The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Oregon Buttes Wilderness Study Area in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, near Farson, offers a terrific chance to reconnect with nature, especially if you want to see raptors. This site covers more than 5,700 acres. You can also go rock climbing, hunting, rock collecting, and horseback riding. You will surely love the views of the Wind River Mountains and the Uintah Mountain Range.
This wilderness that about 300,000 emigrants following the Oregon Trail passed through is about 200 miles south of Yellowstone National Park and about 140 miles from Grand Tetons National Park. It is also close to Bridget-Teton National Forest.
This trail near Farson starts at the White Mountain parking area. You can see ancient petroglyphs, which were probably left by Navajo, including handprints that indicate where people were born. This area is considered sacred to the tribe. Interspersed with the older petroglyphs are more modern ones left by recent visitors.
Length: 0.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This out-and-back trail starts in Rock Springs, Wyoming. You will likely hear coyotes howling as you hike around this unique rock formation that looks like a tusk. This trail is flat and well-maintained, so it is an outstanding place for a family hike.
Length: 11.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
This Fossil Butte National Monument trail passes through parts of the Wasatch and Green River formations. There are wayside exhibits along this trail designed to explain its geology and fossils that have been found in the area. At the start of this trail, there are picnic tables, water, and restrooms. This trail is best completed in the spring or fall because there is no shade, and it is likely to be snow-covered in the winter.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a terrific place to go fishing for lake trout. Anglers have captured trout weighing up to 50 pounds in this lake. They also regularly catch brown trout, kokanee salmon, and catfish. This reservoir has three public boat ramps.
Sinks Canyon State Park is an outstanding place to go climbing because there are limestone, granite, and sandstone options available. Over 80% of the climbs are sports climbs on granite rock. The Main Wall at this location stays snow-free and is a terrific winter climbing location.
Spence and Moriarity Wildlife Management Area is a terrific place to see wildlife because every species of big game wildlife in Wyoming lives here, except for mountain goats. Note that part of the area is closed from mid-December through mid-May. You can go fishing, hunting, hiking, and trapping at this location, but keep in mind that some activities can only be done at certain times and with permits. Dispersed camping is allowed.
South Pass City State Historic Site is a fascinating place for a picnic. There are 24 historic buildings to explore, and you can go on a tour to explore a historic mine and try your luck at gold panning. Try to plan your visit so that you can attend Gold Rush Days in the summer to see reenactments of how early miners lived.
There is no RV camping in a campground at Oregon Buttes, but there are terrific choices nearby. Big Sandy Campground offers five camping spots in Bridger-Teton National Forest. This campground has four campsites in a loop and a fifth campsite near parking for horse and livestock trailers. Cottonwood Campground has 18 sites. This campground is open from June through October.
Boondocking allows you to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities near Oregon Buttes. You can also camp for free in the Killpecker Sand Dunes Open Play Area Campground near Rock Springs.
A little further away, anglers who love to fish from the bank will want to consider Weeping Willow Campground on the Green River's banks. Located between Fontenelle Reservoir and Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge Slate Creek Campground is a fantastic option, especially if you love exploring history as there are several nearby historical sites. It's easy to find campsites by searching "BLM camping near me" when you get to the area.
This area of the state is prone to rock slides, and you will want to take precautions when hiking to avoid getting caught in one. It is best to avoid rocky hiking trails when the ground is thawing in the spring because that is when they are most likely to occur. Additionally, if you are hiking down a steep hill with a group, walk in a parallel line, instead of one person in front of the other, so that a person behind you does not accidentally knock a rock loose, starting a rock slide. If the terrain is exceptionally steep, do not try to go straight down the hill, but walk down it at an angle. Wearing hiking boots with excellent traction can help you keep your balance on rocky terrain.
Enjoy your time at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds even more by taking the time to learn more about BLM camping before your trip.
The first principle of Leave No Trace is to plan how you will contain your trash. Since wild animals will be nearby and can be harmed by your waste, ensure you keep your trash inside a vehicle, especially at night. You do not want the smell of it attracting animals to your campsite.
It is easy to get to this area from Farson, Wyoming, but the last two miles can be challenging, especially after a rainstorm, so you may need a high-clearance vehicle. From Farson, go northeast on Wyoming Highway 28 for 33 miles. Turn right on Oregon Buttes Road, which is also Fremont County Road 445. You will see the area straight ahead of you.
Address: Oregon Buttes, County Road 445, Farson, Wyoming 82932
Ready to visit Oregon Buttes? 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.
