Primitive camping near Daniel, Wyoming offers diverse free dispersed sites across BLM and Forest Service lands. The Green River drainage sits at elevations between 7,000-8,000 feet with summer temperatures typically ranging from 40-80°F. Nights can drop below freezing even in summer months, and afternoon thunderstorms are common from July through September.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Warren Bridge Recreation Area, campers regularly spot diverse wildlife. One visitor noted, "Directly across the river from our site is a tall pine with an eagles nest. 2 large Bald Eagles hang out there in the evening, while a large Golden Eagle watches the nest and fights off the peregrine falcons while they're gone."
Fishing access: Multiple sites along the Green River provide convenient angling access. A camper at Fisherman Creek Road mentioned their site was "right on water" with "nice fire pits," making it easy to fish directly from camp.
Paddling opportunities: The region offers numerous paddling options from beginner-friendly sections to more challenging waters. A visitor to Cliff Creek reported, "We found a nice secluded site. It was pretty close to the creek and you could easily walk there to get into some fly fishing."
What campers like
Campsite privacy: Many dispersed sites offer good separation between campers. At Dispersed camping along Cliff Creek, a camper remarked, "Wonderfully peaceful, all sites right next to the creek, plenty of options and pretty well spaced out from each other."
Stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. A visitor commented, "I'd almost drive there again from St Louis just to lay under those stars in that picturesque valley."
Quiet atmosphere: Many sites offer peaceful settings away from crowds. At Kelly Park FS Rd #747 Dispersed Camping, campers found that "The level spots are pretty spread apart so doesn't feel crowded."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common, and conditions can change quickly. At Soda Lake, a camper reported, "The area around the lake is completely void of trees, so all of the sites are full sun, but there was a good breeze/wind most days."
Road conditions: Access roads vary considerably in quality and may require high-clearance vehicles. A visitor to Willow Lake noted, "The road was also very rough and slow coming in, we found out everything that wasn't tied down on the floor of our camper."
Bug awareness: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly near water in summer months. A camper at Fisherman Creek Road warned, "The only downside was the crazy amount of mosquitoes. Bring bug spray!"
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies widely between sites. At Cliff Creek, a camper mentioned, "The other down side is zero cell service here. You will have to drive into Jackson to get service."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly wildlife viewing: Several sites offer wildlife watching opportunities suitable for children. At Soda Lake WHMA, a visitor observed, "Beautiful huge wild Horses also roam around, but they seemed like gentle giants."
Water play options: Some sites have shallow water access for supervised play. A camper at Willow Lake found that "Water is clear but cold and super quiet during the week."
Holiday planning: Avoid disappointment by arriving early during peak periods. At Cliff Creek, a visitor noted despite popularity, "It had a big pull through spot and a campfire. There was another tent across the road and their spot had more privacy than ours."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Look for pull-through options or wider access roads. At Soda Lake, an RVer reported, "We are full-timers and have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and had scouted the area before arriving with the RV. The road to Soda Lake, Willow Lake Rd, is hard packed gravel and pretty smooth."
Leveling considerations: Many dispersed sites require minimal leveling. One RVer at Soda Lake found, "The site was surprisingly level too, almost didn't need to level at all."
Pre-scouting recommendation: When possible, scout locations before bringing large rigs. A camper suggested, "We came in around 6pm and were able to get a spot right away in area 1. There's only 2 spots in this area so it's quiet enough, but close enough."
