The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Wyoming

By Laura Falin

July 15th, 2023

State Travel Guides

Old Faithful Geyser Eruption in Yellowstone National Park at Sunset

Wonderful Wyoming is a great spot for an RV camping trip! Of course, the most famous draw to Wyoming is probably Yellowstone National Park. But there are many other options for places to go and things to do in the state. Wyoming is also the least-populated state in the country, so you’ll be treated to vast country and wide vistas without the crowds of more populated areas.

If you’re headed to Wyoming and the Wild West, this article will help you out! From where to camp to outdoor activities to famous attractions in the state, we’ve got you covered.

Preparing for RV Camping

Of course, before you embark on your Wyoming vacation, you’ll want to make sure you’re well-prepared. Part of the beauty of Wyoming is its unending stretches of country…but this also means you’ll need to do some planning! Near popular spots like Yellowstone and Jackson Hole, you’ll find grocery stores and places to get whatever you need. But if you’d like to get out into the wilds of Wyoming, you’re going to want to carefully prepare.

You’ll also want to make sure your RV is in top shape! If you don’t have your own RV, you can rent one from RVshare for your trip. Once you have your RV lined up, make sure you have a packing list that covers all of your needs.

Choosing the right RV for your needs

Before you rent an RV, you’ll want to spend a little time thinking about choosing the perfect RV for your trip! Consider the size of your group and your comfort level. Do you want to camp off the grid in a campervan? Or do you want a luxury Class A motorhome with lots of space? Will you be towing a vehicle, or driving a vehicle and towing a trailer?

Once you know what type of RV you want, you can narrow your search on RVshare by budget, by available dates, and by location. You can choose pet-friendly RVs, and set a variety of parameters for your search.

Person lounges outside of her RV on a sunny day

Packing essentials for a successful trip

It can be daunting to figure out what to pack for an RV camping trip. There’s a lot to remember! You may want to have separate packing lists for your personal items and the items you need on board your rig.

Personal Packing List:

Clothing – be sure to pack enough for your trip, or enough for between laundry days
Toiletries
Medications
Bug spray or citronella candles
Sunscreen
First Aid kit
Outdoor recreation clothing (hiking boots, bathing suit, or other specialized clothing)
Winter or summer accessories (winter hats, gloves, sun hat, etc)
Flashlight
Entertainment (books, games, movies)
Extra batteries
Groceries
Electronics & chargers
Pet supplies
Quarters for showers or laundry

You’ll also want a packing list that covers what you need to bring for your RV. If you’re renting an RV, be sure to check on what is included in the rental. Linens, dishes, and other items may not be included. On the other hand, your rental may include convenient perks like camp chairs or outdoor equipment.

Pots & pans
Dishes
Utensils – don’t forget a can opener, bottle opener, spatula, set of knives, etc.
Dish towels & sponges
Sheets & pillows
Bath Towels
Tool kit
Folding camp chairs
Blankets
RV leveling blocks
Sewer hose and adapter
Freshwater hose
Surge protector

Make sure to pack clothing appropriate to the weather in Wyoming! If you’ll be visiting in winter, you’ll definitely want plenty of warm layers. Check our ultimate RV Checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything!

Considerations for Camping in Wyoming

Wyoming is beautiful country, full of opportunities for camping and exploring. However, camping is going to be different, depending on where you’re headed. A popular campground at Yellowstone or Jackson Hole is going to have lots of amenities you won’t find if you’re boondocking in a more desolate area. You’ll want to consider the terrain and population of the area where you plan to camp before you go!

Wyoming has fewer laws regarding motorhome and trailer length than many other states. Your total length can’t exceed 85 feet, and your trailer length can be up to 45 feet.

Researching campground options and making reservations

You’ll want to begin your research by determining where you want to visit in Wyoming. Yellowstone and Grand Teton are the state’s two national parks, and they do fill up quickly. You’ll want to make reservations well in advance for those places. Wyoming also has a popular rodeo every July – Cheyenne Frontier Days. You may find Cheyenne-area campgrounds filling up quickly then. Also, scenic areas like Jackson Hole are popular summer destinations as well. If you’re headed for national forests or Bureau of Land Management Land where you can spread out and boondock, you won’t need to make reservations ahead of time as those areas are first-come, first-served.

After you’ve decided where to camp, you can begin to look for specific campgrounds in the area. There are several websites that can provide you information on campgrounds and can reserve spots for you. Hipcamp and The Dyrt have databases of campgrounds so you can find one you like and make your reservation all in one place. Roverpass is another great option for finding campgrounds, and Harvest Hosts offers RV camping at thousands of farms, wineries, and other scenic venues.

