Equestrian camping near Afton, Wyoming offers access to mountain trails with elevations ranging from 6,500 to 10,000 feet throughout the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges. Most horse-friendly campsites in the region are accessible from mid-June through September, with high mountain trails often snow-covered until July. Weather can change rapidly at these elevations, so campers should prepare for temperature drops even during summer months.
What to do
Hike to mountain lakes: From Hobble Creek Campground, take the trail to Lake Alice. "You need to cross Hobble Creek to get to the campground, which can be very high in early summer. Usually roads are not passable until almost July," reports one camper who rated the experience highly.
Explore ice caves: The Paris Ice Cave is located approximately six miles from Paris Springs Campground. According to a visitor, "This is very interesting and I recommend visiting!" The cave maintains ice formations throughout the summer months, providing a unique contrast to warm weather activities.
Fly fishing: Multiple streams and lakes offer excellent trout fishing opportunities. At Sage Hen Flats Campground, one camper noted, "Great place to camp right by the river. Good fishing and my kids loved floating the river." Brown and cutthroat trout are common catches in area waters.
What campers like
Natural water features: Several campgrounds provide water access for recreation. At Sage Hen Flats, campers can choose between different settings: "It is hard to choose if you want to be right next to the water where you can fish for trout or remain tucked in the woods. Both are peaceful and leave society behind."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Afton support diverse wildlife populations. Palisades Creek Campground visitors reported seeing hummingbirds and dragonflies among vibrant wildflowers, with one camper noting the area was "very beautiful" with "hummingbirds everywhere!"
Small, secluded camping areas: Many campgrounds offer intimate settings away from crowds. Paris Springs Campground is described as "very secluded, located at the end of the road. The drive in from Paris is pretty, but the campground is tucked into a brushy hollow, with dense vegetation."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads to remote campgrounds have significant issues. At Cottonwood Lake Campground, "The road is mostly one lane, though a little wider in some spots, so if you are towing, hope you don't encounter someone coming the other direction. There are some potholes all along the road, so if you're towing, it's slow going."
Water crossings: Stream crossings can limit early-season access. A reviewer at Hobble Creek noted: "You need to cross Hobble Creek to get to the campground, which can be very high in early summer. Usually roads are not passable until almost July."
Limited amenities: Most forest campgrounds provide basic facilities. Paris Springs reportedly had issues with drinking water: "The water running to each campsite wasn't drinkable so it was shut off. They discounted our nightly price in half which was nice though."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access trails: Several campgrounds offer short hikes suitable for children. At Paris Springs, "There's a short 5 minute hike right by campground #4 that leads to a cool waterfall. It was a great way to start the morning."
River recreation: Some sites provide safe water play opportunities. At Sage Hen Flats, one parent reported: "Great place to camp right by the river. Good fishing and my kids loved floating the river. Need to bring canopy or have awning for shade."
Spacious sites for family groups: Flat Creek RV Park and Cabins offers larger sites for families. The park provides "full hookups and amenities" according to one camper, while another noted they were "really nice people" who "helped us out in a jam."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many forest service campgrounds have restricted access. For Cottonwood Lake, a camper advised: "It's pretty small, about 16 (?) sites. It's about 8 miles up the road from Hwy 89. The road is mostly one lane, though a little wider in some spots, so if you are towing, hope you don't encounter someone coming the other direction."
Site selection: At Paris Springs, "The sites are small; some are pull through. I don't think I'd tow a camper longer than 20 ft through there." Campers with larger rigs should call ahead to confirm access.
Campground layout: Understanding the campground configuration helps with planning. At Cottonwood Lake, "The campground is about 1/4 mile or less from the lake. Group camp is up the right hand fork (not towards the lake)... There are 2 pull through sites up the right hand fork; the rest are back in or walk in."
Guide
