Best Dispersed Camping near Laramie, WY
Several dispersed camping areas surround Laramie, Wyoming in Medicine Bow National Forest, with popular free camping concentrated in the Pole Mountain area between Laramie and Cheyenne. Forest Service Road 700, Vedauwoo Wagon Road, and multiple designated sites near Pole Mountain provide primitive camping with no services. Most dispersed sites require campers to find established fire rings and stay within 100 feet of forest roads. The Twin Buttes Reservoir and Meeboer Lake also offer public access areas for no-fee camping on the western side of Laramie.
Most access roads are unpaved but generally well-maintained gravel, though some routes require high-clearance vehicles. Forest Road 726 and roads in the Pole Mountain area accommodate larger vehicles and trailers with careful navigation. Camping is typically limited to 14 days, and visitors must pack out all waste. Potable water is available at the Summit Rest Area, but most sites have no facilities beyond occasional vault toilets. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months, and campers should verify current conditions before travel.
Many dispersed sites feature scenic meadows, small ponds, and views of the mountains. The Pole Mountain area provides easier highway access while maintaining a secluded feel. Wind presents a consistent challenge throughout the region, with campers noting the importance of proper tent staking and vehicle positioning. "We found a great spot overlooking a mountain meadow," shared one visitor, while another mentioned, "Easy access, close to rest stop, tucked off next to highway but relatively quiet." Wildlife sightings, including moose and elk, add to the experience for many campers, especially at dawn and dusk.
