the North Platte River. The best way to access the river is by floating. There are many river access points with put-in/take-out facilities within the BLM Recreation area. Of course, you don't have to fish. You can just float and enjoy the river if you prefer.

Wildlife Viewing

The stretch of river from the Alcove Reservoir to the town of Casper is a prime wildlife viewing landscape. Mile's Landing, Bessemer Bend, and Rim Rock Day Use Area are a few BLM sites providing wildlife viewing access. Bald eagles and blue herons can be seen along the river. Deer, antelope, elk, and big horn sheep populate the shore and high country in the area.

Picnicking

Bessemer Bend

This multi-use site is a popular picnicking area. Situated on the shore of the Platte River, the site has river access. Picnic tables, fire rings, canopies, vault toilets, and trash facilities are available. The site also has hiking trails and an Oregon Trail interpretive site.

Miles Landing

This site is a popular local picnic area that provides tables, canopies, and a vault toilet. Bank fishing and a boat ramp are available for anglers. The beach is a good place to take a dip in the river on a hot day. The site is ADA accessible.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Pete’s Draw - The site include both day use and overnight facilities. There are tent campsites, an RV Camping area, picnic tables, canopies, fire rings, trash facilities, and a vault toilet. There is not water or electricity at the site. The day use area is free, but there is a $10 overnight fee.

Free Camping

Golden Currant Campground - Bureau of Land Management free camping can be found at Golden Currant Campground. The site includes a parking area, tent camp pads, fire rings, a vault toilet, and picnic tables. There is access to the river for swimming and fishing. It is also a good spot for wildlife viewing.

Ayers Natural Bridge Park - This county park is 10 miles west of Douglas, WY. There are ten sites for RV rigs under 30 feet in length, along with tables, fire rings, trash bins, vault toilets, and water. Donations are accepted.

RV Rentals Near North Platte River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your North Platte River BLM trip

Due to the popularity of camping, hiking, and fishing in the North Platte River region, sites are often full. Most camping facilities in the area take reservations. Have an alternative plan in case your first choice does not work out. There are many Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the region. If you are having trouble finding a campsite, search "BLM camping near me" to find other sites in the area.

Most BLM facilities do not have water available. Keep a good supply of potable water at all times. Always keep food and trash in animal-proof containers. Wildlife is always looking for an easy meal. The landscape in Southern Wyoming is susceptible to wildfires. Be cautious and adhere to all fire restrictions. Thoroughly douse fires, even in rings and pits. Before heading out on your RV adventure, check our BLM camping blog for all you need to know about wilderness camping.

Leave No Trace

Those who love nature and spend time in it must make an effort to minimize our impact on it. The Platte River, like all waterways, is sensitive to man's impact. Every loose water bottle or food wrapper that gets away from us adds to the pollution problem. An unattended campfire is a potential wildfire waiting to happen. Help protect the wilderness we all value. Follow the BLM’s Outdoor Ethics guidelines when in nature. This ethics program works in conjunction with leavenotrace.Org and treadlightly.org to educate us on how to protect nature. Help preserve the wilderness for our enjoyment and for future generations.

North Platte River Location

BLM Recreation Areas along the North Platte River begin near the town of Alcova, WY and continue up beyond Casper. From Alcove, follow State Hwy 220 north. Watch for signs indicating river access points, campgrounds, etc. As you approach Casper, Hwy 257 forks off to the left. Hwy 220 continues east. Both roads have recreation access points. In the town of Casper, both roads merge into I-25. US-87 continues to follow the river east. Then, County Rd 27 (Tank Farm Rd) continues to follow the river. County Rd 29 and 93 will lead you to the town of Douglas and back to the highway system.

Casper BLM Field Office, Casper, WY. 83604

Ready to visit North Platte River? 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 of 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.