The Bighorn Basin surrounding Cowley, Wyoming features predominantly dispersed camping options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, with sites like Sheep Mountain BLM and Big Horn NRC Dispersed offering free boondocking opportunities. Free dispersed campsites near Cowley are ideal for self-sufficient campers seeking wide-open terrain between Yellowstone National Park and the Bighorn Mountains, making this region both a destination and a convenient stopover for travelers. Most dispersed campsites near Cowley lack developed facilities, with no water, toilets, or hookups available. Cody BLM Dispersed camping areas provide spacious sites that accommodate various vehicle sizes from sedans to large RVs, while Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers backcountry camping options for more adventurous visitors.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many sites requiring navigation on dirt or gravel roads that can become challenging after rain. As one camper noted, "The roads were dirt but still solid and well maintained. Some of the hiking and OHV trails got muddy up on the mountain." Wind represents a consistent consideration, particularly at higher elevations. Cell service proves surprisingly reliable at many locations, with multiple reviewers reporting good connectivity with major carriers. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with standard 14-day stay limits on BLM land. Summer temperatures can be hot, while spring and fall offer milder conditions but increased chances of precipitation.
Stargazing opportunities rank among the most frequently mentioned highlights in camper reviews, with minimal light pollution creating exceptional night sky viewing. Wildlife sightings commonly include pronghorn antelope, deer, and coyotes. One visitor reported, "We boondocked here all week. Not far from Yellowstone and the town of Cody with amenities." Many sites feature established fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. The terrain typically provides natural spacing between campsites, offering privacy even when multiple parties occupy an area. Proximity to hiking trails and OHV routes adds recreational value, with Sheep Mountain trailhead directly accessible from some camping areas. Most locations require self-sufficiency with pack-in, pack-out practices for all supplies and waste.
"This was a great base camp near Cody, Wyoming however, it does get extremely windy here. It’s a good location about an hour from the East entrance to Yellowstone National Park."
"We pulled off of highway 16 to just explore and found that this area has a lot of options for camping. It is a vast stretch of BLM land between Cody and Greybull."
"This site is located halfway between Porcupine Falls Trailhead and Bucking Mule Trailhead. Fire ring, great view, private. Pit toilets located at Bucking Mule 1.2 miles away."
"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!"
"Off the grid campsite with no service or bathrooms. Fireplaces set up at the sites. Dirt road to the sites but it is in good condition."
"If you keep driving past Silver run for anybody in a motorhome or hauling a camper, there are several pull-ups on the right and a few on the left that are BLM land."
"My husband’s dream has been to find a camp sight next to a creek and we found one."
"Lovely spot near a river. Lots of space. Road was a bit rough in the back."
GuideThere are several spots to camp but they are larger spots so other could come in and camp quite close. It overlooks the water and is off a bumpy dirt road. The ground is quite uneven so lower trailers could bottom out on the way up the road. It is extremely quiet but cell service for Verizon is poor.
GuideThis isn’t BLM and by law you can’t camp here because it’s national park and within the 3000 +feet high water area boundary
GuideStayed there for a night after going to the Cody rodeo on our way to Yellowstone, good place to stop, road is a bit rough but manageable. Nice views, pretty terrain.
ScoutNice quiet spot. Stayed here in a 24 ft class c. Went to the top of the road. I did drag the bottom once, so take it slow. ( My fault didn't notice the bump in rd was so high,I should have gone in at it a little differently). Has about 6 camping spots.No cell service. Used starlink.
LegendFirst stop on our way west after visiting family in SD. Big storm rolling through as we left Cody, passing the reservoir but was done before we reached the site. We set up camp and watched the last of the lightning and listened to the rumble. We camped at the trailhead. A couple of vehicles came in early to hike but didn’t disturb us. We awoke to a herd of cows with calves cleaning up the parking lot. They moved on quickly and didn’t seem concerned that we might have interrupted their breakfast. Great views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains.
ScoutStayed a night before entering Yellowstone. Had a tent - the ground is rocky, so couldnt use stakes, but enough rocks around to ground the tent using rocks. Peaceful and quiet, great views on the lake.
TravelerMy husband’s dream has been to find a camp sight next to a creek and we found one. This park enjoys hikers and the dispersed sites are right off the road so there is some traffic from hikers, bikers, and UTV’s but since it’s pretty rugged, it wasn’t an issue.
GuideWe stayed one night. Got here late and left early. Quiet area, trails behind where we camped. Free but the state park is across the drive and charges 32 a night, for basically the same spot. Not much to report this time around as we didn't stay long.
