Camping options near Gillette, Wyoming range from full-service RV parks to primitive dispersed sites on public lands. Located in northeastern Wyoming at approximately 4,550 feet elevation, this area experiences dramatic temperature swings with summer highs in the 80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Campers should prepare for strong winds that can sweep across the high plains region throughout the year.
What to do
Enjoy nightly movies: Devils Tower KOA shows the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" outdoors with the tower visible in the background. As one camper noted, "They show 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' every night, outside with the tower in the background. Very cheesy but very cool."
Fish at nearby reservoirs: Little Powder River Reservoir offers fishing opportunities about a mile from Highway 49 and 59. A camper mentioned, "There was a vault toilet and a picnic table and a little pond that you could fish in. Nice flat area to park on. Far enough from the main road where it was super quiet."
Stargazing opportunities: The open skies at Devils Tower KOA provide excellent stargazing. One visitor shared, "Tent sites are in an open field with a handful of trees. The trade off is the wide open skies and STARS."
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: All Seasons RV Park maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers despite its remote location. A visitor commented, "Spotless showers and laundry. Will recommend. Call if no one comes out to greet you as there is no office. Good wi-fi. If you are a light sleeper train runs thru but in the distance."
Quiet locations away from highways: High Plains RV Resort & Campground offers peace and quiet away from interstate noise. According to one review, "This campground is about 3 miles off i90, so very quiet. The sites are quite spacious. We have a 45' class A and had no trouble getting in and out of our site."
Wildlife viewing: Tatanka Campground at Keyhole State Park provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. A camper shared their experience: "Beach of wyoming...There is fun lake for families and friends of all ages about 5 minutes away. Rocks to jump off, live music and boats are allowed."
What you should know
Pet-friendly dispersed camping options: Storm Hill BLM Land offers free pet-friendly camping with impressive views. A reviewer warned, "Road heading up to site is loaded with deep ruts, wash out, but well worth it. One other camper with Full flower moon over the tower. Unreal."
Weather considerations: Dirt roads can become impassable during wet weather, particularly at dispersed sites. A Storm Hill BLM visitor noted, "It rained the last two days but I was able to get up the hill in an overloaded AWD. There were some pretty hefty ruts so choose your lines carefully."
Non-resident fees: Wyoming state parks charge significantly higher fees for out-of-state visitors. A camper at Tatanka Campground explained, "Wyoming state parks seem to be hostile to non residents. It's cheaper to stay at a regular rv park and you have better amenities... Non resident fee $12."
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: High Plains Campground offers affordable tent camping with amenities. One visitor mentioned, "Pretty quiet place, affordable tent prices. No fire pit as far as I could see. There's an office with a nice big table to work at."
Breakfast options: Devils Tower View Campground has an on-site café serving breakfast. A camper shared, "The view of devils tower is amazing but the little cafe on-site is AWESOME! Their food is great homemade food at a great price!"
Swimming areas: Keyhole State Park offers water recreation for families with pets. A visitor noted, "There is fun lake for families and friends of all ages about 5 minutes away. Rocks to jump off, live music and boats are allowed. The campground had nice space, fire rings and picnic tables."
Tips from RVers
Cash-only policies: Greentrees Crazy Woman Campground accepts only cash payments. A camper emphasized, "Nestled behind a hospital and just off a main road thru town, I expected more noise--but it was really quiet. There are some bright lights from the hospital parking garage but those didn't bother me in a camper. NOTE: CASH ONLY. They don't take credit or debit card"
Overnight stopping points: All Seasons RV Park works well for single-night stays. A reviewer stated, "The campground hit all of our requirements - full hookups, spaces for 80 ft length, easy access, laundry facilities and quiet. After dry camping for 5 days, it was nice to take a long hot shower without worry of water consumption."
Site selection: For pet-friendly camping near Gillette, Wyoming with RVs, consider site location and amenities. At Crazy Woman Campground, a visitor noted, "The staff were very friendly and facilities were clean. Stayed in C5 which was mostly level and very shady. Well away from the highway and was a quiet night."
