Dispersed camping options near Cody, Wyoming extend across public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and National Forest Service. The area sits at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet with a semi-arid climate that creates wide temperature swings between day and night. Rustic camping sites typically feature minimal development but provide access to hiking trails, fishing waters, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Little Sunlight Camping Area provides excellent access to canyon trails with scenic views. "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," notes Steve & Ashley G.
Wildlife viewing: Take advantage of early morning opportunities for wildlife sightings. Beartooth Scenic Byway camping offers quick access to Yellowstone's Lamar Valley. "We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. We were able see moose and a bear because of the early access to Lamar Valley," shares Jeremy H.
Stargazing: Clear night skies make primitive camping near Cody ideal for astronomy. "The view is amazing. It was quiet and overall a nice place to hike or bike around. Saw some prong horns on the way in too!" reports a camper from Cody BLM Dispersed.
What campers like
Mountain scenery: Many campers appreciate the dramatic landscapes. "There were two other people camping in this area as well. Perfect for rooftop tent/car/van camping. The views are incredible and very peaceful in the evening," writes Hannon C. about Sheep Mountain BLM.
Solitude and space: Primitive camping areas provide room to spread out. "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," says Chris N. about Cody BLM Dispersed.
River access: Waterside camping spots rank highly among visitor preferences. "I backed my van right up to the river with an amazing view of Pilot Peak in the background, and fell asleep to the sounds of the rushing water," reports Stavros M. about Beartooth Scenic Byway camping.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access to many rustic camping areas requires navigating uneven terrain. "This site is 45 mins from the East entrance. It's easy to find but offers limited space. Not incredibly clear what was fair game for spaces," comments Sharon H. about Sheep Mountain BLM.
Weather challenges: Temperature fluctuations and wind can affect camping comfort. "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," shares Corda B. about Beartooth Scenic Byway camping.
Hunting activity: Be aware of seasonal hunting in some areas. "There was a group of hunters that came around to check things out in the evening, then returned the next morning and shot an antelope from the next ridge over," notes a visitor about rustic camping sites near Cody.
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Some areas require extra preparation. "The site is known for grizzly bears. So you need to be an experienced camper to enjoy this area or take precautions," advises a camper about Little Sunlight Camping Area.
Mosquito management: Insect protection is essential during warmer months. "I stayed further in past the vault toilet where a tree labeled site A. Nice site for parking a car. I watched cows grazing down the power line clearing through the trees and at one point watched eight cows walking by single file right by my site," mentions Ron D. about Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping, also noting significant mosquitoes.
Water activities: Reservoir sites provide recreational opportunities. "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," explains Rebecca B. about Lower Sunshine Reservoir.
Tips from RVers
Rig sizing considerations: Larger vehicles can access many sites but require planning. "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," shares Cameron L. about Sheep Mountain BLM.
Leveling strategies: Uneven terrain requires preparation. "We saw this spot on the dyrt and headed this way after Yellowstone. We were the only ones there when we arrived, it was beautiful landscape and silent. It was easy to level out the RV using the terrain," explains Mariah K.
Low clearance warnings: Standard passenger vehicles may struggle on some access roads. "We have a Chrysler Pacifica hybrid and for whatever reasons they like to make these van low to the ground. The gravel rocky road didn't look too bad even though it was rough so we headed up to the top and boy do I regret that! We bottomed out a few times," cautions Lisa D. about Sheep Mountain.
