The North Platte River watershed drains approximately 22,000 square miles of Wyoming landscape surrounding Mills. Located at an elevation of about 5,150 feet, this region experiences substantial temperature fluctuations, with summer highs regularly reaching the 90s and winter lows often dropping below freezing. Camping conditions can be challenging due to persistent winds, with gusts sometimes exceeding 30 mph even during peak camping months.
What to do
Fishing access: Special spots at River's Edge RV and Cabin Resort offer direct river entry points where anglers can set up before sunrise. "Alongside a creek outside of Casper, sits this very quaint RV park. Open all year, a great rest stop to get out of windy conditions if I-25 is closed," notes Josh D.
Hiking trails: Multiple difficulty levels within 10-20 minutes of most Mills area campgrounds provide terrain variety. At Rim Campground, "The trails surrounding the campground are relatively level," according to Kathi V.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk opportunities abound, especially for antelope sightings. At KOA Kampground Casper, "We had antelope visiting every night. Really neat place to stay," shares Kimberly N.
What campers like
River proximity: Direct water access at multiple locations for cooling off during hot summer days. At Cloud Peak Llama and Alpaca Ranch, campers appreciate the unique setting. "For all nature and animal lovers! Perfect place! The hosts were so kind, friendly and personable. They had lovely hospitality, providing us with an adorable tray of morning coffee," reports Nicole O.
Mountain elevation: Temperature relief during summer months at higher elevation sites like Casper Mountain. "Nice and clean bathrooms, quiet, trails to walk that are easy for everyone, close to Casper but not crowded," notes Dale G. about Lodgepole Campground.
Local dining: Restaurant options within walking distance of some campgrounds. Near KOA Kampground Casper, "One of the best features is the Hangar Restaurant across the street. Great family place to eat, varied menu, full beverage service," according to David S.
What you should know
Road conditions: High clearance vehicles recommended for mountain access, particularly after rain. At Rim Campground, "if you are coming from Casper you will be on a pretty rough gravel road for like 8 miles. We made it in a Prius but had to go sub 20mph most of the time," advises Shiri.
Site variation: Consider specific needs when booking, as many campgrounds offer dramatically different site types. "We were originally in site 53 right across from the office but that would have been way too small so we were moved to site 43 which is a long FHUs pull-through," explains MickandKarla W. about their experience at River's Edge.
Wind protection: Plan for consistent wind by choosing sites with natural windbreaks where possible. "Not much shade AT ALL, and the wind whip's through a lot," is common feedback about camping sites near Mills, Wyoming.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities: Look for campgrounds with activities for children beyond standard outdoor exploration. At Casper KOA, "They have a mini-golf area that is due for renovation later this summer, so it is currently offered at no charge. It was fun enough for our 10- and 6-year-olds," shares Kari T.
Animal encounters: Unique experiences available at specialty campgrounds. At Cloud Peak Llama Alpaca Ranch, "The animals were so fun to get to know and we loved touring the farm with the hosts. The views are also spectacular of the Casper landscape," notes Nicholas H.
Safety considerations: Keep wildlife precautions in mind, especially with food storage at more primitive sites. "Each tent site was partitioned with a split rail fence. You can park your vehicle parallel to your site. All sites have a fire ring, a picnic table, a platform for striking your tent, and an elevated box to store things in to keep the local raccoon population at bay," explains Yvonne S. about Fort Caspar Campground.
Tips from RVers
Utility placements: Check hookup locations before committing to a site, as positioning can be challenging at some campgrounds. "The utilities were smartly placed in the middle of the site. WiFi was above average," notes MickandKarla W. about River's Edge.
Surface conditions: Prepare for predominantly gravel pads throughout the region. At DeerHaven Campground, "What makes Deer Haven stand out for me, personally, is its remarkable seclusion. They're sites that are nestled away from the main road, it's enveloped in a serene setting with ample tree coverage," according to a local reviewer.
Noise factors: Consider proximity to transportation corridors when selecting sites. "There is a fiber optic cable facility near the CG that runs 24/7 to include weekends, so there is some noise during the night i.e. backup beeping from forklifts. However, our air conditioner and/or sound machine easily drowned out the noise," shares MickandKarla W.
