The Buford area of Wyoming sits at an elevation of around 8,000 feet, featuring unique granite rock formations that create a distinct high plains landscape. Located between Laramie and Cheyenne in the Medicine Bow National Forest, this region experiences significant temperature fluctuations with nighttime temperatures often dropping 20-30 degrees below daytime highs. Most designated camping areas stay open from May through October, with seasonal closures due to snow accumulation.
What to do
Mountain biking on Happy Jack trails: The extensive trail system near Tie City Campground offers both beginner and advanced routes through pine forests. "The park has plenty of vault toilets spread throughout, and the main visitor building has access to indoor bathrooms, a water fountain for filling personal bottles... We hiked several trails and saw lots of fishing spots definitely a great stop for anyone who loves outdoor activities," shares Fred E.
Rock scrambling at unique formations: The granite outcroppings at Vedauwoo Wagon Road provide natural climbing and exploration opportunities for all skill levels. "The rock formations were awesome. We nestled behind a rock and couldn't even hear the traffic by nearby road," notes Laura C. Sites range from beginner-friendly scrambles to technical climbing routes popular with experienced climbers.
Wildlife viewing in meadow areas: Early mornings and evenings offer the best opportunities to spot pronghorn, elk, and occasionally moose. "We saw a badger, mama moose and baby. Heard some coyotes at night overall 10/10," reports Makenzie S. about her stay at Vedauwoo Wagon Road. Dawn and dusk provide optimal viewing times when animals are most active.
What campers like
Spacious dispersed sites: Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping offers well-separated camping areas away from crowds. "Beautifully maintained with clean sites and the main road being smooth and clear, this is easy for any camper / car to get into. We arrived on a Monday evening and there were tons of campers out here. I don't think there is a limit on the size of camper you can bring out here," notes Rara B.
Proximity to multiple recreation areas: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Buford provide convenient access to various activity zones. "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," says Taylor B. about Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping.
Cool summer temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief from summer heat found at lower elevations. "We loved this designated dispersed campgrounds. Beautifully maintained with clean sites and the main road being smooth and clear... Very close to beautiful Laramie and the weather is great up here," explains Rara B. Nighttime temperatures typically drop into the 40s-50s even during summer months.
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access roads to dispersed sites often feature washboard sections and occasional ruts. "Some of the secondary roads that go off the main dirt road are a bit more tough. Would not recommend hauling a big trailer down some of them (although I did see a lot of big trailers)," advises Clinton H. about Vedauwoo Wagon Road.
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Most free camping areas have no water sources or restrooms. "This is a nice camp spot with good views. There's a hiking/biking trail next to it. It has a toilet available. Many RVs and campers pulled in," notes Sam Y. about Yellow Pine Campground.
Seasonal closures and crowding: Many dog-friendly campsites near Buford fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. "This was the week before July 4th, and it was crowded with both campers, and RV's that seem to have been placed to mark their spot for the holiday," reports Erin H. Weekdays typically offer better availability at most campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Pack for variable weather: The area experiences rapid weather changes including afternoon thunderstorms. "The night I was there, we had a 30 minute violent storm, complete with hail so thick you couldn't see past the car (luckily I was in said car). Nothing was damaged, and the following morning we had blue skies and sun," shares E.L. from their stay at Tie City Campground.
Choose campsites with natural play features: Vedauwoo Dispersed Sunset Camp offers rock formations that provide natural entertainment for children. "Big end of the road. Level for the tent.. large rock lift.. great for rock walking.. temperature cool in the cave.. wildlife around.. no mosquitoes. But biting flies," explains SAM.
Visit nearby rest areas for facilities: The Summit Trailhead and Abraham Lincoln Monument rest areas provide flush toilets and water sources when staying at dispersed sites. "Bonus for the closeness to a rest stop (water and flush toilets) and trailhead non flush toilets. Very quiet and easy access," notes Allison B. about her camping experience at Pole Mountain.
Tips from RVers
Test leveling capabilities before arrival: Many camping areas feature uneven terrain requiring extra effort to level larger rigs. "We wound up here after 2hrs scouting out Pole Mountain/Pilot Hill area. This was the week before July 4th, and it was crowded with both campers, and RV's. The whole area is rolling meadows & forrest, so be prepared to spend some time leveling," advises Erin H. about dispersed camping options.
Navigate entrance curves carefully: Several access roads feature tight turns challenging for longer vehicles. "Exit 323 U25mph (really sharp). This U curve is no joke. It's sharp, it's uphill/downhill grade, tilts slightly kind of like a roller coaster in the middle, and is a blind curve because of the trees," warns Erin H. Scouting routes without trailers first can help identify potential trouble spots.
Position for wind protection: The area experiences significant winds requiring strategic RV placement. "Seriously, it gets windy here, and with no warning. Park accordingly, don't leave awnings out unattended, secure ground stuff. Our preferred scouted spot was beautiful until we moved the rig to it & found that there was no way to get level without putting our beam to the wind," recommends Erin H.
