Best Tent Camping near Centennial, WY
Tent campgrounds near Centennial, Wyoming include both established and dispersed options in the surrounding Medicine Bow National Forest. Lake Hattie Public Access Area offers tent sites approximately 20 miles west of Laramie with direct water access, while Upper Blaire Dispersed Camping provides more secluded forest locations with established fire pits. Several tent-friendly areas can be found within a 30-mile radius, including free primitive sites throughout the national forest.
Most tent sites in the region feature minimal amenities. Dispersed camping areas like Upper Blaire require campers to bring all supplies including water, as no services are available on site. Ground conditions vary from grassy lakeshores at Lake Hattie to rocky forest floors at higher elevations. A review mentioned that "the washboard road coming off the highway is harsh but it smooths out when you get closer to camp." Many areas enforce a 14-day camping limit, particularly at Lake Hattie and other public access sites. Vault toilets can be found at established areas like Lake Hattie, but are absent at most dispersed locations.
The tent camping experience in this region offers significant advantages for those seeking solitude. Sites at Upper Blaire Dispersed Camping are "secluded by boulders and trees," according to visitor reports. Lakeside camping at Hattie provides mountain views and water access, though campers should prepare for wind exposure and limited shade. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, mosquitoes can be problematic at waterfront locations, particularly at Foote Public Access Area where they were described as "fierce." Weather conditions can change rapidly in this high-elevation environment, making proper tent stakes and rain protection essential. Weekday camping typically offers the greatest solitude, while popular areas like Lake Hattie can become crowded during summer weekends.
