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Best Campgrounds near Jelm, WY

838 Reviews

Camping options near Jelm, Wyoming include several dispersed and established sites throughout the surrounding mountain and reservoir areas. Miller Lake dispersed camping provides free primitive sites with fire rings and vault toilets, situated near a small mountain lake with fishing access. For those seeking more amenities, Wood Landing Campground offers cabin rentals, RV sites with hookups, and tent camping along the Laramie River. Several public land areas managed by BLM and Forest Service provide no-cost alternatives with varying levels of accessibility, particularly in the Twin Buttes Reservoir and Evans Creek areas.

Road conditions vary significantly across the region, with many dispersed camping areas requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. "Beautiful old abandoned campground! There are cows and unfortunately the water nearby has some issues with it. However this area is beautiful and I always look forward to camping here," notes one visitor about Miller Lake. Weather patterns include strong winds, particularly at exposed sites like Twin Buttes Reservoir where little tree cover exists. Cell service varies dramatically - with Twin Buttes offering good connectivity while other forest locations have limited or no service. Most dispersed sites have a 5-day camping limit and limited facilities, though some areas like Twin Buttes Reservoir maintain vault toilets that are regularly serviced.

The camping experience near Jelm centers around water access, mountain views, and relative solitude. Waterfront camping at Lake Hattie and Twin Buttes Reservoir provides scenic mountain backdrops, though exposed shorelines create wind challenges. According to reviews, Lake Hattie features "a beautiful mountain backdrop behind the lake" but can be crowded during peak periods. For those seeking more wooded surroundings, Lake Owen Campground offers a forested setting with proximity to the Medicine Bow Rail Trail, making it popular for families with children who enjoy biking. Several visitors note issues with biting insects at waterfront locations, particularly during evening hours. Little Cabin With a View receives consistently high ratings for its cozy accommodations and nearby river access, with one visitor describing it as having "awesome views" and "very cozy" accommodations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Jelm, Wyoming (203)

    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

    8 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 Camping Photos near Jelm, WY

324 Photos of 203 Jelm Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Jelm, WY

838 Reviews of 203 Jelm Campgrounds

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    White Rock Canyon Dispersed Site

    Huge site, Alpine woods

    There are sites all along the road left and right all the way back in here, and every one of them is relatively secluded and equally beautiful. Depending on which site you stop at, you may or may not have cell service. There are no other services. I'd come back here in a heartbeat it was so beautiful and restful And pleasant. Beautiful patches of wildflowers, the wooded slopes, and soft green grass. All made for an idyllic stop. Next time I'll stay a week.

  • Caleb A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping

    good place

    everything was good about the campsite, quiet, respectful, other campers, except for the drive to the actual site, road was good in some portions but in others I had a hard time with some bigger bumps and getting in, scraped in some portions, ended up parking on one of the first few because of that, have a x5,

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Forest Road 703C

    Secluded Dispersed Camping Site off 80

    There are lots of places to set up camp here with many different fire pits to enjoy. The views at the top are phenomenal!

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Saratoga Lake Campground

    Good stop over

    Beautiful view of the lake

    There is electricity on the sites which is great But no drinking water or dump station anywhere so come prepared.

    Super close to town and to the hot springs about 7 min ride

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping

    Amazing First Time in WY!

    Coming from CO, I was able to cross off another US state in only a 2 hour drive. This spot is great for groups! I was by myself and it’s early October so I figured I could get a spot at 4pm on Friday. Plenty were available, 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. Many sweet rock formations, a little creek for water for the fire, and plenty of dead wood (just make sure u get a permit online I think if u wana take any home right?) - I cleaned up a good amount of small trash left in my area from previous campers like nails and glass, but other than a couple things it was very clean and every spot looked like it was respected!! (Just things I think got blown into the rocks at night and campers didn’t see it the next morning) - would go back, every spot is far from others and the rocks def help with the wind and noise. Far from highway but right off it so it’s easy to get to road if needed. One gas station about 15 mins down the road between Cheyenne. Pack in and pack out! Will be going back one day!

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Easy access

    This was a great spot for a quick stop for smaller rvs. Close proximity to trailhead and rest stop for bathroom access.

  • Lani R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Curt Gowdy State Park Campground

    10/10 State Park camping

    We loved this place so much we stayed two extra nights! The sites themselves are level and nice, no campground shower facilities but beautiful and well maintained quarter operated showers at the visitor center. The trails are beautiful, fun and abundant. We couldn't have had a better time hiking and wildlife watching.

  • Susan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Twin Buttes Reservoir

    Great spot!

    We picked a spot here that is right off the road by the "beach". Our 33' 5th wheel fits just fine. Beautiful area near town, but lots of fishermen traffic. Great spot for fishing or bird watching. We saw a family of eagles, a golden eagle, and many shore birds and water fowl. Be careful, though. The soil is very clay - so slippery when wet.

  • Philip P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lake John Dispersed Camping

    Relatively Private Site right next to Lake John Shoreline

    After driving past the more established Lake John RV Resort we found this spot to park our campervan. Site has a metal tin can fire pit. Very peaceful with private location.

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.

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