The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Weston Hills is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-owned recreational area in Wyoming, about 25 miles north of Gillette. Here, visitors can see the famous Devil's Tower in the distance on clear days. The Bighorn Mountains are also in the distance, and the land of the recreational area itself is full of rolling hills. The area can be accessed by most vehicles, including RVs, via certain dirt and paved roads. However, there are some parts of the area that can only be reached via ATV, bike, or on foot since RVs cannot pass through the thinner trails.
The closest National Park to Weston Hills is Badlands National Park in South Dakota, about 200 miles away. Nearby are also Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, both in Wyoming and both about 400 miles from Weston Hills. The closest city to Weston Hills is Gillette, a town home to a couple of popular museums like the Frontier Relics & Auto Museum and the Campbell County Rockpile Museum.
Part of the Red Rock Trails in Gillette, the Antelope Loop is a trail that loops from the trailhead around a short stretch of rocky terrain. You can choose to hike the trail or take your bike, and pets are allowed.
Length: 2.0 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Near the Antelope Loop in Gillette is the more difficult Jackalope Loop, another looping trail that follows a rocky terrain. This trail is lengthy and includes lots of climbing areas.
Length: 12.3 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Anyone who wants to see the nearby Devil's Tower up close should check out the Tower Trail, which loops around the base of the mountain. This trail is generally easy to walk and is ideal for hikers of all levels. You may even be able to ride the trail via motorcycle if you pay a small fee.
Length: 1.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
Within Weston Hills is a small reservoir that is kept stocked with local Wyoming fish. The species available may include cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, and bigmouth shiners. Boating is not typically recommended for this area because the reservoir is quite small.
A popular activity in the Weston Hills area is ATV riding and exploring because this land area is full of drivable hills. ATVs and dirt bikes of all kinds will do well driving on the dry prairie ground.
Weston Hills is home to lots of native Wyoming animal species, including deer, moose, and even grizzly bears. Of course, visitors should avoid approaching these larger and potentially aggressive animals, but smaller animals may be seen much closer. These include desert cottontails, black-tailed prairie dogs, bald eagles, and more.
There are no designated picnic areas in Weston Hills, but there is plenty of open lands for you to use if you'd like to enjoy a meal here. Consider bringing blankets, towels, and folding chairs with you when you visit Weston Hills in order to make yourself comfortable while picnicking.
Another popular activity at Weston Hills is hunting, which is permitted in-season for those who hold a valid Wyoming hunting license. Deer and elk are the most commonly hunted species in this area.
When you're searching for "BLM camping near me" but looking to avoid the primitive experience, you can choose to stay at a campground outside of Weston Hills. One option for RV camping is available nearby at High Plains Campground, a place that offers full 30- and 50-amp hookups and inexpensive rates. You can also check out All Seasons RV Park, which has hookups for electricity, water, and sewage, as well as clean restroom and shower facilities.
You can find options for dispersed Bureau of Land Management free camping at Weston Hills. Here, you can camp with either an RV or a tent in any open space you choose on the land so long as it does not block any roads or trails. Keep in mind, though, that these Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are primitive, meaning no electricity or water will be offered on the grounds.
When planning to take your RV to Weston Hills, keep in mind that your RV's size will affect where it can go on the grounds. Smaller RVs may be able to drive on some of the thinner roads and trails while larger ones may be confined to the front end of Weston Hills. You should also keep in mind that the Weston Hills campgrounds are primitive and do not have electricity or water options, so you'll need to pack your own water and non-electric cooking equipment. The nights at Weston Hills can be quite chilly and windy, even on the warmest summer days, so be sure to bring your own gas- or battery-operated heaters, fire starters, and plenty of blankets.
By camping on BLM-owned land, you're choosing a campground that is not only free but also extremely close to nature. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
There are no waste disposal bins or facilities at Weston Hills, so you'll have to collect your trash and dispose of it properly after leaving the grounds. The best way to do this is by bringing your own trash bags into Weston Hills and making sure they are clean and unlikely to rip. Do not disturb the wildlife at Weston Hills, either by confronting or feeding the animals, in order to keep them comfortable in their natural habitats.
To reach Weston Hills, use I-90 and take Exit 194 to WY 50. From there, take Highway 14/16/59 for 6.7 miles until the road divides into two. Then continue onto Highway 59 for 24 miles. The entrance to Weston Hills will be on the left.
Address: 1425 Fort Street Buffalo, WY 82834
Ready to visit Weston Hills? 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.
