The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located near Lander, Wyoming, Sweetwater Canyon resides in a high-plains desert between the Bridger-Teton and Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. The area is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal government agency responsible for administering and maintaining federal lands. If you're wondering, "Is there BLM camping near me?" the answer is most likely "yes." The BLM manages over one-tenth of America's land.
Camping is free and permitted throughout the 9,056-acre site, although most camping and recreational activities take place in the 5,538 acres around the river canyon. Historical societies cherish Sweetwater River and the canyons that overlook it for the well-documented challenges that they presented to travelers on the Oregon Trail. While you're unlikely to encounter other humans at the site, trout fishing, stargazing, and camping are the most popular activities for those who venture into the majesty of Sweetwater Canyon.
The Rocky Ridge Trail marks one of the most well-documented and harrowing feats for the emigrants of the Oregon Trail. The trail begins in the low-lying lands of the Sweetwater River and then abruptly turns to scale the steep canyon walls. History lovers and historic societies make the trek in remembrance of the hardships faced by the early settlers. The trail is accessible from Hudson-Atlantic City Road, which turns off US-287/WY-789 about two miles west of Sweetwater Station.
Length: 12 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Johnny Behind the Rocks Trail System is a network of high desert mountain biking trails just north of the Sweetwater Canyon BLM site. The scenic paths climb and move along ridgelines that provide beautiful views of Wind Mountain. The trails are open year-round; however, severe weather, such as heavy snow, occurs between November and March. This site is located near where WY-287 crosses Twin Creek.
Length: 12 miles
Intensity: Trails range from easy to moderate
The main river canyon area at Sweetwater Canyon is about seven miles long and home to quality brown, rainbow, and brook trout. Anglers enjoy the solitude and scenery of the river canyon, as well as the ease of setting up camp near good catches.
Although the river canyon provides some opportunities for bouldering and small climbs, the area is not ideal for recreational rock climbing. However, the Wild Iris Climbing Area at Limestone Mountain offers beautiful steppe scenery and plenty of climbing routes. Wild Iris is just under 50 miles northwest of Sweetwater Canyon.
Regional wildlife can be found along Sweetwater River. While wildlife can be encountered along the river banks, visitors who perch atop one of the many canyon peaks with binoculars in hand will have the best views of the river and its fauna. The Sweetwater Canyon site is a general habitat for mule deer and pronghorn antelope, and the river canyon is a crucial winter range for moose and elk.
Sweetwater Canyon does not contain any designated picnic sites or related amenities. However, the area along Sweetwater River is populated with lovely riverside spots suitable for picnicking or camping, and the surrounding area has plenty of wide-open ground for primitive scenic dining.
The mule deer that roam within the canyon create good opportunities for deer hunting, and the height of the canyon walls offer good vantage points for spotting game.
Wyoming has some of the least light-polluted skies in the nation. The darkness, combined with the high elevation of Sweetwater Canyon, makes for incredible stargazing conditions. The area is especially good for viewing during the summer months.
There are plenty of comfortable sites for RV camping within 50 miles of Sweetwater Canyon for those who don't wish to camp primitively. There are over 10 RV parks in the Atlantic City and Lander areas, such as Twin Pines, Sleeping Bear, and Mountain Range. These RV parks and others nearby have a range of amenities, including dump stations, full hook-ups, bathrooms, recreational areas, and more. Twin Pines offers 20 large pull-through sites and laundry amenities, and Sleeping Bear has private bathrooms and showers as well as a convenience store on site.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is one of the main attractions at Sweetwater Canyon. There are no developed campgrounds at Sweetwater Canyon, but RV dispersed camping is allowed throughout the site as long as campers do not cause any damage to the natural habitat. There are no Bureau of Land Management campgrounds designated, but ample room is available throughout the canyon area for pullouts and primitive camping. Campers can access the area through Hudson-Atlantic City Road.
BLM camping offers exceptional solitude and unparalleled opportunities to commune with nature. With that said, it's important to remember that Sweetwater Canyon is a wilderness, and campers should come prepared for anything. Make sure to bring plenty of food, water, and supplies. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions, which can be extreme in the winter months.
Additionally, traversing the Sweetwater Canyon BLM site will prove difficult for inexperienced navigators as the area contains many unsigned dirt roads. Bring navigational equipment and a map of the area. BLM's 100K-scale Lander and South Pass maps are popular with RVers. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
You're required to clean up after yourself and avoid adversely affecting the wildlife at Sweetwater Canyon. Camp and travel on durable surfaces, respect the space of other campers and leave areas as you found them. Remember that by taking care of this wilderness, you help others experience the majestic beauty of Sweetwater Canyon for years to come.
To reach Sweetwater Canyon from Lander, drive south on US 287 for nine miles. Turn south on WY-28 and drive for 17 miles until you reach Atlantic City Road. Turn south onto Atlantic City Road and then east on Hudson-Atlantic City Road. After 14 miles, you'll see the Sweetwater Canyon BLM sign. Turn south at the sign and continue for four miles until you reach the canyon.
Ready to visit Sweetwater Canyon? 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.
