Public lands surrounding Casper, Wyoming offer several tent-only campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Lodgepole Campground on Muddy Mountain provides clean facilities with trails suitable for all skill levels, while remaining relatively uncrowded despite its proximity to town. Golden Currant Campground sits along the North Platte River, offering primitive tent camping with riverside sites shaded by cottonwoods. Chalk Bluffs Campground features well-established tent sites with covered wood patios and fire rings. For backcountry tent camping options, the Pathfinder Reservoir area includes several primitive campgrounds including Sage, Weiss, and Diabase, all offering year-round tent camping opportunities.
Most tent campgrounds near Casper feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Vault toilets are common at established sites, though drinking water is limited or unavailable at most locations. Campers should bring their own water supply, particularly at primitive sites. Fees range from free to approximately $10 per night, with payment boxes available at entrance points to most campgrounds. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent, with campers at Chalk Bluffs reporting the need to travel several hundred yards from camp to find even minimal signal. Summer brings biting insects, particularly at riverside locations like Golden Currant, where mosquitoes become problematic when breezes subside.
The tent camping experience varies significantly across locations. According to reviews, Lodgepole Campground offers quiet surroundings with sites spacious enough to accommodate multiple tents. One camper noted that Golden Currant is easy to miss when driving, describing it as "the first camping area you come to on Trapper Road." Pathfinder Reservoir campgrounds experience unpredictable weather patterns, with occasional cold spells and wind gusts requiring extra layers even during summer months. Bishops Point Campground, while offering primitive tent camping with lake access, tends to be windier with fewer trees for shelter. Walk-in tent sites at Elkhorn Springs Campground, located 25-30 minutes north of Casper, provide a more remote experience, though highway proximity may create noise issues for tent campers.
"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."
$10 / night
"Nestled 25-30 minutes north of Casper, this campground boasts a remote and picturesque charm that sets it apart from its counterparts closer to town."
"Can get muddy after rainfall so not recommended if rainfall is in the forecast. No fire rings but can easily pull off the side. Very level. Great sunsets and sunrises!"
"Cows kept us company while setting up camp. Watch out for cacti!"
"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"
"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."
"A little warm during the day (no shade) but cooled off at night."
"Quiet and right on the lake"
"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"
"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."
"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."
LegendThis city park is right next to the river. It is a decent sized loop with picnic tables scattered through out. It is primitive so no electric, but offers a shower/bathroom. It’s first come first serve with a 2 night max stay. Fires and liquor are not allowed and you can fish if you have a permit. People are courteous and free is always a great thing.
RangerCampground empty during October, appears it is a busy campground during peak season for boaters and anglers. The sites are unmaintained and in need of some love. There is a lot of trash around the campground, beer cans and bottles along all the roads in the bushes. If you’re walking dogs, be careful of broken glass and old fishing hooks. The views, sky and wildlife here are the reason for the 3 stars. No water, power or dump. Has vault toilets, trash, picnic tables and fire rings. Very peaceful during shoulder season, very low traffic even on the weekends.
ScoutNoise 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.
TravelerDay 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.
GuideYou 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.
TravelerNot very trafficked (2 other campers) during our visit. Most spots are big enough for 2 tents and fairly private. 2 vault toilets right next to 4 of the campgrounds. Each spot has a garbage can. Nice views and some hikes right off the campground, plus if you're heading back toward Casper you can hit Garden Creek Waterfall on your way. Very few bugs late June.
*Note if you are coming from Casper you will be on a pretty rough gravel road for like 8 miles. We made it in a Prius but had to go sub 20mph most of the time.
LegendFee 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.
LegendWe stayed here for 4 days. We weren’t sure what to expect from such a small town but we’re pleasantly surprised. This KOA Has putt putt golf for $2,activities, a tennis court, basketball and swimming. Also something extra is a s’more shack and coffee cabin. There are ample amount of RV and tent sites. They offer cable and WiFi. We were frustrated with the WiFi as it was very spotty. There are 3 cabins with picnic benches and grill, and a yurt that they use for activities. As there is a fire ban right now there were no fire rings. The shop has RV and other essentials needed if you need. Also has a few groceries and souvenirs. Staff are helpful and kind and we had a nice stay.
