Best Campgrounds near Jelm, WY

Jelm, WY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Jelm is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Jelm, Wyoming (202)

    1. Miller Lake dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Jelm, WY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "Very peaceful campground, right by a lake with a nice view. People came and went throughout the day to go fishing at the lake and some with ATVs. "

    "There are cows and unfortunately the water near by has some issues with it. However this area is beautiful and I always look forward to camping here"

    2. Twin Buttes Reservoir

    7 Reviews
    Laramie, WY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 777-4600

    "The bugs were terrible when we got there around sunset, but in the morning they weren’t swarming. There was lots of space between campers, and lots of places to choose from, all giving the same view."

    "We arrived around sunset for a quick night on our road trip heading West. There were some bugs out but nothing crazy. Peaceful sounds of birds and waterfowl."

    3. Little Cabin With a View

    1 Review
    Jelm, WY
    2 miles
    +1 (307) 760-8643

    $125 / night

    "There is river access very close and they offer a razor ride up jelm mountain and numerous trails to hike on."

    4. Lake Hattie Public Access Area

    5 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 601-5008

    "Camped at Lake Hattie May 2020. We have a Tacoma and RTT, but any sort of car or camper could make it here no problem. No fees - this is BLM land."

    "Easy access and can drive right up to the water and park. The wind was a variable as were the gnats, but they did not bite."

    5. Wood Landing Campground

    1 Review
    Jelm, WY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-9638

    $40 / night

    "This small campground is located on the Laramie River at historic Wood's Landing. It has log cabins with common facilities and 5 available water/30 amp electric and a dump station."

    6. Lake Owen Campground

    2 Reviews
    Jelm, WY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    $20 / night

    "A lot of trees have been cleared near the lake, but there are plenty of Aspen's and new babies growing. Everytime we have gone there there is always room to camp, even on 4th of July."

    7. Evans Creek Dispersed

    1 Review
    Jelm, WY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    8. Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "Short drive into the Medicine Bow National forest and you’re here. There are a couple of loops right as you enter, which are the most level places to park a rig."

    "I tent camped tucked into the forest a bit. The birch was dripping sap all night and I think I would have put my tent in the open if I had known. Some nice little fire pits."

    9. BLM North Sand Hills Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cowdrey, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 724-3000

    "It’s clearly an area for off-roaders and people with ATVs. Since I got in so late I didn’t make it to the actual coordinates this provides."

    "Sites are fairly close together but no one was around on a Sunday and Monday night. We ended up camping not in the campground but in dispersed camping located all around the dunes."

    10. Dowdy Lake Campground

    23 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $30 - $81 / night

    "All pretty close to water access. Some spots were right on the water too. Super quiet area and everyone seems respectful of noise. Lots of dogs but leashed.

    Nice walking area around the lake."

    "The lake is amazing and the sites are very spacious. I love the addition of the bear boxes. This campground was found on a whim about 5 years ago and now it’s the one we have to go to every year."

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Recent Reviews near Jelm, WY

827 Reviews of 202 Jelm Campgrounds


  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping

    multiple free dispersed sites

    There’s a long winding dirt road with several designated dispersed camp sites, beware the road is rutted, though we saw numerous larger trailers that made it with no issue. Large scenic boulders all around, even spotted a moose, so keep your pups in sights.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Curt Gowdy State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Great pull thru campsite and a view of the lake. Nice spacious spots with good distance between other campers.

  • Chloe S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Deer Haven RV Park

    Small and wonderful

    We stated this campsite for a month, we were having trouble finding somewhere last minute and Jeff got us in for a great price! It's a smaller park which we love, there are quite a few full-time tenants here. It is RIGHT on the north Platte river, so you don't have to go far for fishing or paddle boarding. There are no bathrooms or showers on site so your rig must be fully self-contained, which wasn't a problem for us but thought it was worth mentioning. We would definitely stay here again! Adding it to our list of favorites. It's also only 4 minutes away from hobo Hot springs. And there is a wonderful ice cream shop downtown that makes their own ice cream it's delightful

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    vedawoo campground

    Wonderful

    Beautiful campground! Destination worthy. 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. Located just of Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Poudre Canyon Road Camp

    Low key but functional

    Full disclosure: I crashed here after driving straight through eastern Wyoming so my standards may have been a little low at the time. I would have preferred to stay at Pingree but it wasn’t an option so I snagged a site here for a few nights and explored the canyon during the day. Overall I found it comfortable and quiet. The sites are spaced far enough apart for privacy. The view of the canyon isn’t spectacular; the opposing hillside is a little scruffy looking. But there are still trees and vegetation around the site so I wouldn’t call it ugly by any means. It just depends where you look I guess.

