Best Tent Camping near Alcova, WY

Tent campgrounds near Alcova, Wyoming provide peaceful sites situated along the North Platte River and Pathfinder Reservoir. Golden Currant Campground offers tent sites directly on the river with shade from cottonwood trees, while Bishops Point Campground provides lakeside tent camping with basic amenities. Several additional tent-friendly options exist at Chalk Bluffs Campground and the cluster of sites at Pathfinder Reservoir including Sage, Weiss, and Diabase campgrounds.

Most tent sites feature dirt or gravel surfaces with minimal grading. Facilities are generally primitive, with vault toilets available at most established locations but drinking water scarce. Golden Currant Campground provides riverside tent sites with picnic tables and a vault toilet described as "spotless" by visitors. Chalk Bluffs includes covered wood patios at most sites. Campers should bring all necessary water and supplies, as services are limited throughout the region. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with several campgrounds prohibiting open flames entirely, particularly during dry summer months.

The Pathfinder Reservoir tent campgrounds offer lakeside settings ideal for fishing, swimming and paddleboarding. Sites typically include tables and some shade, particularly at Diabase Campground. Cell service is minimal or nonexistent at most locations, creating opportunities for genuine disconnection. Areas along the North Platte River provide excellent fishing access, though summer visitors should prepare for mosquitoes and biting flies, especially in July and August. According to one visitor at Golden Currant, "This campground is right off the road. Blink and you will miss it. Sitting right next to the Platte river. This allows great access to early morning and early evening fishing."

Best Tent Sites Near Alcova, Wyoming (10)

    1. Golden Currant Campground

    3 Reviews
    Alcova, WY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 261-7600

    "Sites set up for tents, we backed our truck camper up in an open area of the lot and had a great view of the river. We registered for and used #2, which has a nice shade tree. Price ranges $5-10."

    "The grassy area next to the river with shade of cottonwoods and tables is to die for."

    2. Chalk Bluffs Campground

    2 Reviews
    Alcova, WY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 261-7600

    "Great location for us to fly fish several nearby places. Great tables and fire rings and even covered wood patios for most tables. Less than 10 spots but only 3 occupied when we were there."

    "Nice spots for primitive or first time camping. If it had water access it would be perfect. Great for RV camping it even has a boat launch nearby and toilets"

    3. Bishops Point Campground

    3 Reviews
    Alcova, WY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 235-9200

    "primitive camping with all the benefits of lake camping!"

    "The big negative to me is the bathroom situation there really far away for some spots. But all in all it’s good spot to stay!"

    4. Natrona County Pathfinder Reservoir Sage Campground

    1 Review
    Alcova, WY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 235-9311

    "Quiet and right on the lake"

    5. Bolton Creek

    1 Review
    Alcova, WY
    8 miles
    +1 (307) 261-7600

    "A little warm during the day (no shade) but cooled off at night."

    6. Natrona County Pathfinder Reservoir Weiss Campground

    1 Review
    Alcova, WY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 235-9311

    "Located by the scenic Patherfinder Reservoir, the natural beauty of the surroundings is truly captivating, offering a peaceful escape from the busy routine of everyday life."

    7. Natrona County Pathfinder Reservoir Diabase Campground

    1 Review
    Alcova, WY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 235-9311

    "Great views pretty quiet campsites, fished from shore and sup boarded and swam larger lake with nice areas to swim. A few trails and areas to hike and bike. When passing through will visit again."

    8. Lodgepole Campground

    3 Reviews
    Casper, WY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 261-7600

    "Nice and clean bathrooms, quiet, trails to walk that are easy for everyone, close to Casper but not crowded. FIre rIngs, picnIc tables, and most sItes have room for more than one tent."

