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steve M.
Traveler
TravelerForest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping
Awesome spot
This is an awesome spot to camp. It’s dispersed camping for up to 16 days. Beautiful views and quiete
Best Campgrounds near Buford, WY
Dispersed camping dominates the landscape near Buford, Wyoming, with numerous designated sites available along Forest Service Road 700 at Vedauwoo. The region includes established options like Curt Gowdy State Park Campground, which accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins, alongside primitive camping at Pole Mountain and Upper Blaire Dispersed Camping areas. These public lands provide varied terrain from accessible roadside pullouts to secluded spots nestled among distinctive rock formations. Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest manages most camping areas, with sites distributed across pine forests and granite outcroppings.
Rough dirt roads access most dispersed sites, making arrival before dark advisable for first-time visitors. While some areas accommodate large RVs and trailers, others require high-clearance vehicles. Most dispersed sites lack amenities like water, toilets, or trash service, though Curt Gowdy State Park offers electric hookups, showers, and drinking water approximately 10 miles from Vedauwoo. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this high-elevation region, with strong winds common year-round. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall. Several areas remain open year-round but access becomes difficult after snowfall. A camper noted: "The sites are pretty far from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbor. Also had some really nice views all around, each site looked like it had its own unique view."
Vedauwoo's distinctive rock formations create a dramatic backdrop for campers, providing excellent opportunities for climbing, bouldering, and hiking. Wildlife sightings are common, with grazing cattle sometimes sharing the landscape with campers. Weekends during summer months see high demand for campsites, especially Friday through Sunday. Despite proximity to Interstate 80, many campers report relatively quiet conditions and excellent stargazing opportunities. Several visitors mentioned they appreciate the balance between accessibility and seclusion. As described in feedback on The Dyrt: "We loved this designated dispersed campgrounds. Beautifully maintained with clean sites and the main road being smooth and clear, this is easy for any camper/car to get into." Cell service varies throughout the region, with better connectivity near main roads.
Best Camping Sites Near Buford, Wyoming (126)
1. Curt Gowdy State Park Campground
61 ReviewsBuford, WY5 milesWebsite+1 (307) 632-7946$10 - $200 / night
"There are so many different types of sites, from those with several trees, lake side, open, or group spots. Water is available for filling bottles, but not campers."
"We were pleasantly surprised to find the favored spot open since it is walk up only in the park this late in the season. "
2. Vedauwoo Campground
49 ReviewsBuford, WY4 milesWebsite+1 (307) 745-2300$20 / night
"We camped on the dispersed area just to the east of the campground in a pleasant spot in the trees and boulders a good distance from the dust of the road."
"Beautiful spots to camp and you can tuck yourself away behind a rock formation and far from your neighbors. "
3. Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping
42 ReviewsBuford, WY3 milesWebsite+1 (307) 745-2300"We camped Memorial Day weekend and had an amazing spot well away from the main road. Very private."
"Definitely one of our most favorite Wyoming spots from the trip."
4. Vedauwoo Wagon Road
13 ReviewsBuford, WY4 miles"Need high clearance and a good off roading car to get all the way through. Also side note, turns out the road goes all the way through! Both ends go straight to a high way which is sweet."
"It has official signs at the entrance showing you where the sites are. The site has pull ins for each user and they are spread out. Each site has a lot of space."
5. Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping
16 ReviewsBuford, WY10 milesWebsite"This spot was a very pleasant surprise and quite frankly didn’t think this part of Wyoming would be so pretty! The sites are very well spaced so once you’re parked, you feel completely alone."
"Easy access, close to rest stop, tucked off next to highway but relatively quiet."
6. Tie City Campground (Wy)
9 ReviewsLaramie, WY11 milesWebsite+1 (307) 745-2300$20 / night
"This is a great little campground situated right within the Happy Jack trail system. It used to be all FCFS which was great, but now some are reservable. There are 3 sites that are always FCFS now."
"The campsite itself was not extremely busy for a Friday night, but the nearby trailhead is extremely busy and people often drive/bicycle through the campsite."
