Cheyenne sits at an elevation of 6,062 feet in the high plains of southeastern Wyoming, where the climate creates stark temperature variations between seasons. Summer daytime temperatures often reach the 80s while dropping into the 40s at night. Most campgrounds near Cheyenne operate in a high desert environment with limited natural shade, requiring campers to prepare for direct sun exposure during peak months.
What to do
Rock climbing adventures: At Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping, the unique rock formations provide excellent climbing opportunities. "The Rocks are awesome for scrambling and even the dog had a blast!" mentions one visitor. Many campsites are positioned near climbing areas, making morning access convenient.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings offer prime wildlife watching at several dog-friendly campgrounds near Cheyenne. "We enjoyed hiking, rock climbing and ATV'ing around. Very close to beautiful Laramie and the weather is great up here," reports a camper at the Vedauwoo dispersed area. Military bases in the region also support wildlife habitats. At FE Warren AFB Crow, "Pronghorn deer wander all over the base," according to one reviewer.
Train rides and animal encounters: Terry Bison Ranch offers a unique train experience for families. "Took the feed the bison train ride. Which was totally fun," writes one camper. The train tour allows visitors to get close to and feed the bison herd. Beyond the train ride, the ranch maintains other livestock viewing areas accessible to guests.
What campers like
Open space and separation: Many campers appreciate the space between sites at less developed campgrounds. At Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping, a reviewer notes, "every spot is far from others and the rocks def help with the wind and noise." This contrasts with some commercial campgrounds where sites are closer together.
Onsite dining options: Convenience of food service receives frequent positive mentions. "We had an A/C issue once we reached Wyoming... We found a cute little RV park in Cheyenne, WY called AB Camping... who could resist some cowboy BBQ from the Wild West?" shares one camper. Similarly, at Terry Bison Ranch, a visitor reports, "Ate at Senators Steakhouse and had buffet, including beef prime rib, bison ribs and bison burgers."
Recreation facilities: Campgrounds with additional recreation options earn praise from families. Cheyenne RV Resort by RJourney offers "Putt putt, croquet, birdwatching, rock painting, volleyball, basketball, large yard games, and more!" according to one enthusiastic reviewer. These amenities provide entertainment during downtime between area excursions.
What you should know
Extreme temperature fluctuations: The Cheyenne area experiences significant temperature drops at night, even in summer. A camper at Curt Gowdy State Park Campground reported, "Temperatures dipped down to around 50 degrees as we slept that night," despite daytime highs well above 80°F. Pack accordingly with warm sleeping gear even for summer trips.
Wind considerations: Strong winds affect many camping areas around Cheyenne. At Forest Service Road 700, a visitor notes, "The wind picked up at night and we sure were thankful to NOT be in tents." Wind-protected sites near rock formations or trees are typically claimed first at dispersed areas.
Noise factors: Highway proximity impacts several pet-friendly campsites. "Road noise was quite noticeable," reports a camper at Cheyenne RV Resort, while another notes, "You are right on the main road with cars going by throwing dust at you day and night" at Curt Gowdy State Park. Sites farther from main roads offer quieter experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for weather flexibility: Last Chance Camp offers alternatives when weather threatens tent camping. "We were allowed to trade two nights of tent camping for one night in a cabin to try to avoid a storm," shares a camper. These accommodations provide backup options during Wyoming's unpredictable weather patterns.
Swimming availability: Limited swimming options exist in the area, making pools valuable amenities. "We enjoyed the pool and shuttle to attractions. Safe family environment," notes a visitor to Cheyenne RV Resort. Many families appreciate this recreation option after hot days exploring.
Pet exercise spaces: For families camping with dogs, dedicated pet areas matter. "There was a decent amount of space to walk our dog around the perimeter of the park, and while there's a small off-leash dog run, we appreciated the multiple poop bag stations throughout," reports a camper at Cheyenne RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Limited leveling considerations: Finding level sites can be challenging at some campgrounds. "Sites are gravel and not all are very level. Grounds are not well maintained," reports an RVer at FE Warren AFB Crow. Many experienced RVers recommend bringing extra leveling blocks, especially for state park and dispersed camping areas.
Road conditions for large rigs: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. At Forest Service Road 700 dispersed camping, a reviewer notes, "Road goes forever with (I heard over 90+ dispersed spots) and easily accessible for RVs and trailers, just gotta go slow, not rocky just washboardy in spots." Plan extra travel time if visiting dispersed camping areas with larger rigs.
Electrical reliability varies: Some campgrounds experience occasional power issues. "Did lose power about midnight. Same to neighbors power. Both our power protectors said reverse polarity. 25 minutes later power came back on," reports a camper at FE Warren AFB Crow. RVers with sensitive electronics should consider surge protectors when camping in this region.
