Dispersed camping near Cora, Wyoming offers access to the Wind River Mountains at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 40°F at night to 80°F during daytime, with significant cooling in September. Most campgrounds in this area have primitive facilities with limited or no drinking water available on-site.
What to do
Horseback riding opportunities: Wild horses can sometimes be spotted around Soda Lake WHMA, making wildlife viewing particularly memorable. "In the mornings there was a beautiful herd of wild Horses that would come and drink from the lake," notes camper Jill R., who also mentions spotting "beautiful huge wild Horses" roaming the area.
Fishing access: The Upper Green River offers excellent trout fishing with multiple riverside camping options. Warren Bridge Recreation Area provides numerous access points to the Green River. Camper Marty C. reports "The campground is located a dozen miles or so north of Pinedale Wyoming which offers full services. It also provides easy access to the amazing Green River Lakes area."
Wildlife photography: The sage country surrounding the campsites provides ample opportunity for wildlife spotting. "We saw a fair bit of wildlife in the area as well; pronghorn, horses, hummingbirds, bald and golden eagles, osprey, hawks, sea gulls, grebes, beavers, a plethora of ground squirrels, and a lot of cows on the hike to Little Soda Lake," writes Ray & Terri F. about their stay at Soda Lake WHMA.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the generous space between sites at dispersed camping locations. Mike E. describes Soda Lake WHMA as having "lots of room between spots" while Katherine C. notes "Spots are well dispersed so you're not too close to your neighbor."
Sunset views: The open landscape provides spectacular evening views. Carla K. reports that at Soda Lake, "The sunsets were incredible." Ray & Terri F. also mention "The mountains are beautiful and we had some of the most amazing sunsets."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the peaceful setting of these remote areas. One visitor to Trails End Campground notes "Super calm and isolated sites," while David B. shares "We camped in Site 1 out of the 8 and had lots of privacy."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is limited throughout the area, varying by location and provider. According to Ray & Terri F. at Soda Lake, "AT&T service was poor without a booster, with 0-2 Bars of 3G service, but nearly no data throughput. With our weboost, it got a little better with 3-4 bars of LTE and speeds up to about 0.5 MB/s. T-Mobile service was good with 4 bars of 4G/LTE."
Water access concerns: All dispersed camping areas require you to bring your own drinking water. Vault toilets are available at most locations, but other amenities are limited. At Willow Lake Campground, Greg L. reports "No tables, fire rings, water or trash."
Weather challenges: The area experiences significant temperature changes between day and night. Lucy L. notes that at Trails End Campground, "Bugs and flies were pretty bad but it didnt deter us from enjoying the sunset."
Road conditions: Some access roads can be challenging. Lisa H. describes Trails End Campground as having an "excellent paved road to campground," while Greg L. notes that as of June 2024, "road has been torn up to gravel last 4 mi or so. Intent is to repave it but as of June 20 2024 it was washboard dusty gravel last few miles to top."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly hiking options: Families with pets can find numerous trails around Yellowstone Trail RV Park that welcome four-legged companions. Camper Grant M. describes it as having "huge spaces, clean and friendly" atmosphere, making it suitable for those traveling with pets who need more space.
Swimming considerations: Not all lakes in the area are suitable for swimming. Carla K. warns that at Soda Lake, "The lake has leeches so no swimming... which was a huge disappointment," suggesting families with children might prefer other recreation options.
Educational wildlife viewing: Children can learn about local wildlife through observation. At Soda Lake, Julie W. reports seeing "Lots of feathered wildlife, including turkey vultures, eagles, and osprey" which provides natural learning opportunities for young campers.
Limited shade: Most sites lack natural shade. Alicia T. recommends Willow Lake Campground because "Camp spots are spread out so you aren't on top of each other. The lake is beautiful and great for kayaking or sup."
Tips from RVers
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. Julie W. notes about Narrows Campground that "The campsite roads are narrow, a few of the sites are small, good for a tent or small pop up. If you have a large 5th wheel I would recommend a reservation."
Level sites: Many RVers appreciate finding level spots that require minimal setup. Ray & Terri F. found at Soda Lake that "The site was surprisingly level too, almost didn't need to level at all."
Hookup options: For those needing full hookups, developed campgrounds offer alternatives to dispersed camping. Lori T. describes staying at Highline Trail RV Park: "The grounds are well groomed with ample space between sites. Plenty of shade and great views of the mountains."
Wind exposure: The open terrain means wind can be challenging for awnings and other RV features. Carla K. warns about Soda Lake: "no trees so the wind is brutal!"
