Green River State Wildlife Area

If you describe yourself as a pioneer camper, then you have just found your perfect slice of pasture camping out here where the only thing more golden than the sun are the ears of corn glistening under its gaze. As my post from a bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:

Highlights: (1) This CG is ideal for primitive campers who don’t pack or need much to enjoy an outdoor experience in nature – read: there’s no electricity here, just a lone water spigot; (2) This is a hunter’s paradise with pheasant, rabbit, quail, dove, squirrel, fox, raccoon, coyote, turkey and deer scattered throughout the 2,500+ acres here; (3) Supreme amount of peace & quiet here at this CG for you and your camping brood; (4) Sites are spacious and come with a fire ring and picnic table; (5) Ample space to wander around and get lost in nature with decent hiking to be had, but in a lot of places, you’ll have to make your own way through the grasses and prairies

Lowlights: (1) This CG is located out in the absolute middle of nowhere, so be sure to load up on any supplies before arriving; (2) The grounds themselves could benefit from some TLC as there’s a lot of downed branches as piles of leaves – which honestly, we didn’t mind so much; (3) Every time we visit this CG, we are the only ones there and never come across anyone when we’re out hiking, so some might find the solitude here a bit daunting

Happy Camping!

There’s very little here. That might scare away quite a few, but to be direct, that’s the magical allure of this place. With only 5-6 primitive campsites to chose from, you’ll be very much at home in this open space, surrounded by tall wheat grass and, further afield, completely encircled by endless rows of corn. The bathroom facilities are spartan. The fire rings and accompanying fold-up grill pieces are perfect. Each of the fire areas came with a healthy amount of logs, but you could easily go and forage for more. The ranger station, while not visible from the campground, you’ll rest well at night knowing that the staffed station is located just across the street from where you are laying your head for the night. 

Adjacent to the grounds is an excellent archery range and a perfect size little parking lot where you won’t have to tow your camping gear further than 20 (near) to 70 (furthest) yards from where you have just parked). There’s countless trails to hike and for those that are slightly more adventuresome, I highly recommend hiking along the edges of the nearby corn and bean fields where you’ll easily come across all sorts of wildlife. The only detractor from this wildlife refuge are the oversized wind farms that you’ll see scarring the otherwise brilliantly illuminated Midwestern sky, where you’ll be blessed each night by the near perfect views of star-filled skies. 

Insider’s tip? Here's a few: (1) If you need anything from the rangers, make sure you ask early, as they aren’t the easiest to track down throughout the day; (2) When you get tired of foraging for your next meal from the bottom of your cooler or mini-fridge, then check out a few of the nearby eateries for some decent grub. Heading due east towards the little hamlet of Sublette, where I highly recommend La Fiesta for simply outstanding Mexican or for a superb cup of coffee and a nice cupcake, try out Local Cup & Cake; (3) If you are looking to quench your thirst, then mosey on over to Sublette Saloon for a few tall boys; and (4) If you’d like to stretch your legs and get some decent walking/ hiking in, then shoot on over to nearby Sterling (OK, it’s about 20– 25 minutes away), where you can access the Sinnissippi Park, which has a ton of well-paved as well as off-the-beaten path trails to get some great exercise in, as well as to hit up a grocery store, in case you are in need of anything, there’s a Kroger, Dollar Tree and Walmart.

Happy Camping!