Several dispersed camping areas exist near Cokeville, Wyoming, primarily on BLM land and public access areas. The region contains free camping opportunities at locations including Fossil Butte National Monument BLM land, Salt River Pass, and Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area. These primitive sites provide basic backcountry camping with minimal amenities and no reservations required. Most areas permit camping for up to 14 days, following standard public land regulations.
Access routes to dispersed sites vary significantly in quality and difficulty. The road to Fossil Butte becomes steep with a 17% grade on loose gravel, featuring narrow sections with hairpin turns that require high-clearance vehicles. Salt River Pass features heavily rutted dirt roads that are challenging for standard passenger cars. Woodruff Narrows access involves approximately 10 miles of unpaved roads in fair to poor condition. According to one visitor, "The road is okay if you go slowly," though they managed with a 31-foot class A motorhome. Most areas lack drinking water, restrooms, and other facilities, requiring campers to pack in supplies and pack out waste.
These primitive camping areas provide solitude and natural scenery as their primary attraction. At Salt River Pass, campers can find wildflower fields and mountain views. One camper noted it offers "complete privacy in a field of wildflowers, right near the highway, but totally isolated." Woodruff Narrows provides lakeside camping with wildlife viewing opportunities. "Great campsites next to the lake. Excellent views and quiet. Only saw a couple other campers off in the distance," shared one visitor. Cell service varies by location - some areas like Woodruff Narrows report good Verizon coverage, while other primitive sites have no signal at all. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with higher elevation sites experiencing cool overnight temperatures even in summer.
"Beautiful and remote area 10 miles up the road from the Visitor’s Center. Paved road that turns to dirt- both in great condition. High clearance vehicle needed, especially on the BLM land."
"Travel through Fossil Butte, and up the hill, then drive a while and cross into BLM, then drive through some dirt roads, and up a hill and there you are… all alone."
"While there are a lot of disbursed sites along the corridor, they were all completely filled due to a bike race happening at nearby Beaver Mountain."
"Easily accessible spot off FR 006. Found shady, mostly level spot to park van right off the road. Peaceful location. Fire pit in the camp area. No amenities."
"They also blocked the road that goes pass the site with their truck so we weren’t able to drive any further to see if there was anywhere else in the area, but upon looking at satellite view of the coordinates"
"As I was driving over Salt River Pass I noticed a small dirt road on the side of the highway."
"Very easy access off 89. Very large sites with fire rings start about 1/4 off the main road. Only one other site being used that I saw. Pit toilet available at the large parking area."
"Pull in off thr highway you will see a large gravel loop to your left. With bathrooms. This is the big rig area. There are also a few dispersed spots down in this lower area."
"About 15 mins outside of Logan up a beautiful canyon. Headed up around 4pm on a Saturday during Memorial Day weekend so didn’t have high hopes but found a spot with a fire ring almost immediately!"
"Easy to find by putting the coordinates provided in Google Maps. Came in after dark and easily found a site about 1/4 mile or so up the road. Road is a bit bumpy but nothing major."
"Google maps took us up a dirt road, must have a high clearance vehicle way. We still arrived, but at 5-10 mph. If Google maps asks you to leave a nice gravel road on your way here, dont do it lol."
"Very private boondocking area about 10 miles off the highway. Wide open area; fairly level in the campsites we saw."
"We were struggling finding a place for the night and scared to go up that dirt road with the RV."
"Amazing place to camp right next to the river. The entrance you go across the bridge. It looks low, but a 13.5 RV can make it under no problem."
"A 4 mile-ish drive off the main road this site is located right next to the lake and has vault toilets. It was lovely and peaceful and we woke up to a lovely sunrise."
"Easily accessible via a good, easy gravel road. Plenty of spots to choose from. Great view of the lake and the mountains. We really enjoyed the night. We didn't have internet with T-Mobile."
TravelerGoogle maps took us up a dirt road, must have a high clearance vehicle way. We still arrived, but at 5-10 mph. If Google maps asks you to leave a nice gravel road on your way here, dont do it lol. Campground very nice with newer pit toliets (bring your own TP). View is amazing of the reservoir and surrounding mountains.
GuideThis had amazing views, including a cool cave. However, the road is very bumpy and the spots are smaller. It would not be good for a larger RV. The spots fill up very quickly.
TravelerIt had rained so it was a little slick but not bad, we could not find any designated camp sites so we just found a level place. It was very quiet, we only seen one ORV the whole time we were there. Awesome views.
RangerVery easy access off 89. Very large sites with fire rings start about 1/4 off the main road. Only one other site being used that I saw. Pit toilet available at the large parking area. Clean and well kept. No cell service. Free range cows.
RangerTravel through Fossil Butte, and up the hill, then drive a while and cross into BLM, then drive through some dirt roads, and up a hill and there you are… all alone. I love it. 8000 feet and 360 views. No amenities.
ScoutWhile there are a lot of disbursed sites along the corridor, they were all completely filled due to a bike race happening at nearby Beaver Mountain. We continued up and finally found a nice camp site just on the south side of Utah border but it turned out to be on private property. There’s a small stretch of a private property near the state line marked by a sign posted cattle grate. The property owner stopped by, he was super polite, but explained the boundaries and asked us to move along.