    There were a handful of flies buzzing through the campsite which my dog took great personal offense to. But otherwise it was a very mellow, low-key site. I would describe it as a serviceable alternative if your first choice is full and you are tired of driving.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Vedauwoo Wagon Road

    Great location

    I went on Labor Day weekend, it was quite busy BUT I was still able to find a spot. 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. There are many animals so make sure everything is bear proof and prepared for one to come by!

    The road winds through and there are many different roads that brand off and have a bunch of sites at too

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    FS RD 103 Dispersed

    Great spot, particularly if you have 4WD

    There are various types of spot to camp along this road. I saw a handful of campers on the main fire road, but then as I drove further down, I saw offshoot that only four-wheel-drive vehicles could get to which is where I went. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, I highly recommend searching for one of those off shoots for the privacy and nice camping spot.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Miller Lake dispersed

    Great for a one nighter

    Beautiful old abandoned campground! There are cows and unfortunately the water near by has some issues with it. However this area is beautiful and I always look forward to camping here

  • Brian M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Manhattan Campground

    Great views & Quiet

    While some of the views have some beetle kill and left over burn scar. The area is still beauty.


Guide to Jelm

Camping near Jelm, Wyoming, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do

  • Hiking and Exploring: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. One camper mentioned, "Awesome rock formations all around with trails throughout the area" at Vedauwoo Campground. Another noted, "Lots of hiking trails in the area amongst the awesome rock formations" at Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers. A review for Dowdy Lake Campground highlighted, "Good fishing, kayak, etc access - no wake lake." Campers at Chambers Lake Campground also enjoyed fishing, saying, "Fishing was amazing!"
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, Vedauwoo Campground is a hotspot. One climber shared, "Came to check out new rock climbing routes."

What campers like

What you should know

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites and activities. One camper at West Lake said, "We love that this campground is quiet, spaced out and fairly small. It’s perfect for our young family."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at North Michigan Campground enjoyed, "Hiking was fun. Beautiful views."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids entertained. A camper at Chambers Lake Campground suggested, "Bring what you need. It was really beautiful."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough roads. A reviewer at Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping noted, "The road was a little rough, but our lifted trailer of 22 feet in length cleared it just fine."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at Dowdy Lake Campground mentioned, "Weekend reservations recommended."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Many campgrounds lack amenities. A visitor at Vedauwoo Campground reminded, "Bring your own water, there are fire pits tables and cell reception is good."

Camping around Jelm, Wyoming, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the nearby attractions to Jelm Mountain?

Jelm Mountain offers excellent hiking trails with panoramic views of Wyoming's landscape. Visitors can enjoy river access nearby for fishing or water activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, Little Cabin With a View provides access to numerous hiking trails and even offers razor rides up Jelm Mountain to explore the area. The nearby Medicine Bow National Forest provides additional recreational opportunities with beautiful lakes and hiking trails. The area is also close to rock climbing opportunities, particularly in the unique boulder formations found around Vedauwoo, making it a paradise for adventure seekers.

Where can I find camping in Jelm, Wyoming?

Camping options near Jelm include established campgrounds and dispersed sites. Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping offers well-spaced sites that provide privacy while camping. For those seeking amenities, Curt Gowdy State Park Campground provides both full hook-up and no hook-up sites with access to two lakes. Other nearby options include Miller Lake dispersed camping and Wood Landing Campground. For RV travelers, several sites in the region accommodate larger vehicles, and most camping areas are accessible via drive-in with some requiring high clearance vehicles, especially during spring or wet conditions.

When is the best time to visit Jelm for camping?

The prime camping season for Jelm and surrounding areas runs from late spring through early fall (May to September). Brooklyn Lake Campground operates primarily during summer months due to its high elevation. Big Creek Lakes Campground, at over 9,000 feet elevation, is only open June through August and requires preparation for potential snow even in summer. Late season camping in October can be rewarding but risky due to weather changes. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations regardless of when you visit, as Wyoming's mountain climate can change rapidly. Always check current conditions before your trip, as roads to some areas may be impassable outside peak season.