    9. Elkhorn Springs Campground

    1 Review
    Casper, WY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 235-9325

    $10 / night

    "If I were to weigh the options between Bear Trap Campground and Deer Haven Campground against this location, the first two would definitely clinch my preference. "

    10. Hell's Half Acre

    4 Reviews
    Lysite, WY
    39 miles
    Website

    "You can't actually camp at Hell's Half Acre but less than a mile down the road is wild life refuge with dispersed primitive camping with a vault toilet, picnic table on the river, no water but this is"

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Alcova, WY

2 Photos of 10 Alcova Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Alcova, WY

136 Reviews of 10 Alcova Campgrounds


  • D
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Pete's Draw Campground

    Perfect for Fly Fishermen!

    Day use access and six overnight campsites with vault toilets, fire rings, trash bins and covered picnic tables right on the North Platte River. Tent pads and room for RV’s. Walk down bank for fishing access. $10 for overnight camping on a first come first serve basis.

  • M
    Aug. 30, 2018

    Hell's Half Acre

    An amazing area

    You can't actually camp at Hell's Half Acre but less than a mile down the road is wild life refuge with dispersed primitive camping with a vault toilet, picnic table on the river, no water but this is such an amazing area and the night sky is star filled.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2021

    Buffaloberry Campground

    On the River with Pelicans

    Fee box at the entrance with instructions. Buffaloberry features four overnight sites with tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, a vault toilet. Stayed at site#1 which was on the river, the other sites are a bit smaller with river views but along the loop road. The river is beautiful. Not much shade and the sun can be hot. 

    The 4-mile road in is bumpy. Cell coverage for verizon was okay. Pets are welcome.

  • William J.
    Jan. 31, 2021

    Beartrap Meadow County Park

    Good Campround....lots of room

    Noise complaints are common. It is one of just a few campgrounds with facilities in the Casper area, so parties do happen often. My advice, avoid weekends if possible, and go in the Spring and Fall, avoid summer. Less people, less bugs, and just overall much more enjoyable. Bathrooms are always clean and kept up. Sites are great for pull trailers, RVs, and tent-campers equally. Lots of room to run around if you have kids and/or pets. Beartrap Meadow is a beautiful place. Please keep it clean, leave no trace.

  • Jess D.
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Westside Campground

    Lakeside view

    So beautiful next to the lake and you can rent kayaks or paddle boards (and other things!) from Alcova resort. My friends and I had fun kayaking and jumping into the lake afterwards.

  • Teresa H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2020

    Chalk Bluffs Campground

    Wonderful dispersed camping

    Great location for us to fly fish several nearby places. Great tables and fire rings and even covered wood patios for most tables. Less than 10 spots but only 3 occupied when we were there. No cell service at camp but rode bikes out few hundred yards and found 1 bar Verizon. Don’t remember if was any main water faucet as we haul our own but was out houses and no electric or sewer hookups.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2023

    Campbell Creek Campground — Medicine Bow Routt N Fs & Thunder Basin Ng

    Wet trip

    Campground is a 5. Experience was a 3 due to rain 75% of the time I was there. No one else there first night. 2nd night was a young man who was trying to get out before dark. He got stopped by herd of cows and returned. Dirt road in is mostly sand, but several sections get muddy and greasy with rain. It has been abnormally wet this year and it looks like most people are skipping this campground due to accessibility. I would not recommend a sedan when wet. Vault toilet was clean and well supplied. Forest road trees were being trimmed back.

  • Kelda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Glenrock South Recreation Complex

    Great Creekside Camping

    I stayed here for 4 nights while waiting on a package to arrive in Casper. I really enjoyed my stay. It has the vibes of a paid campground - only free. When you get to the complex drive past the vault toilets and initial picnic area. You'll see 5-6 campsites with concrete beds, picnic tables and grills. There is some road noise, but worth it for a convenient location. There is a 5 day limit. I'd definitely return.

