Dispersed camping opportunities near Evanston, Wyoming extend beyond the Woodruff Narrows area. The region sits at elevations between 6,700-9,000 feet with typical summer temperatures ranging from 40°F nights to 80°F days. High winds are common throughout the area, particularly in open terrain, with stronger gusts occurring in spring and fall months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside, visitors can enjoy fishing directly from shore. "Great campsites next to the lake. Excellent views and quiet. Only saw a couple other campers off in the distance. Lots of birds and ducks to watch," notes Clayton P. who also "saw a moose way off in the distance."
Wildlife viewing: The Monte Cristo area provides excellent wildlife viewing across meadows and forest lands. "I could hear owls hooting at night and elk bugling in the morning. It was fantastic!" reports Meghan M. about her experience at Monte Cristo.
Paddling: Echo Reservoir permits non-motorized watercraft making it ideal for kayakers. "Great place to camp and kayak! The campground and surrounding mountains are very scenic-it doesn't get much prettier!" says Laekin R. at Smith-Morehouse Campground.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Most dispersed sites offer significant separation from neighboring campers. "We were the only campers there! No shade or amenities where we stayed. There was lots of room to play around with the dog," writes Kate M. about Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area.
Fall colors: The aspens near Monte Cristo provide spectacular autumn displays. "It was the end of September and all the leaves were changing. No notes. Can't recommend this spot enough," shares Colyer D. about dispersed camping near Monte Cristo.
Lake access: Echo Campground provides direct lake access without boat launch fees. "Sites are all RV sites with covered picnic tables on concrete patios with electric and water. The campground is a little close to a road, so you can hear it, but it's still pretty peaceful," notes Caitlyn R.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require navigating unpaved roads. "The road is okay if you go slowly; we came in with our 31' class A pulling a 12' box trailer. There's a bathroom about 6 miles in. Good Verizon service," shares Sherry N. about Woodruff Narrows.
Summer insects: Mosquitoes and other insects can be numerous near water. "Beautiful views but insanely buggy this time of year. Couldn't open my vehicle doors for a second or they flooded in," warns Matt about Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside.
Weather preparedness: At higher elevations, prepare for significant temperature drops after sunset. "We went up pretty early in the season and it was a ton of fun! There was still snow on the ground and we got pretty cold sleeping on the ground," reports Shariah T.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly sites: Most campgrounds near Evanston welcome dogs with basic restrictions. "Good place to get away from Ogden," notes Kellie M. about dog friendly campgrounds near Evanston like Whitney Reservoir.
Amenities for extended stays: For families needing more facilities, some RV parks offer additional conveniences. "Clean, paved shady sites with full hookups. Lots of fun things for kids to do. Friendly staff. Pristine property," shares Caroline D. about Echo Island RV Resort.
Facility availability: Some campgrounds may have limited or seasonal facilities. "There is still no water available and the pit toilets are closed. They have Honey buckets to use however," mentions Meghan M. about Monte Cristo's current conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVs over 25 feet, carefully evaluate campground loops. "Road is tight. Our 26ft trailer was a little hard to navigate within the campground," cautions Shoot Fish Life about Fort Bridger RV Camp.
Overnight stay options: For travelers looking for convenient interstate access with facilities. "Campsite is on the edge of national forest. We did the long Smith & Morehouse trail and this was the perfect place to crash afterward," notes Amber A.
Weather considerations: RVers should prepare for rapid weather changes, especially in mountain areas. "While heading to Tennessee in mid October, the I-80 closed down due to weather and car wrecks. We were able to find an opening and flip around... we were able to get two spots for the night."
