Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Big Sandy Reservoir Rec Area sits along the shores of Big Sandy Reservoir in southwestern Wyoming, about eight miles north of camping near Farson. The access road is gravel and runs washboard in stretches, though multiple reviewers note it stays passable for most vehicles. Campers have two main options: a western section with covered sites and picnic tables clustered near a vault toilet, and an eastern side where overlanders can drive down to the water's edge and set up on a broad flat gravel area with a fire pit. The reservoir itself is the centerpiece, and sites close to the water give open sightlines toward a distant mountain range.
Bugs are the most consistent complaint across reviews. Non-biting insects, mostly small flies and moths, can gather in large numbers, particularly in summer evenings. Keeping tent zippers closed and sleeping in a vehicle are strategies reviewers mention. On the upside, the wind tends to pick up in the afternoons and can thin out the insects. Kiteboarding draws regulars to the reservoir for that reason. At night, the skies are notably dark. "The stars were amazing," notes Gladys U., who also observed a distant thunderstorm lighting up the horizon.
Amenities are minimal but functional. Vault toilets have been reported clean and stocked. There is no fee. Verizon users have gotten enough signal to send texts and photos. Trash service is listed, though some reviewers have found litter left by previous campers. Algae in the lake is worth noting if you plan to let pets swim.
Allison B. sums up the draw well: "Right by the water, too." The location off US 191 makes it a practical overnight stop on routes toward Yellowstone or the Wind River Range. Nearby, Big Sandy Dam and Reservoir and Big Sandy Reservoir offer additional camping close to the same water. For dispersed camping further afield, Big Sandy BLM Dispersed off US 191 sits to the northwest. This rec area works best for self-sufficient campers who want free, drive-in access to open water and are prepared for insects and bare-bones conditions.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Sandy Reservoir Rec Area is located in Wyoming near Farson
Coordinates
42.26218498 N
109.41884628 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/25/26- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/25/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 58 min from Logan, UT
- 3 hrs 8 min from Ogden, UT
- 3 hrs 43 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 53 min from Pocatello, ID
