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Dispersed camping dominates the landscape near Buford, Wyoming, with numerous designated sites available along Forest Service Road 700 at Vedauwoo. The region includes established options like Curt Gowdy State Park Campground, which accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins, alongside primitive camping at Pole Mountain and Upper Blaire Dispersed Camping areas. These public lands provide varied terrain from accessible roadside pullouts to secluded spots nestled among distinctive rock formations. Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest manages most camping areas, with sites distributed across pine forests and granite outcroppings.
Rough dirt roads access most dispersed sites, making arrival before dark advisable for first-time visitors. While some areas accommodate large RVs and trailers, others require high-clearance vehicles. Most dispersed sites lack amenities like water, toilets, or trash service, though Curt Gowdy State Park offers electric hookups, showers, and drinking water approximately 10 miles from Vedauwoo. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this high-elevation region, with strong winds common year-round. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall. Several areas remain open year-round but access becomes difficult after snowfall. A camper noted: "The sites are pretty far from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbor. Also had some really nice views all around, each site looked like it had its own unique view."
Vedauwoo's distinctive rock formations create a dramatic backdrop for campers, providing excellent opportunities for climbing, bouldering, and hiking. Wildlife sightings are common, with grazing cattle sometimes sharing the landscape with campers. Weekends during summer months see high demand for campsites, especially Friday through Sunday. Despite proximity to Interstate 80, many campers report relatively quiet conditions and excellent stargazing opportunities. Several visitors mentioned they appreciate the balance between accessibility and seclusion. As described in feedback on The Dyrt: "We loved this designated dispersed campgrounds. Beautifully maintained with clean sites and the main road being smooth and clear, this is easy for any camper/car to get into." Cell service varies throughout the region, with better connectivity near main roads.
"There are so many different types of sites, from those with several trees, lake side, open, or group spots. Water is available for filling bottles, but not campers."
"We were pleasantly surprised to find the favored spot open since it is walk up only in the park this late in the season. "
from $10 - $200 / night
Check Availability"We camped on the dispersed area just to the east of the campground in a pleasant spot in the trees and boulders a good distance from the dust of the road."
"Beautiful spots to camp and you can tuck yourself away behind a rock formation and far from your neighbors. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We camped Memorial Day weekend and had an amazing spot well away from the main road. Very private."
"Definitely one of our most favorite Wyoming spots from the trip."
"Need high clearance and a good off roading car to get all the way through. Also side note, turns out the road goes all the way through! Both ends go straight to a high way which is sweet."
"It has official signs at the entrance showing you where the sites are. The site has pull ins for each user and they are spread out. Each site has a lot of space."
"This spot was a very pleasant surprise and quite frankly didn’t think this part of Wyoming would be so pretty! The sites are very well spaced so once you’re parked, you feel completely alone."
"Easy access, close to rest stop, tucked off next to highway but relatively quiet."
"Multiple trails. Hike around turtle rock is really good. Mother moose and calf this am near the water on east end. There is water, hand pumps in each loop. Restrooms are kept clean."
"Another point to consider is the noise from highway 80 during the night, though some.aitea.on the other loops probably would not have the same issue."
"This is a great little campground situated right within the Happy Jack trail system. It used to be all FCFS which was great, but now some are reservable. There are 3 sites that are always FCFS now."
"The campsite itself was not extremely busy for a Friday night, but the nearby trailhead is extremely busy and people often drive/bicycle through the campsite."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Level for the tent.. large rock lift.. great for rock walking.. temperature cool in the cave .. wildlife around.. no mosquitoes. But biting flies.."
"There were aspen grove near by.. did not see any bears .. but chipmunk n deer were close."
"Most sites are out in the open with no shade or privacy while the ones on the outer edge have some small trees - more for separation from neighbors than shade or hammocking (we were sad about that, we"
"There’s a hiking/biking trail next to it. It has a toilet available. Many RVs and campers pulled in. The sites are fairly close together so that’s the reason for 4 stars."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The washboard road coming off the highway is harsh but it smooths out when you get closer to camp. There are at least three camp site I saw that are all secluded by boulders and trees."