Finding Campgrounds

As you look for campgrounds in Wyoming, keep in mind the things that will suit your group best. Are you traveling light and wanting an adventure in the backcountry? Do you want a family-friendly campground resort, like a KOA, with activities and evening programs? You can find everything from ritzy RV resorts to backcountry spots with no amenities!

Exploring public campgrounds in the state

Public campgrounds in Wyoming are a wonderful option for people camping on a budget. You can find some with amenities like bathrooms or pay showers. Public campgrounds are usually not as nice as private campgrounds, although sometimes you can find some that come close! Fortunately, public campgrounds also tend to be cheaper than private resorts. You’ll find public campgrounds at national parks, national forests, state parks, and Bureau of Land Management areas.

National Park Camping

Wyoming has two national parks, plus eight other national sites. They are:

You can camp at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and at the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. There is also BLM camping along many of the historic trails and near many sites.

National Forest Camping

There are many national forests in Wyoming, and national forest campgrounds can be a good alternative to more popular national parks! The Bridger-Teton National Forest is near Grand Teton National Park, while the

Coconino National Forest has red rock formations, wild canyons, and beautiful mountain vistas.

State Park Camping

Wyoming also has many state parks where you can camp as well! Curt Gowdy State Park in southeast Wyoming has beautiful scenery and three reservoirs for fishing, boating, and water sports. Buffalo Bill State Park is near Yellowstone and is a great place to learn about the history and land of Wyoming. Seminoe State Park near Casper is also near the Seminoe Reservoir and has swimming, fishing, and other water activities.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Camping

Wyoming has a lot of BLM land where you can camp across the state as well. BLM land is owned and managed by the government and often has a lot fewer amenities than public campgrounds. You may not even have a bathroom or an established campsite, but can make your own. On the plus side, these regions are much less popular and are therefore less crowded. They’re also much less expensive – in fact, they’re often free. The Twin Creek Trail area near Cody, Wyoming has lots of fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The Castle Gardens Scenic Area got its name from the rock formations that resemble castle walls. The White Mountain Petroglyphs are a fascinating area with historic petroglyphs drawn on the sandstone mountain walls.

Exploring private campgrounds and RV parks

Although Wyoming has lots of inexpensive, public campgrounds, there are also plenty of options for private campgrounds in Wyoming as well. In fact, if you want extra-special amenities, Wyoming has glamping options across the state. At private campgrounds, you’re likely to find lots of perks you may not have at public campgrounds including electric and water hookups, showers, and dump stations for your RV. The Little America RV Park is right off I-80 (you can’t miss it – there are more than 10 signs pointing the way for you!) It has on-site dining, marble showers, a pool, and a coin-operated laundry facility.

Boondocking in Wyoming

If you want to go in the complete opposite direction from private campgrounds or glamping, you can try boondocking! Boondocking in Wyoming is a great way to see the less-populated and less-traveled areas of the state. Places like the Lily Lake Camping Area, the Spread Creek/Toppings Dispersed Camping Area, or the Shell Reservoir Camping Area are all beautiful spots to camp!

Planning your itinerary

You probably have an idea of where you want to visit in Wyoming after researching packing lists and campgrounds. Now it’s time to really hone in on those plans! Whether you want to explore one of Wyoming’s cities, or want to head for the wilderness, you’ll find somewhere to suit your fancy.

Features and attractions in Wyoming

Wyoming has lots of attractions to visit! You can travel on one of the scenic byways in the state for amazing views. You can also visit one of the many landmarks in Wyoming. Independence Rock State Historic Site features the names of more than 5,000 pioneers who came through the area on their ventures west. Hot Springs State Park has a bathhouse where you can soak in mineral hot springs…plus hiking trails, fishing, and boating. The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark in the Bighorn National Forest is a sacred space used by many Native American tribes for centuries.

Festivals, fairs, and events in Wyoming

From the state fair to Cheyenne Frontier Days, some great events happen in Wyoming each year! You can camp right on-site at the Wyoming State Fair, and there are several Cheyenne campgrounds where you can stay during Frontier Days.

Exploring Outdoor Activities in Wyoming

Wyoming is known for its untouched wilderness and famous national parks, so it won’t come as a surprise that there are plenty of ways to get outside on a trip! You can hike, fish, and boat in summer and ski, snowshoe, snowmobile and much more!

Hiking, biking, and nature trails

There are plenty of hiking trails throughout Wyoming! Whether you’re looking for a trail to see geothermal activity in Yellowstone or want a quiet stroll through the mountains, there’s something for you in Wyoming. Hiking is a wonderful way to experience Wyoming’s natural beauty.

Some of the best hikes in Wyoming include:

If you want to mountain bike instead of hike, try one of these great trails:

Fishing, boating, and water activities

Several lakes, reservoirs, and rivers in Wyoming are great for water activities! Jenny Lake is the beautiful centerpiece of Grand Teton National Park. Curt Gowdy State Park has three reservoirs and is a great spot for fishing and boating.

