Landlocked and sparsely populated, Wyoming is a camper’s dream. This state is rich in well-known wilderness areas. Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park see millions of visitors each year. Beyond the national parks, a wealth of lightly visited wilderness awaits.
Boondocking in Wyoming takes you to remote campsites on the wide-open grasslands, high into the mountains of the majestic Wind River Range, and deep into the Bighorn and Medicine Bow National Forests.
Ready to go camping in Wyoming? Here are our favorite spots for dry camping.
Boondocking Sites in Wyoming
Lily Lake Camping Area
Stay for free for up to 16 days at the Lily Lake Camping Area in Shoshone National Forest. The eight sites are located on the shore of Lily Lake, offering views of the forest and the snowy peaks in the distance. Bring your boat; there’s a ramp in the campground. There is also a vault toilet, but no other amenities are available.
Located in the mountains of northwestern Wyoming, about 65 miles from Cody and 17 miles from Cooke City, Montana, this is a lovely place to escape the crowds and enjoy some solitude.
Little Sunlight Camping Area
Try boondocking in Wyoming in the summer at the Little Sunlight Camping Area. This free campground in Shoshone National Forest offers five sites, each with access to the onsite toilets.
Stop in Cody to stock up; the drive into the mountains is long and slow. When you arrive, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountains and the forest as well as access to the beautiful Sunlight Creek.
Hugh Otte Camping Area
If you’re interested in checking out the world-class hiking around Lander and the Wind River Range, head to Hugh Otte Camping Area also in Shoshone National Forest. It’s located just 10 miles from Lander, making it one of the most popular spots for free camping in Wyoming. Since it is so popular, you’ll have the best luck snagging a spot on the weekdays.
Nearby, hike to Bruce’s Bridge, and explore the Popo Agie Falls Trail.
Spread Creek / Toppings Dispersed Camping Area
Explore Grand Teton National Park from your free campsite in the Spread Creek/Toppings Dispersed Camping Area. The Moran Entrance Station to the national park is less than 10 miles away, making this an ideal homebase.
Part of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, this spot offers 40 different sites, each with spectacular views. The Forest Service allows you to stay for up to five days. Drive 17 miles to reach the town of Moose and 29 miles to reach Jackson.
Deer Creek Campground
Hike into the Washakie Wilderness from your free site at the Deer Creek Campground in Shoshone National Forest. This lightly used Forest Service campground offers vault toilets and enables you to stay for up to 16 days.
The nearest town is Cody, which sits about 44 miles to the northeast. That said, there are tons of things to see and do nearby, including many fantastic hiking trails.
Shell Reservoir Camping Area
If you have an RV with high clearance and four-wheel drive, head to Shell Reservoir Camping Area in Bighorn National Forest to enjoy the Wyoming wilderness in solitude. Here, a few campsites sit close to Shell reservoir, which offers fantastic trout fishing year round. The campground offers vault toilets, and you can stay for up to 14 days.
The nearest town is Shell, which sits a slow, bumpy 28 miles away. For this reason, we recommend stocking up before you head out.
Where to Boondock in Wyoming
- When looking for Wyoming boondocking, start with the Wyoming national forests: Shoshone, Bridger Teton, Bighorn, and Medicine Bow-Routt.
- Parts of the Black Hills and Wasatch-Cache National Forests also extend into Wyoming.
- You could also choose to experience a change of scenery by dry camping in the Thunder Basin National Grassland.
- There are tons of BLM boondocking sites available in the state.
- You’ll also find some spots run by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Some city parks and county parks allow free camping in Wyoming.
Whether you’re interested in the wide-open plains or the rugged mountains, Wyoming offers a wealth of dispersed camping opportunities. If you don’t have a motorhome, renting an RV from RVshare is an easy way to experience the joy of boondocking in this wild and unpredictable landscape.