7. Vedawoo Dispersed Sunset Camp
4 ReviewsBuford, WY4 miles"Level for the tent.. large rock lift.. great for rock walking.. temperature cool in the cave .. wildlife around.. no mosquitoes. But biting flies.."
"There were aspen grove near by.. did not see any bears .. but chipmunk n deer were close."
8. Upper Blaire Dispersed Camping
4 ReviewsBuford, WY7 milesWebsite"The washboard road coming off the highway is harsh but it smooths out when you get closer to camp. There are at least three camp site I saw that are all secluded by boulders and trees."
9. vedawoo campground
3 ReviewsBuford, WY4 miles"Another point to consider is the noise from highway 80 during the night, though some.aitea.on the other loops probably would not have the same issue."
"Lots of trails and rock formations. Pristine vault toilets. Paved sites. No hookups. Come to site with full water tanks and empty gray & black tanks."
10. Yellow Pine Campground (Wy)
5 ReviewsBuford, WY11 milesWebsite+1 (307) 745-2300$20 / night
"Most sites are out in the open with no shade or privacy while the ones on the outer edge have some small trees - more for separation from neighbors than shade or hammocking (we were sad about that, we"
"There’s a hiking/biking trail next to it. It has a toilet available. Many RVs and campers pulled in. The sites are fairly close together so that’s the reason for 4 stars."
Recent Camping Photos near Buford, WY
232 Photos of 126 Buford Campgrounds
Carrie C.
Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping
SAM
Vedawoo Dispersed Sunset Camp
Manuela O.
vedawoo campground
Kell H.
Vedauwoo Campground
Lesley J.
Curt Gowdy State Park Campground
Dan W.
Logan Ranch Campground
Allison B.
Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping
Casey L.
Yellow Pine Campground (Wy)
Theresa M.
Tie City Campground (Wy)
Geo&Deb T.
Government Gully Rd - Dispersed
Mark S.
Forest Road 703C
Isabelle K.
Comanche Peak View Campground
Recent Reviews near Buford, WY
806 Reviews of 126 Buford Campgrounds
Alan R.
ScoutCheyenne RV Resort by RJourney
Great website but Nope!
Looked good on their website. So I booked online for $58, they add $20 booking fee and a $2.57 convenience fee and taxes it’s now $88. Get there and it’s a gravel and dirt lot. Lots of long term campers some of those haven’t moved in a long time. One of them had a dog fence around it and 6 dogs that bark and try to get over the fence when you walk by. Chcked out the bathroom but the door was broken and could only open it a few inches. The WiFi was so weak it was useless. Called the office but they weren’t interested in the issues. $88 is a ripoff for this place!
- Jason B.
GuideCurt Gowdy State Park Campground
Quiet campground
My Verizon doesn’t work here so starlink recommended. Campground quiet, spaced out. Signs leave something to be desired. No sewer dump at site. Gate was open and plenty of pull through spots. Sites unlevel a bit side to side with gravel ground. Love the lake.
- MM K.Guide
Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping
Beautiful dispersed sites
Nicely spaced sites with fire rings. Some have more privacy/coverage than others. Three bars of service on TMobile.
Aza R.TravelerSouth Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir
Probably more of a 3.5 than a three but not quite a 4
We had a hard time deciding what to rate this because there truly were so many pros, however the cons were fairly plentiful as well. We had a great time don’t get us wrong but… decide for yourself.
The pros: -Honestly I loved the location in relation to fellow campers. We had nobody to the south of us and our neighbors north of us were blocked by a bush. We were up the hill overlooking to the reservoir above the neighbors west of us. However to the east of us was the main road in and out of the area. So expect road noise over neighbor noise. -Shower house and flushing toilet that were clean and very well maintained. Climate control and comfortable and very well lit. However the shower token system didn’t take our bills so we couldn’t use our showers (I note a camper passing by on our first day telling us about the shower house “it’s a pain in the ass…”) -close to the dumpster and literal feet from the water. -could walk down to the water (even got picked up by some friends on a boat)… or travel north for a social trail along the water with some killer fishing areas.
- close to town and convenient to get to and the views are stunning. Beautiful view of Horsetooth mountain and our site did feel very private.