TravelerOur campsite backed right up to the lake, and even though the water was pretty low, the view was still gorgeous.
The campsites are definitely closer together than some of the other campgrounds around Red Feather, but our site was fantastic. It had a long driveway, level ground, was easy to get our camper in and out of, and made a great spot for hand launching kayaks.
ScoutStayed a couple of nights this August- wonderful campground! Woke the first morning with two bachelor moose running through our campsite! Then had the pleasure of viewing one eating “weeds” in the beaver pond right down the road. Quiet, clean, comfortable. Access to Rawab wilderness and some of the best hiking this country has to offer!
GuideWe really loved the open space, hiking trails, easy access with our small 17' trailer, and we had a spot beside Eagle Rock, which we were able to climb for spectacular views. We had a moose come by our camp one morning and rainbows on a few nights after soft rains. It is DRY though! There is a free water site close to the interstate. It was only 20 minutes to town. Lots to see in the area, especially if you make the trek up to Mirror Lake on the opposite side of Laramie.
ScoutGot a nice little 2 bed cabin at a decent rate. Also right across from the river and owner was nice.
TravelerBig, spacious campsites that are private and level. It truly felt like we were tucked away in nature. So peaceful, with the cutest little lake just a short walk away. The camp hosts were great too. We can’t wait to come back!
GuideNicely wooded, large level site. Easy walking trails throughout campground. Clean and tidy. Only complaint was the lack of potable water for my van.
LegendLots of level ground and there are teepees and Yurts and two porta potties and garbage Plus available potable water. However the bathroom situation is confusing because they offer inside hot showers but apparently when they have Airbnb guests it gets awkward. Very friendly dog named Brandon loves to say hello and get petted!
TravelerWe enjoyed hiking and bouldering. A few spots for trailers but mostly tent sites. A few reservable sites but mostly first come first serve. We didn’t have any trouble finding a great site for our truck camper.
ScoutThis appears to be an abandoned campground. There is some dried up cow poop on the ground, but I didn’t see any cows and there’s no smell. It looks like the place was ravaged with forest fires, in years past, but there’s a lot of new growth. It’s extremely quiet and peaceful. It’s not much to look at, but it’s easy to get to and it’s very quiet. Also, the elevation is around 9,000 feet, so the temps are pretty comfortable in the heat of the summer. I ended up staying two nights and would stay here again.
Dispersed camping sites near Buford, Wyoming often require high-clearance vehicles beyond what's needed for the main Forest Service roads. Most areas sit at elevations between 8,000-8,700 feet, creating dramatic temperature drops after sunset even in summer months. Sites in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest typically become inaccessible from November through April due to snow accumulation on unpaved access roads.
Hiking and mountain biking: The Tie City Campground connects directly to a vast trail system popular with outdoor enthusiasts. "There is a huge system of bike trails you can ride on. The campsite has vault toilets and a hand pump for water, but no dump stations or hose connections for your rv," notes Landon C.
Rock climbing and bouldering: The distinctive granite formations at Vedauwoo Wagon Road attract climbers of all skill levels. "We stayed a week and enjoyed watching the climbers throughout the day," says Sarah F. The area's unique granite composition creates excellent friction for crack and face climbing year-round.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime wildlife watching opportunities. "Pronghorns in the morning as I have my coffee, and Elk in the evenings... Every...Day," reports Erin H. about camping at Government Gully Road. Areas near water sources typically yield the most wildlife sightings, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Privacy between sites: Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping provides substantial separation between campers. "We loved this designated dispersed campgrounds. Beautifully maintained with clean sites and the main road being smooth and clear, this is easy for any camper/car to get into," shares Rara B. Sites along this road are strategically positioned to maximize privacy.