TravelerSuper cool spot with awesome views. There’s a nice flat spot for a perfect camp set up. I wouldn’t bring your dog as I was so stressed out cause mine was running around and getting way to close to the edge. It’s a straight 100-150ft drop. The road specifically is not private property. You do have to open a gate to get there, just close the gate behind you as there’s horses and other wildlife that roam the area.
Tent camping near Casper, Wyoming provides access to high-elevation wilderness with dramatic seasonal temperature variations. Many campsites sit between 5,000-8,000 feet elevation, experiencing temperature swings of up to 40°F between day and night, even in summer months. Weather patterns can change rapidly, with sudden storms developing in afternoons across the North Platte River region.
Fishing access points: Golden Currant Campground offers direct access to the North Platte River, where tent campers can fish from shore. "This allows great access to early morning and early evening fishing. Only downside is the mosquitos are pretty heavy there in July and August," notes Jason W.
Paddleboarding opportunities: Natrona County Pathfinder Reservoir Diabase Campground provides tent sites near Pathfinder Reservoir where visitors can swim and paddleboard. According to one camper: "Great views pretty quiet campsites, fished from shore and sup boarded and swam larger lake with nice areas to swim."
Stargazing: The lack of light pollution makes tent camping areas like those near Hell's Half Acre ideal for night sky viewing. As Mary P. explains, "this is such an amazing area and the night sky is star filled."
Riverside shade: Golden Currant Campground offers tent sites with natural shade and river proximity. Eric G. shares: "Wow, we were on our way to campgrounds up the Platte River and stumbled upon this tent campground that will accommodate a few smaller RV's. The grassy area next to the river with shade of cottonwoods and tables is to die for."
Sheltered sites: Tent campers appreciate the covered structures at Bishops Point Campground, with one reviewer noting: "The campsites each have a shelter, picnic table, and fire ring that has an adjustable grate."
Wide-open spaces: Bolton Creek tent camping areas provide expansive views with limited crowds. Pamela B. reports: "We didn't go deep into the area, but found a nice level-ish spot for our 2 rigs and 3 vehicles. We had the entire place to ourselves. Beautiful sunset."
Unpredictable weather: Natrona County Pathfinder Reservoir Weiss Campground experiences rapidly changing conditions. One camper shares: "The weather can be a bit unpredictable at times, with occasional cold spells and gusts of wind passing through the area. While this might mean wearing some extra layers, the stunning views and calming natural sounds more than make up for it."
Technology disconnect: Cell service is non-existent at many campgrounds. At Weiss Campground, a camper notes: "The lack of a cellular signal might seem a little daunting initially, but believe me, it's actually a good thing."
Changing accessibility: Some tent camping areas have restricted access or unclear boundaries. Matthew W. reports about Hell's Half Acre: "This spot is basically a large fenced in gravel parking area right off U.S. Highway 26. No bathroom or official sites at this location, just an open lot."
Beginner-friendly options: Chalk Bluffs Campground offers well-established tent sites suitable for families new to camping. Lynn confirms: "Nice spots for primitive or first time camping. If it had water access it would be perfect."
Bring insect protection: Families should pack bug spray, particularly for riverside camping in summer months. Robert D. advises at Sage Campground: "Scenic. Lots of bugs but thats what big spray is for. Quiet and right on the lake."
Plan for temperature swings: Pack extra layers even for summer tent camping trips. At Elkhorn Springs Campground, a reviewer cautions: "Considering the altitude, a word of advice: anticipate a slight chill in the air, particularly as the season's edges draw near. A little preparation on the clothing front can prevent any unexpected shivers from overshadowing your camping experience."
Limited RV accommodations: Bishops Point Campground accepts RVs but lacks hookups and shelter from elements. Josh L. warns: "It is also very windy here with no trees. There is a pay box before entering the campground, the fee is $10 a night."
Bathroom considerations: When selecting a site, consider distance to facilities. Katie S. notes about Bishops Point: "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!"
Supply preparation: RVers should bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water. Teresa H. from Chalk Bluffs Campground explains: "Don't remember if was any main water faucet as we haul our own but was out houses and no electric or sewer hookups."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Casper, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Casper, WY is Lodgepole Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Casper, WY?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Casper, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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