    GPS: 42.8359596, -105.8741387

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Glenrock South Recreation Complex

    Nice and free camping

    Our GPS was able to easily guide us here. Unfortunately it’s raining so we haven’t really explored the area but there is a small playground and it looks like maybe a rodeo set up. Each site has a grill set up which you can see in the picture. There’s also a picnic table and there is water available although there’s not a hook up at each site. There’s also a disc golf course set up. It is right next to the interstate so there is interstate noise but it’s not all that bad. Especially since it’s free. There’s lots of nice shade and some areas of sunshine also. The campground seems to be well kept up. Although we have a small rig After we got here, we saw someone with the large rig with a toad. It is now morning and both of us agreed the traffic was not a bother last night at all. There are people that bring their dogs out here to walk them off lead. And the trash cans were full. We would definitely stay here again.


Guide to Alcova

Alcova, Wyoming, offers a fantastic escape for tent campers looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a variety of campgrounds nearby, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy stunning views, fishing opportunities, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Golden Currant Campground is situated right next to the Platte River, providing excellent access for early morning fishing and scenic views.
  • Bishops Point Campground features a beautiful lake perfect for paddle boarding and boating, making it an ideal spot for water activities.
  • Natrona County Pathfinder Reservoir Diabase Campground offers hiking and biking trails along with opportunities for swimming and fishing in a serene environment.

Tent campers should check out the amenities

  • Chalk Bluffs Campground provides basic amenities like toilets and a boat launch nearby, making it convenient for those looking to fish or explore the area.
  • Natrona County Pathfinder Reservoir Sage Campground has picnic tables and a scenic setting, perfect for enjoying meals outdoors while taking in the views.
  • Elkhorn Springs Campground offers a remote charm with access to nearby reservoirs, ideal for fishing and outdoor activities.

Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $10

  • Golden Currant Campground has a low fee structure, making it an affordable choice for budget-conscious campers.
  • Bishops Point Campground charges around $10 per night, providing a great value for those wanting to enjoy the lake and surrounding nature.
  • Lodgepole Campground is another economical option, with a beautiful setting and well-maintained facilities for just a few dollars a night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I set up my tent camping at Alcova, Wyoming?

Alcova Reservoir offers several excellent tent camping locations. Bishops Point Campground provides primitive lakeside camping with direct access to the water, making it ideal for those who want to be near the reservoir. Each site includes a shelter, picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. For a more secluded riverside experience, Golden Currant Campground sits beside the Platte River with shaded sites under cottonwoods that can accommodate tents and some smaller RVs. The grassy areas make for comfortable tent setups, though it's easy to miss from the road.

Do I need camping permits for Alcova Reservoir?

Yes, camping permits are required for Alcova Reservoir. Most campgrounds in the area use a self-registration system where you pay at entrance fee stations or pay boxes. For example, Lodgepole Campground requires registration upon arrival. At Bishops Point Campground, a pay box is located at the entrance where you'll need to pay the $10 nightly fee before setting up camp. The fee system helps maintain these public recreation areas, so be sure to bring cash for payment as credit card facilities are typically not available at these primitive sites.

What amenities are available for tent campers at Alcova Reservoir?

Tent campers at Alcova Reservoir can expect basic amenities across the camping areas. Natrona County Pathfinder Reservoir Diabase Campground offers tables and shade at most sites, plus access to a marina store for ice, bait, and other supplies. The lake provides swimming areas and fishing opportunities right from shore. Chalk Bluffs Campground features quality picnic tables, fire rings with cooking grates, and even covered wood patios at most sites. While most campgrounds offer vault toilets, most lack running water, so come prepared with your own supply for drinking and washing.

When is the best time of year for tent camping at Alcova?

The optimal time for tent camping at Alcova is late spring through early fall (May-September), with June and early September often providing the most pleasant conditions. Natrona County Pathfinder Reservoir Weiss Campground visitors note that weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared for changing conditions even in summer. Late summer camping at Elkhorn Springs Campground, located north of Casper, offers a remote and picturesque experience. Be aware that July and August can bring heavy mosquito activity, particularly at riverside locations like Golden Currant Campground. The area is known for windy conditions year-round, especially at exposed sites.