-electric pedestal with 30 amp and 50 amp worked.
-if you are a birder the birding was 10/10 being surrounded by kingbirds, grackles, orioles, cat birds, cormorants, even some osprey, and can’t forget out the campground goose ❤️
The cons- while not deal breakers for us we couldn’t give this site any more stars because of them -The road noise is a lot. We were lucky to be in an RV however tent camping would be a different story. -again with tent camping although this site felt private you would be amongst only rvs and trailers.
- the shower house didn’t take our money so we couldn’t get tokens to shower. (If we cared a little more I am sure we could have asked the camp host for some)
- crowded but of course it is its beautiful there and I don’t blame people for being there (I am people being there) -did I mention the road noise yet?
- not very shaded- great for solar terrible to staying cool- spent a lot of time at the water which was nice. Suggest bringing a shade tent, awning, or something.
Well that’s my review for site S46 at south bay campground of Horsetooth… attached are some videos of the site as well as a spot I was able to walk to just north of this site.
- close to town and convenient to get to and the views are stunning. Beautiful view of Horsetooth mountain and our site did feel very private.
-electric pedestal with 30 amp and 50 amp worked.
Jamie O.ScoutMountain Park
Great Spot for a Quick Getaway
Came here for Memorial Day weekend and it was easy to get to. Enjoyed being right in the canyon with river views. Close to a ton of trails and good fishing. And hummingbirds everywhere.
Because the campsite has electric hookups, it was very quiet as there were no generators.
- KKennedy L.Guide
Stove Prairie
Cool area
This is a really cool area to stay for a night or two. There’s bathrooms, not the cleanest but good enough. And dumpsters for throwing trash when you’re done. The river was a nice touch to listen to. The fee is $29 and I didn’t have cash, luckily there is a small restaurant a few miles down the road that had an ATM.
- KKennedy L.Guide
South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir
Decent area
For the price, the area could be a little better. Some spots, the tables are far from the parking spot unless you pick drive through RV. But for tent and car camping, a little less ideal for the distance. For the price of the area, you think they’d have more amenities and maybe free showers? $2 for 6 minutes and you need a token but don’t have an atm anywhere. Thankfully the lady in the front entrance had cash I could exchange for quarters.
Judy B.
RangerDowdy Lake Campground
Bliss
Dowdy is another wonderful (busy) campground at Red Feather Lakes, CO. I believe there are 62 sites total. Not all sites are open until later in the season. The area is popular with campers, and for fishing and watersports. No motorized boating. The sites near the entrance are closer together, while the last two loops are more expansive, and some are double sites.
There are no hook-ups for water or sewer and no dump station, but there is electricity. The toilets are vault toilets.
Guide to Buford
Dispersed camping sites near Buford, Wyoming often require high-clearance vehicles beyond what's needed for the main Forest Service roads. Most areas sit at elevations between 8,000-8,700 feet, creating dramatic temperature drops after sunset even in summer months. Sites in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest typically become inaccessible from November through April due to snow accumulation on unpaved access roads.
What to do
Hiking and mountain biking: The Tie City Campground connects directly to a vast trail system popular with outdoor enthusiasts. "There is a huge system of bike trails you can ride on. The campsite has vault toilets and a hand pump for water, but no dump stations or hose connections for your rv," notes Landon C.
Rock climbing and bouldering: The distinctive granite formations at Vedauwoo Wagon Road attract climbers of all skill levels. "We stayed a week and enjoyed watching the climbers throughout the day," says Sarah F. The area's unique granite composition creates excellent friction for crack and face climbing year-round.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime wildlife watching opportunities. "Pronghorns in the morning as I have my coffee, and Elk in the evenings... Every...Day," reports Erin H. about camping at Government Gully Road. Areas near water sources typically yield the most wildlife sightings, particularly at dawn and dusk.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping provides substantial separation between campers. "We loved this designated dispersed campgrounds. Beautifully maintained with clean sites and the main road being smooth and clear, this is easy for any camper/car to get into," shares Rara B. Sites along this road are strategically positioned to maximize privacy.