Wildlife viewing and photography

There is lots of wildlife thriving in Wyoming! Yellowstone is famously home to a bison herd, but the park also has moose, bears, bighorn sheep, wolves, and elk along with lots of smaller animals. The Bighorn National Forest is another great place to spot those same animals, or perhaps mountain lions, beavers, or snowshoe hares. Medicine Bow National Forest is also home to lots of Wyoming wildlife.

If you want to view wildlife on your Wyoming camping trip, you’ll want to bring along some good binoculars. You may also want a camera with a good zoom lens – you don’t want to get too close to many of these wild animals!

Family-friendly activities and attractions

There are lots of activities for families to do in Wyoming! Yellowstone is the big draw for many families headed to the state. However, there are many places to explore besides that park as well. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is an interesting place for kids to check out. The National Museum of Wildlife Art is a unique twist on an art museum. The Jackson Hole Aerial Tram and the town square are two interesting spots to see in Jackson Hole. You can also explore the capital city of Cheyenne.

Historical sites and museums

Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne is a great starting point for learning more about The Cowboy State. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is actually home to five museums and a research library that share art, artifacts, and the history of the American West. The Museum of the Mountain Man is a Pinedale, Wyoming treat that has historic pieces concerning the mountain men who explored the area.

Amusement parks, zoos, and wildlife refuges

Although Wyoming is known for its rugged wilderness, there are some amusement parks and other attractions to entertain visitors as well! Star Plunge in Hot Springs State Park has waterslides that toss you into warm mineral pools at the bottom. The Mike Sedar Aqua Park in Casper is a great option if you want to cool down on a hot day. Old Town Family Fun & Amusements is also in Casper and includes mini-golf, a climbing wall, and laser tag.

The Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Platte County is a home for research and lab animals. Families can visit the ranch if they call ahead of time. The National Elk Refuge near Jackson Hole has one of the largest herds of elk, along with bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and other animals. The Werner Wildlife Museum is at Casper College and features animals, fish, and birds. Kids can visit the children’s center and feed the animals on a trip to the wildlife museum.

Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Wyoming

Wyoming doesn’t rank highly on a list of states suffering natural disasters. However, it’s good to be aware of a few dangers in the state and to know what to do in case of emergency.

Weather conditions and natural disaster preparedness

Wildfires are a concern when you’re camping in Wyoming. The state has had several wildfires, and it’s a good idea to take some precautions before heading on a trip to Wyoming’s parks or wilderness. Check local fire restrictions before starting a campfire to make sure there aren’t any fire bans in your area. Make sure you know how to safely start and extinguish a campfire before building one. You may also want to check the area you plan to camp before you go to make sure there are no fires and that you can camp safely there.

Winter weather is another concern in Wyoming, and high winds combined with winter weather can result in hazardous driving conditions. If you plan to drive your RV during winter, check weather reports before leaving and take things nice and slow.

Wyoming also has earthquakes. Most of these quakes occur near the Yellowstone area of the state. Most are also very light, and may not be felt at all. However, if you do experience an earthquake, get under a table and away from any heavy items that could fall or windows that could break in your RV. If your RV is parked under a tree or near a light pole that could fall on it, you may be safer running outside during a quake. After the earthquake, don’t light matches or candles in case you have a propane leak. Use a flashlight or cell phone light and use that until you are certain there are no leaks.

Wildlife encounters and precautions

Wyoming does have lots of wildlife, and it’s important to know what to do if you encounter an animal. At Yellowstone National Park, bison have injured more people than any other animal. In spite of their size, they can run three times as fast as humans. Give bison plenty of space – at least 25 yards – if you see one. Bears also live at Yellowstone and in other areas of Wyoming. When you’re hiking, make noise and hike in groups. Don’t let small children or pets run ahead on the trail. Be sure to store any food, garbage, and scented items in bear-proof containers when camping.

Never feed wildlife if you see it. Not only could you get hurt in the process, but animals who rely on humans for food can become aggressive and may need to be killed.

Finally, be prepared for your conditions while you’re out hiking, boating, and enjoying Wyoming! Wear sunscreen and a sun hat in summer. In winter, pack plenty of layers and be ready for cold weather (and still wear sunscreen!). Bring plenty of water for any outdoor activities.

Hopefully this article has helped you to determine what to do and where to stay when you head on a Wyoming RV trip! You’re sure to have a memorable experience, and to be left with wonderful memories of your time.

More Inspiration for Your Wyoming Travels:

If you’re looking for even more advice on where to go and what to do, check out some of our other articles!

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The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Wyoming