In many spots on the road on the way up there were wide open areas where a single camper had claimed a large area, even sites that could comfortably accommodate several rigs, so just a few things to watch out for.
TravelerEasily accessible spot off FR 006. Found shady, mostly level spot to park van right off the road. Peaceful location. Fire pit in the camp area. No amenities.
GuideGood views, little to no mosquitoes, privacy, a great road, what more can you ask for! We stayed at the first spot past the gate (on the first road to the left at the first split in the road at the top) We saw several people going to the right, looks like there’s probably plenty of spots back there as well. Highly recommend!
TravelerSo much space but about 20 mins from I-80. Peaceful right by the water
Dispersed camping near Cokeville, Wyoming provides numerous backcountry options throughout the Wyoming-Utah border region. The area sits at elevations ranging from 6,200 to 7,500 feet, resulting in significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach the 80s while nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s even in July and August.
Fishing opportunities: At Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area, visitors can fish in the reservoir while enjoying the natural setting. "Great campsites next to the lake. Excellent views and quiet. Only saw a couple other campers off in the distance. Lots of birds and ducks to watch. Saw a moose way off in the distance," reports Clayton P.
Mountain biking trails: Access numerous biking routes at Green Canyon Dispersed Campground where trails run alongside the canyon road. "About 15 mins outside of Logan up a beautiful canyon. Headed up around 4pm on a Saturday during Memorial Day weekend so didn't have high hopes but found a spot with a fire ring almost immediately! There was also another spot open down the road. Lots of people camping, hiking, mountain biking, and ATVs," writes Kristen P.
Scenic drives: Explore Forest Service roads through Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping areas with river views. "2wd friendly road for MILES. You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views. The views are truly amazing. There are nice size and spread out dispersed camping spots along the way," notes johny R.
Wildlife viewing: The wetlands and reservoirs attract diverse bird species and occasional large mammals. At Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside, "A 4 mile-ish drive off the main road this site is located right next to the lake and has vault toilets. It was lovely and peaceful and we woke up to a lovely sunrise," shares Michael R.
River access: Several Smithfield Dispersed Campsite locations feature creekside camping. "I first visited this area in the spring, and have since been there around 4-5 times. It's very beautiful with lots of greenery and a river through the whole canyon. The road is dirt and bumpy so be prepared for that but I've never had a problem finding a spot," reports Keaton L.
Solitude: Many dispersed areas provide separation from other campers. In Franklin Basin, Kennedy F. writes, "Ended up driving this road up to Idaho to find a bigger spot and some solitude. Took the dirt road for about 30 minutes and got the most perfect spot. Nobody was near us and the view was amazing."
Weather conditions: Mountain areas experience rapid temperature changes. Franklin Basin camper Maddie F. advises: "Amazing location especially because it's close to bear lake! I heard it's better in August, but if you camp way further down the mosquitos are absolutely miserable."
Road challenges: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. At Salt River Pass, Josh L. warns: "The suggestion that you need a high clearance vehicle is an understatement. The service road is incredibly rocky with one side a sheer drop. Went down with our campervan and barely made it down and back up in one piece."
Reservations: Most sites operate on first-come, first-served basis. Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside camper GoWhereYouAreDraw N. notes: "Opting for the established pull-off was a great decision, offering pit toilets and a mere 10-foot distance from the lake. A perfect backdrop for relaxation and recreation. However, the Wyoming wind made its presence felt."
Best family sites: Look for Diamond Creek Guard Station for families wanting basic shelter. Brad C. shares: "What a beautiful area to camp! Dispersed camping with space for very large groups. Lots of dirt bike/quad trails. Beautiful views."
Bathroom access: Many primitive sites lack facilities entirely. At Green Canyon Disbursed Campground, Steven E. notes: "There are Vault toilets in the parking lot at the bottom, as well as at the very top where Green Canyon meets water shed Canyon."
Bug preparation: Bring insect repellent, especially near water. At Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside, matt reports: "Beautiful views but insanely buggy this time of year. Couldn't open my vehicle doors for a second or they flooded in."
Access recommendations: RVers should scout routes before committing. At Fossil Butte National Monument BLM, Savannah cautions: "The drive into the monument is easy, zero issues. Once the road turn to gravel, it gets steep. We have a 15k pound fifth wheel and a 2wd dually and we're only able to make it a couple 100 yds up the hill before we started spinning."
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs. At Smithfield Dispersed Campsite, sarah C. warns: "No warning that the road narrows with no turn around about a mile into the campground, or the trees are overgrown which scratched up my sides. The only spaces large enough for my 23 ft RV were occupied."
Level sites: Look for established pullouts with flat terrain. A Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area visitor notes: "Very private boondocking area about 10 miles off the highway. Wide open area; fairly level in the campsites we saw. The road is okay if you go slowly; we came in with our 31' class A pulling a 12' box trailer."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cokeville, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cokeville, WY is Fossil Butte National Monument BLM with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cokeville, WY?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Cokeville, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