Easy interstate access: Many campers appreciate how accessible the camping areas are from I-80. "Loved how close to the highway this spot was but how far away it felt. The gravel road was one of the most well maintained we've been on," notes Taylor B. about Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "The stars are beautiful. The land is beautiful. There are even some cows that were hanging around us!" reports Clinton H. about Vedauwoo Wagon Road. The high elevation further enhances visibility of celestial bodies compared to lower-altitude locations.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Strong, unpredictable winds frequently affect the region and can arise without warning. "Seriously, it gets windy here, and with no warning. Park accordingly, don't leave awnings out unattended, secure ground stuff," advises Erin H. about Government Gully Road.
Weekend crowds: Summer weekends see dramatically increased usage compared to weekdays. "We took our 41' motorhome in and found a spot (there are 3 or 4 that would accommodate big rigs). Had to work a little to get level enough to put our slides out. Peaceful and not crowded," mentions Dodi M. about mid-week camping at Government Gully Rd.
Water availability: No potable water exists at most dispersed sites. "Big campsites, no one close, bring water!! Completely free and loved the unique landscape!" emphasizes Shannon C. about Forest Service Road 700. Campers should plan to bring 1-2 gallons per person per day.
Tips for camping with families
Reservable sites: For families needing guaranteed accommodations, Curt Gowdy State Park Campground offers advance reservations. "We showed up late was still able to get a reservation by the water. I was able to get firewood at the camp store, and they had a lot of other things for sale," explains Ashley M.
Bathroom access: Many dispersed sites lack toilet facilities entirely. "Although there are not facilities immediately there, if you finding camping in this area you are close by to a bathroom at Summit Trailhead and potable water at either Hidden Valley or the Abraham Lincoln rest area," notes Les R. about Pole Mountain.
Wildlife education: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters, including how to respond safely. "We camped near the Devil's Playground rocks and even though most of the better sites were full, we found quite a few open sites on a Saturday. The Rocks are awesome for scrambling and even the dog had a blast!" shares Royce about Forest Service Road 700.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Most sites require substantial effort to achieve level positioning. "There were only 3 other sites occupied our 1st night (Sunday night). Our site didn't have a great spot for a tent but luckily we sleep on a platform in our 4Runner," explains Casey L. about Yellow Pine Campground.
Braking precautions: The mountainous terrain demands proper towing equipment and technique. "This is a mountain area. In only 6 days going back & forth the 8m to town to visit friends, we've seen 2 5th wheels pulling off I80 smoking like crazy, and 2 on the side of the road," cautions Erin H.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality and passability. "The washboard road coming off the highway is harsh but it smooths out when you get closer to camp," states kiloalpha 2 about Upper Blaire Dispersed Camping. Larger rigs should scout roads before attempting access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What facilities and amenities are available at Buford campground?
What facilities and amenities are available at Buford campground?
Campgrounds in the Buford area offer varying levels of amenities. Curt Gowdy State Park Campground provides options ranging from full hook-up sites to no hook-up sites, with water and electric available at specific sites like those in the Tumbleweed loop. The park features two lakes ideal for fishing and kayaking, showers at the visitor center, and hiking trails. For those preferring a more primitive experience, Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping offers well-spaced sites with basic fire pits, flat tent spots, and abundant natural surroundings but no developed facilities.
Where is the Buford campground located in Wyoming?
Where is the Buford campground located in Wyoming?
Buford is located in southeast Wyoming, between Cheyenne and Laramie. This area is known for its beautiful landscape that includes rock formations, lakes, and forests. The area is part of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest region, with Vedauwoo Tent Campground nearby, which is nestled among stunning boulder formations. Many campers appreciate this location for its accessibility from Interstate 80, making it a convenient stop when traveling through Wyoming.
When is Buford campground in Wyoming open for camping?
When is Buford campground in Wyoming open for camping?
Camping in the Buford area is generally accessible from late spring through early fall, with peak season being summer months. Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping areas are popular during holiday weekends, with sites filling up quickly by Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. Late season camping in October is possible and can be rewarding at places like Curt Gowdy State Park, though Wyoming weather is unpredictable in spring and fall. Winter access may be limited due to snow and road conditions, especially for dispersed camping areas.
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