The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Cody, WY

52 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas surround Cody, Wyoming on BLM land, offering primitive sites with minimal facilities. Cody BLM Dispersed receives high ratings and features numerous pull-off spots along dirt roads with 360-degree views of grasslands and valleys. Sheep Mountain BLM provides similar accommodations with access to hiking trails. Both areas accommodate tents and RVs, though road conditions vary. According to one visitor, "The road in is rocky dirt but easily doable in our 26' class C. Any size rig should do fine here."

Most dispersed sites near Cody lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and trash facilities. Campers should prepare for self-sufficient backcountry camping with adequate supplies. Weather conditions can create challenges, with several reviews mentioning wind as a factor. Cell reception is generally available in these areas, with one camper noting "Good cell reception with ATT, Verizon and TMobile." The locations offer solitude while remaining relatively close to town, making them convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions including Yellowstone National Park.

Map showing campgrounds near Cody, WyomingExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cody, Wyoming (15)

    1. Cody BLM Dispersed

    20 Reviews
    Cody, WY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 578-5900

    "Very little shelter from the wind, however if you set up against the small hills just right, you'll have just enough shelter when things a blowing."

    "decent amount of spots and far enough between spots for privacy. directions send you farther than entrance if you’re coming from cody. there is a hill and a road to the right with a sign, that’s where"

    2. Sheep Mountain BLM

    11 Reviews
    Wapiti, WY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 775-6256

    "There are some additional locations to park higher on the hill but the road to get there is a little more rough. I've seen smaller camper vans but we couldn't haul our big rig up there."

    "Just a plot of land, when I showed up there was already a camper van. Next to the water, Stars were amazing!"

    3. Hogan Reservoir BLM Campground

    1 Review
    Ralston, WY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 775-6256

    4. Little Sunlight Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Wapiti, WY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 754-7207

    "The dispersed sites are very rough and not well maintained. However, the views are some of the best we have ever seen in Wyoming."

    "Completely off the beaten path. The road in is actually quite easy and the area has many 4x4 trails to explore, although the campground should be easily accessible in 2wd."

    5. Lower Sunshine Reservoir

    1 Review
    Meeteetse, WY
    30 miles

    "This is a free camping area about 45 minutes south of Cody. Most of the spots are on a ridge above the reservoir, but there is a way to drive below the ridge and camp."

    6. Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    8 Reviews
    Cooke City, MT
    48 miles
    Website

    "We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect."

    "We already have plans to buy a camper van and return to this site next year because the view is worth the trip!"

    7. Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Cooke City, MT
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 527-6241

    "That area has 2 pretty shaded spots, and both were taken. We headed over to Pilot and we were pleasantly surprised. Yes, there is a big open area with little privacy if it is crowded."

    8. Lake Fork Roadside Camp

    1 Review
    Red Lodge, MT
    42 miles

    "Lovely spot near a river. Lots of space. Road was a bit rough in the back."

    9. Big Horn NRC Dispersed SR

    1 Review
    Lovell, WY
    50 miles

    10. Hilltop Camp at the State Line

    Be the first to review!
    Red Lodge, MT
    38 miles
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Cody Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cody, WY

46 Photos of 15 Cody Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cody, WY

52 Reviews of 15 Cody Campgrounds

  • Jeremy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2019

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    Perfect spot outside Yellowstone

    We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect. A nice pull off with several options to park a van, tent, or small trailer or RV. We fell asleep to the sound of the river and were into the park within 20 minutes the next morning. We were able see moose and a bear because of the early access to Lamar Valley. Wish we could have seen the surrounding area in the daylight but we got in late and were out early. From what we saw we highly recommend it!! It is dispersed Forest Service camping so you will need to have all of your own supplies and be sure to leave no trace (including your poop)

  • Steve & Ashley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Little Sunlight Camping Area

    Incredible Mountain Valley

    This site about 12 miles up sunset road along a very rough washboard dirt/gravel rod. The road was extremely dusty in the summer and almost forced us to turn back. The dispersed sites are very rough and not well maintained. However, the views are some of the best we have ever seen in Wyoming. The sunset in the valley seemed to go on forever and provided light up until 10 pm. You will need 4 wheel drive or high clearance to access the best sites next to the river. If you are willing to endure the drive and don’t mind rough dispersed camping, the beauty of the site more than makes up for it. No facilities here just a stone fire ring. The site is known for grizzly bears. So you need to be an experienced camper to enjoy this area or take precautions.

  • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2025

    Sheep Mountain BLM

    Great location! Free boondocking!

    We were able to haul our 45-ft fifth wheel and find level ground. There are some additional locations to park higher on the hill but the road to get there is a little more rough. I've seen smaller camper vans but we couldn't haul our big rig up there. We boondocked here all week. Not far from Yellowstone and the town of Cody with amenities. The sheep mountain hiking trailhead is right here and lots of off-roading trails for single and double track. Great views. It was rainy and windy half the time we were here (late May). The roads were dirt but still solid and well maintained. Some of the hiking and OHV trails got muddy up on the mountain.

  • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2024

    Cody BLM Dispersed

    Solitude Granted

    Getting into the area was easy and there wasn't much there other than solitude over a vast long and wide grasslands valley and a humongous 360 degree sky view. Very little shelter from the wind, however if you set up against the small hills just right, you'll have just enough shelter when things a blowing. July 1 was dry and there were herds of deer and a small pack of coyotes wailing in the distance at night. Not too far from Cody, which has an endless rodeo in the summer, it was easy to stay here for free and be close to society too. I will stay here again in my future travels through the area.

  • D0min0 3.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Sheep Mountain BLM

    Quick over Night

    Just a plot of land, when I showed up there was already a camper van. Next to the water, Stars were amazing!

  • HANNON C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Sheep Mountain BLM

    Sleep Under The Stars

    We have a truck camper and stayed one evening. There were two other people camping in this area as well. Perfect for rooftop tent/car/van camping. We arrived around 7 PM and had no trouble finding the location or setting up a spot. The views are incredible and very peaceful in the evening. There is a little noise from the roadway in the morning time. There’s a lot of horse poo in the area, be prepared for that. No issues with animals or people for that matter. It was a bit windy. Would definitely stay here again.

  • Scott D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2023

    Cedar Mountain Dispersed - Closed to Camping

    Questionable Location

    Popular with locals as a trailhead for day hikes. Very rough access road. Camping area was marked with no camping signs. Stayed one night then moved on.

  • Rachel S.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Little Sunlight Camping Area

    Perfect in every way

    Quiet, serene and absolutely beautiful. We were basically alone in the entire campground the week before Labor Day. Completely off the beaten path. The road in is actually quite easy and the area has many 4x4 trails to explore, although the campground should be easily accessible in 2wd. We camped back beyond the developed sites, so we just had a rock fire pit and no picnic table but it was easy to adapt. There is a vault toilet at the developed campground. Absolutely beautiful. -also, there is a ghost town you can reach via a short hike. -when we were here, many spots were “held” by hunters leaving their trailers in a spot, so the developed sites looked very full, but were basically uninhabited.

  • Corda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping

    Check the weather

    We had our itinerary set to stay at this site and then the weather turned terrible and it started snowing. We only had a tent with us and the wind was whipping so we had to pack up and head to Red Lodge. I was SOO disappointed because I had been so excited to spend the night here. Unfortunately I couldn’t convince nature to cooperate. We already have plans to buy a camper van and return to this site next year because the view is worth the trip!

Guide to Cody

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cody, Wyoming, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of options, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cody, Wyoming

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Cody BLM Dispersed, offer breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere, making them ideal for a relaxing getaway.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Hogan Reservoir BLM Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, so bring your supplies.
  • Always check the weather before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, especially in areas like Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping.

Dispersed campers should check out Little Sunlight Camping Area

  • Located in the Shoshone National Forest, Little Sunlight Camping Area provides a tranquil setting with beautiful river views and ample space for big rigs.
  • This area is popular among horseback riders, making it a great choice for those looking to explore the trails on horseback.
  • The road leading to this site is gravel and may require some caution, but the stunning vistas make the journey worthwhile.

Stunning views at Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping

  • Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping offers multiple sites that back up to the Pilot Creek Trail, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
  • While this area has limited facilities, it provides a unique opportunity to experience the great outdoors in a more rugged setting.
  • Be mindful of the local wildlife, as this area is known for bear activity, so proper food storage is essential for a safe camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available near Cody, Wyoming?

Yes, free camping is readily available near Cody, Wyoming. Sheep Mountain BLM offers free boondocking with level ground suitable for various camping setups, from truck campers to large fifth wheels. This area provides incredible views, peace and quiet, and stunning stargazing opportunities. Little Sunlight Camping Area is another free option about 12 miles up Sunset Road. Though the access road is rough with washboard gravel, the reward is some of Wyoming's most spectacular views in a quiet, serene setting. Both locations typically have ample space even during peak season. Remember that free dispersed camping on public lands typically limits stays to 14 days and requires you to pack out all trash.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Cody, Wyoming?

Dispersed camping options abound around Cody, Wyoming. Cody BLM Dispersed offers vast grassland areas with 360-degree sky views along Highway 16 between Cody and Greybull. The rocky dirt road is manageable for most vehicles, including larger RVs. For those heading toward Yellowstone, Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping provides several pull-off spots suitable for vans, tents, and small trailers, with the soothing sounds of nearby rivers and quick access to the park. Both areas offer solitude and stunning natural settings. Other dispersed camping can be found throughout the surrounding BLM and national forest lands, particularly along scenic routes leading to Yellowstone and the Bighorn Mountains.

What BLM areas allow dispersed camping near Cody?

Several BLM areas near Cody welcome dispersed camping. Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping offers accessible sites for those seeking BLM land camping options. Big Horn NRC Dispersed SR provides free camping with access for big rigs and boat-in options. The vast BLM land between Cody and Greybull along Highway 16 features numerous camping possibilities with roads that split many times, allowing campers to find secluded spots. When camping on BLM land near Cody, be prepared for primitive conditions with no facilities, bring plenty of water, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Note that Cedar Mountain, once popular for dispersed camping, is now closed to overnight stays but remains open as a trailhead for day hikes.

Keep Exploring