Dispersed camping near Boulder, Wyoming occurs primarily at elevations between 7,000-8,000 feet in high desert terrain dominated by sagebrush with limited tree cover. Most sites experience temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, even during summer months. Free camping options typically feature minimal development but provide direct access to outdoor recreation.
What to do
Fishing the Green River: Warren Bridge Recreation Area designated dispersed camping provides excellent river access for anglers. "The fishing is outstanding," with one camper noting, "We have camped here several times. The bathrooms are very clean, fishing is outstanding." Multiple boat launch points exist throughout the area for drift boats and kayaks.
Wildlife photography: Soda Lake Wildlife Area offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities with minimal crowds. "This area is a wide open no shade glacial pothole lake" with "fair to good cell signal depending on your location" making it possible to upload photos from most campsites.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Big Sandy Reservoir features calm waters ideal for paddling. "The walk along the water was beautiful and we had found some incredible rocks. The sunset and the stars at night are definitely the worth the visit." Access includes multiple boat launches suitable for non-motorized watercraft.
What campers like
Quiet camping areas: Willow Lake offers more solitude than other nearby sites. "I love this spot because it is less populated than others. Camp spots are spread out so you aren't on top of each other. The lake is beautiful and great for kayaking or sup."
Accessible lake camping: At Big Sandy Reservoir Rec Area, campers appreciate the direct water access. "We drove to the end of all of the sites right up to the lake where there was a big flat gravel area with a fire pit." The reservoir provides numerous spots with water views and easy shore access.
Separation between sites: Kelly Park FS Rd #747 dispersed camping offers privacy between campsites. "Nice simple spot. I wouldn't really say it's an open grassy area but more of several dirt road offshoots where there are level spots. The level spots are pretty spread apart so doesn't feel crowded."
What you should know
Wind conditions: The Boulder area experiences consistent afternoon winds. One camper at Big Sandy noted it gets "very windy but it's Wyoming; about 11am-dusk." Prepare by securing tents with extra stakes and setting up wind breaks when possible.
Road conditions: Many access roads deteriorate seasonally. At Boulder Lake Trail - Trailhead Dispersed Camping, "the loop Rd in the campground is terrible. So folks camp out here on the open flat grassy area, and as a bonus there is a grassy boat launch area good for kayaks."
Bug activity: Insect pressure varies seasonally but can be intense. "Loved this spot so much! Sunsets! Endless camping opportunities here... Very quiet, beautiful sunsets. Lots of small bugs and moths but nothing biting."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access locations: Some sites offer sandy lake access ideal for children. At Willow Lake, one camper found "a large site with a private beach. You can also hike down the road to sites impassable by car. Can access by ATV, horse, foot, watercraft. Water is clear but cold."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families can observe diverse wildlife from safe distances. "We saw a fair bit of wildlife in the area as well; pronghorn, horses, hummingbirds, bald and golden eagles, osprey, hawks, sea gulls, grebes, beavers, a plethora of ground squirrels."
Bird watching sites: Warren Bridge Recreation Area offers exceptional bird watching. "Sites are right on the water with good access, fire rings, tables, and vault toilets. Directly across the river from our site is a tall pine with an eagles nest. 2 large Bald Eagles hang out there in the evening, while a large Golden Eagle watches the nest."
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Certain sites accommodate larger rigs better than others. One RV camper at Kelly Park FS Rd noted they "Made it okay in our SUV and 25' camper" despite narrow access roads.
RV site selection: Consider proximity to facilities when choosing sites. "This nice little Campground is all first come first served. Sits on the banks on the Green River. There is water, pit toilets, fire Rings, lamp post, and water."
Solar power considerations: Most dispersed camping near Boulder lacks shade. "The area around the lake is completely void of trees, so all of the sites are full sun, but there was a good breeze/wind most days." This makes solar power viable but requires heat management strategies inside RVs.