GuideIf you keep driving past Silver run for anybody in a motorhome or hauling a camper, there are several pull-ups on the right and a few on the left that are BLM land. Easy access but I’m assuming any Class A wouldn’t be an option. We stayed up West Fork Road( continue past Silver run and take the next left) You’ll see several options to pull off( mostly on the right) There is a Federal CG caked Basin Campground that is at the base of a mountain and has a swift brook/river along its border for any fishermen. Site 7 and the two before it have the best water access. A few miles up the road is Cascade campground which is more rough to get to ( dirt road) and no bathrooms. We had an America The Beautiful pass and stayed for $10 a night at Basin. No hookups but very peaceful with nice hosts. Great place to stay if you’re looking to drive the Beartooth Highway. We rented a Polaris Slingshot in town to do this and it was amazing. There is no way we’d take our 22’ MH on the Beartooth. We saw people towing small campers but it’s full of twist backs with no shoulder. With that being said, I wouldn’t miss it!
Dispersed camping near Cowley, Wyoming features mostly free sites with natural spacing between campers. The area sits at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet in the Bighorn Basin, creating temperature variations that can drop 30 degrees from day to night. Seasonal constraints affect access, with spring mud and winter snow limiting travel on unpaved roads throughout the BLM lands.
Fishing opportunities: Hogan Reservoir BLM Campground offers accessible shoreline fishing in a managed setting. "The reservoir is perfect for fishing, floating and cooling off after a hike," notes camper Lia T., who appreciated the immaculate grounds.
Wildlife watching: The open terrain of Cody BLM Dispersed creates excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for large mammals. "Saw some prong horns on the way in too! 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," reports Laura M.
Stargazing: Dark skies dominate nights at Sheep Mountain BLM, especially during new moon phases. "We could see the whole valley and no one bothered us. Gorgeous views and for free!" shares Katrina F. Another camper adds, "The view made it so worth it plus the darkest nights to see the stars."
Privacy despite proximity: Many dispersed sites around Cowley provide natural barriers between camping areas. At Cody BLM Dispersed, Mariana T. notes, "This area is huge so there's plenty of space to camp, you may see other RVs on the distance."
Accessibility to towns: Staying at free campsites while maintaining access to amenities ranks high for visitors. "Not far from Yellowstone and the town of Cody with amenities," mentions Cameron L. about Sheep Mountain BLM.
Off-road opportunities: The network of trails extending from camping areas creates recreational options beyond camping. As one visitor to Sheep Mountain notes, "The sheep mountain hiking trailhead is right here and lots of off-roading trails for single and double track."
Wind conditions: Strong winds frequently affect camping in the Bighorn Basin, particularly at exposed sites. Lisa D. shares about Sheep Mountain BLM: "It was a windy day and calmed down around dinner time but at bedtime it was very windy! We have a rooftop tent and platform in the van. It felt like the RTT was the sail to our van."
Road quality varies: Access roads to camping areas range from well-maintained to challenging. Sophie B. notes about Cody BLM: "Ended up going down a decently sketchy road, sedan made it but decided we better turn back to one of the first spots we found."
Weather shifts: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in this region. James C. reports, "I will say I had thunderstorms which helped block the sun and cool down the area since I was here in July."
Avoid primitive sites during peak summer: Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in July and August with limited shade at most sites. At Gravel Pit Dispersed Camping, Robert B. notes, "Great area with trees and wildlife. Spots for campfires, and plenty of space. You can get multiple groups of people in here. No bathroom so you'll be going in the woods."
Consider site selection carefully: Finding level ground can require scouting, especially with children. At Sheep Mountain BLM, Cameron L. advises, "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."
Plan for wildlife encounters: Open-range conditions mean animals frequently move through camping areas. Kerstin S. observed at Cody BLM Dispersed, "People are shooting here," suggesting hunting activity occurs in these areas.
Gravel areas provide best stability: When selecting dispersed sites near Cowley, RVers should prioritize established gravel pads. At Big Horn NRC Dispersed SR, John H. found "Amazing views" with water access, giving the location a 5-star rating.
Scout ahead if possible: Larger rigs require advance planning and potential scouting. James B. notes about Cody BLM Dispersed: "The road is rough in just a couple of spots, but we saw vans and a large Class C make it up here no problem."
Cell service for remote work: Despite the remote feeling, connectivity remains good at many sites. Chris N. reports about Cody BLM Dispersed, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cowley, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cowley, WY is Big Horn NRC Dispersed SR with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cowley, WY?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Cowley, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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