Dispersed camping near Buford, Wyoming offers tent campers access to remote Medicine Bow National Forest sites at elevations ranging from 7,500-8,500 feet. The area experiences dramatic temperature drops after sunset, with summer daytime highs often reaching 80°F while nighttime temperatures can fall below 40°F. This alpine continental climate creates distinct camping conditions with frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months.
What to do
Wildlife watching opportunities: Upper Blaire Dispersed Camping provides access to wildlife viewing opportunities. "We found a set of campsites in the 'Upper Blaire' climbing area," notes Les R., adding that "there are cows roaming free in this area. You might find them blocking the road or next to your tent when you wake up!"
Rock climbing access: Canyon Lakes Ranger District Dispersed Camping offers primitive sites near climbing routes. One camper mentioned, "It's right next to a hiking trail which is great on cold afternoons. Stars were beautiful too very little light pollution." Pack appropriate gear as temperature variations can be extreme.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Lake Hattie Public Access Area, located about 20 miles west of Laramie, offers shoreline fishing opportunities. According to Eric S., there's "easy access and can drive right up to the water and park." The lake supports several fish species and requires a Wyoming fishing license.
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: At Upper Blaire Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate the isolation. Margaret P. reported it was "very easy to find a spot on a busy Saturday. Just pull out onto one of the dirt roads and there are fire pits. Real dispersed camping." Most sites feature natural barriers creating private camping areas.
Lake access for water activities: Visitors to Lake Hattie Public Access Area enjoy direct water access. Juana B. shared: "Beautiful Mountain View, swimming and fishing. No cell phone service with Verizon. No running water has restrooms and lots of camp/picnic tables." The camping limit is 5 days.
Mountain views: The best tent camping near Buford offers views of nearby mountain ranges. Campers at Lake Hattie report scenic mountain backdrops that provide dramatic sunset views. According to Megan V., "The lake area is beautiful and there were plentyyy of areas open. This spot is well away from the road, so very quiet."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to Canyon Lakes Ranger District Dispersed Camping can be challenging. Ryan B. noted, "It was pretty rough driving in, there were so many 'private' lands even when you hit the national forest." High-clearance vehicles are recommended during wet conditions.
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings require proper gear. At Upper Blaire, one camper warned about wind conditions: "there are many fell trees in the area, and it was very gusty when we were there, so make sure to check weather in advance to avoid strong winds that might bring trees down."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. At Lake Hattie, Juana B. reported "No cell phone service with Verizon." T-Mobile shows better coverage at Upper Blaire where Izzy T. found the "T-mobile signal is decent enough to code and to study."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Backcountry Campground — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space offers accessible options for families new to backpacking. Miranda K. shares, "This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! From the parking lot, it's only about a mile and a half."
Swimming opportunities: Shoreline access at Lake Hattie provides swimming areas for children. Larisa H. noted, "There ain't no tree but there is a lake," highlighting the trade-off between shade and water access that families should consider.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife interactions. Near Upper Blaire, cattle frequently roam through camping areas. Les R. warned that "there are cows roaming free in this area. You might find them blocking the road or next to your tent when you wake up!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: At Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir, fluctuating water levels affect access. One camper advised, "The water also will go from so far above the trees that there is no shade to so far below that you're hoofing your gear 100 yards from the boat in the mud up to your campsite."
Extended stay considerations: Upper Blaire has a 16-day camping limit, though enforcement varies. Izzy T. observed, "Lots of vacant RVs. It appears that the locals leave their rigs and the forest service doesn't enforce the 16 day limit."
Self-contained requirements: Most dispersed sites near Buford require self-contained waste management. Morgan L., who stayed at boat-in sites, reported: "We had a camping toilet and we're fine for 7 days. It was our own island paradise."
