Camping spots near Powell, Wyoming range from high-desert landscapes to mountain-adjacent settings, with elevations between 4,500 and 5,500 feet in most locations. Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F at lower elevations while dropping into the 50s at night. The area experiences frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August, with rapid weather changes common in the mountain-adjacent camping areas.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Deaver Reservoir offers fishing access in a quiet setting away from busier locations. One camper noted, "This is a very clean and well maintained spot. Ideal for a campervan or truck camper. Also, the reservoir was quite a pretty spot."
Wildlife viewing: Cody BLM Dispersed camping areas provide opportunities to observe native wildlife. A visitor mentioned, "July 1 was dry and there were herds of deer and a small pack of coyotes wailing in the distance at night." Another camper reported, "We saw some prong horns on the way in too!"
Astronomy: Many camping areas offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. At Horseshoe Bend Campground, a camper observed, "Sky is very, very dark and you can see so much on a clear night. Great for anybody with an astronomy hobby!"
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews. At Lovell Camper Park, a camper appreciated, "Showers and bathrooms as clean as home, close to restaurants and a cute movie theater, and close to the Bighorn Canyon with great wildlife."
Proximity to attractions: North Fork Campground at Buffalo Bill State Park serves as a convenient base for exploring. A visitor mentioned, "Close to Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife. Great views. Family suggested this campground and I would go camping here again- one of our favorites near Yellowstone."
Unique accommodations: Cody Trout Ranch Camp offers distinctive lodging options beyond standard camping. A camper shared, "The tipis are gorgeously appointed and so comfortable to sleep in. They are right on the Shoshone, definitely a great and five star experience."
What you should know
Weather conditions: High winds affect many camping areas in the Powell region. At Horseshoe Bend Campground, one camper reported, "The second night was incredibly windy so we couldn't have a fire and had to park our truck in front of our tent to block the wind."
Road quality: Access to remote camping areas often requires appropriate vehicles. For BLM dispersed camping, one visitor advised, "The road is rough in just a couple of spots, but we saw vans and a large Class C make it up here no problem."
Reservation needs: Billings Village RV Park offers convenient options with varying availability. A camper noted, "Super easy check-in process. Nothing special but a clean, easy stop for a night. There is a train that goes by if you're sensitive to noise. We only heard it a couple of times."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. At Buffalo Bill State Park, a visitor mentioned, "Great campsite. Lots of room. Facilities were very clean. Nice playground for the kids."
Safety considerations: Wildlife awareness is important when camping with children. In the Cody BLM area, one camper noted, "There were some bullet casings around which is almost a given in BLM territory," suggesting families should choose sites carefully.
Comfort amenities: Absaroka Bay RV Park offers facilities that appeal to families. A reviewer shared, "The restrooms were very clean and the laundry was in good shape. Cody has so much to do you need at least a week."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Consider space requirements when selecting campgrounds. At Absaroka Bay RV Park, a camper observed, "Sites are short. When we checked in they asked us to park behind are bumper pull camper. The site was too short. So they said we could park in the next site over."
Electrical considerations: Check electrical hookup details before arrival. At Billings Village RV Park, one RVer noted, "Only hiccup was how low to the ground the electric was- we had to bend the cord to connect."
Water access: Not all sites provide direct water hookups. One camper at Buffalo Bill State Park mentioned, "We got a pull through site with electricity but no water hookup. Potable water was available throughout the park, however."
Guide