Easy interstate access: Many campers appreciate how accessible the camping areas are from I-80. "Loved how close to the highway this spot was but how far away it felt. The gravel road was one of the most well maintained we've been on," notes Taylor B. about Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "The stars are beautiful. The land is beautiful. There are even some cows that were hanging around us!" reports Clinton H. about Vedauwoo Wagon Road. The high elevation further enhances visibility of celestial bodies compared to lower-altitude locations.
Wind conditions: Strong, unpredictable winds frequently affect the region and can arise without warning. "Seriously, it gets windy here, and with no warning. Park accordingly, don't leave awnings out unattended, secure ground stuff," advises Erin H. about Government Gully Road.
Weekend crowds: Summer weekends see dramatically increased usage compared to weekdays. "We took our 41' motorhome in and found a spot (there are 3 or 4 that would accommodate big rigs). Had to work a little to get level enough to put our slides out. Peaceful and not crowded," mentions Dodi M. about mid-week camping at Government Gully Rd.
Water availability: No potable water exists at most dispersed sites. "Big campsites, no one close, bring water!! Completely free and loved the unique landscape!" emphasizes Shannon C. about Forest Service Road 700. Campers should plan to bring 1-2 gallons per person per day.
Reservable sites: For families needing guaranteed accommodations, Curt Gowdy State Park Campground offers advance reservations. "We showed up late was still able to get a reservation by the water. I was able to get firewood at the camp store, and they had a lot of other things for sale," explains Ashley M.
Bathroom access: Many dispersed sites lack toilet facilities entirely. "Although there are not facilities immediately there, if you finding camping in this area you are close by to a bathroom at Summit Trailhead and potable water at either Hidden Valley or the Abraham Lincoln rest area," notes Les R. about Pole Mountain.
Wildlife education: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters, including how to respond safely. "We camped near the Devil's Playground rocks and even though most of the better sites were full, we found quite a few open sites on a Saturday. The Rocks are awesome for scrambling and even the dog had a blast!" shares Royce about Forest Service Road 700.
Leveling challenges: Most sites require substantial effort to achieve level positioning. "There were only 3 other sites occupied our 1st night (Sunday night). Our site didn't have a great spot for a tent but luckily we sleep on a platform in our 4Runner," explains Casey L. about Yellow Pine Campground.
Braking precautions: The mountainous terrain demands proper towing equipment and technique. "This is a mountain area. In only 6 days going back & forth the 8m to town to visit friends, we've seen 2 5th wheels pulling off I80 smoking like crazy, and 2 on the side of the road," cautions Erin H.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality and passability. "The washboard road coming off the highway is harsh but it smooths out when you get closer to camp," states kiloalpha 2 about Upper Blaire Dispersed Camping. Larger rigs should scout roads before attempting access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What facilities and amenities are available at Buford campground?
Campgrounds in the Buford area offer varying levels of amenities. Curt Gowdy State Park Campground provides options ranging from full hook-up sites to no hook-up sites, with water and electric available at specific sites like those in the Tumbleweed loop. The park features two lakes ideal for fishing and kayaking, showers at the visitor center, and hiking trails. For those preferring a more primitive experience, Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping offers well-spaced sites with basic fire pits, flat tent spots, and abundant natural surroundings but no developed facilities.
Where is the Buford campground located in Wyoming?
Buford is located in southeast Wyoming, between Cheyenne and Laramie. This area is known for its beautiful landscape that includes rock formations, lakes, and forests. The area is part of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest region, with Vedauwoo Tent Campground nearby, which is nestled among stunning boulder formations. Many campers appreciate this location for its accessibility from Interstate 80, making it a convenient stop when traveling through Wyoming.
When is Buford campground in Wyoming open for camping?
Camping in the Buford area is generally accessible from late spring through early fall, with peak season being summer months. Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping areas are popular during holiday weekends, with sites filling up quickly by Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. Late season camping in October is possible and can be rewarding at places like Curt Gowdy State Park, though Wyoming weather is unpredictable in spring and fall. Winter access may be limited due to snow and road conditions, especially for dispersed camping areas.
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