Dispersed camping near Daniel, Wyoming offers access to national forest lands at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 9,300 feet. The area experiences cold nights even in summer with temperatures often dropping below 45°F after sunset. Most dispersed sites are positioned along river corridors or in high-country forest clearings that accommodate both tent and smaller RV setups.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Upper Green River Access offers excellent opportunities for animal sightings. "A short walk to probably the cleanest pit toilets I have ever seen" notes Vania Z., who appreciates the peaceful setting with "most sites filled but the group area had a few spots with picnic tables left."
Fishing in glacial lakes: Willow Lake provides access to clear mountain water for anglers. Joe J. describes it as "a long, typical area glacial cut fiord type lake" with "good sandy beach areas right at campsites for mooring." The fishing quality varies by location on the lake: "Use extreme lower end, flooded prairie for bows, and occ. Browns. Use subsurface bars, (cut thru glacial terminal moraines for Macs)."
Backpacking preparation: Trails End Campground serves as an excellent staging area for wilderness hiking trips. Lisa H. confirms: "I camped here before backpacking the Wind River Range. No water. But did have a very clean bathroom and excellent paved road to campground." The campground sits at 9,350 feet elevation, providing immediate access to wilderness trails.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Despite limited amenities, campers appreciate the spacing at higher-elevation campgrounds. At Trails End Campground, visitors note the "very nice small campground but very good privacy between sites" that makes overnight stays comfortable before wilderness adventures.
Lake access for dogs: Soda Lake WHMA offers pet-friendly shoreline camping with open spaces for dogs to explore. Katherine C. describes "nice flat spots with a fire ring and picnic tables, and lake access + boat launches. Spots are well dispersed so you're not too close to your neighbor."
Reliable facilities: Even at primitive dog-friendly campgrounds near Daniel, the maintenance quality stands out. Greg L. notes Soda Lake has "numerous camps (estimated at least 20 camp sites) with tables and fire rings scattered around the entire lake" plus "several toilet/restrooms scattered around the lake."
What you should know
Site availability challenges: Popular dog-friendly locations can fill quickly on weekends. Kurtis M. shares about his experience: "We came through on July 4 weekend late at night... it was brutal finding a free site. I imagine it is an amazing place to stay any other time of day, but our experience was just finding lots of full sites."
Weather considerations: High-elevation camping brings temperature fluctuations and wind. At Soda Lake, Carla K. warns: "The lake itself is beautiful and the sites are really large... Downfalls: no trees so the wind is brutal! The lake has leeches so no swimming... which was a huge disappointment."
Road conditions: Access to more remote dog-friendly campgrounds requires preparation. Greg L. cautions about Willow Lake: "The access road is very very steep narrow last 1 mile to get over the final lateral moraine ridge so pulling a big trailer is a bit of a risk." At Trails End Campground, recent conditions include "road has been torn up to gravel last 4 mi or so... as of June 20 2024 it was washboard dusty gravel last few miles to top."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety planning: Families should note that many dog-friendly sites lack reliable drinking water. At Willow Lake, Greg L. confirms there's "no tables, fire rings, water or trash." Plan to bring all water needed for both humans and pets.
Kid-friendly locations: For families seeking more amenities, Highline Trail RV Park provides comfortable facilities. Lori T. describes "grounds are well groomed with ample space between sites. Plenty of shade and great views of the mountains. The horses grazing in the open areas just added to the ambiance."
Activity options: Structure your stay with both on-site and off-site activities for kids. Lucy L. describes Trails End as having "hiking and biking trails that leave right from the campground... Campground had vault toilets but no running water available. Pack in what you need and download maps before entering."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Daniel Junction provides reliable connections for larger rigs. Kimberly notes it's a "newly renovated RV park. Motel on property as well as a full Restaurant/Bar, convenience store, gas station." However, expectations should be managed as Kevin C. describes: "Reality... gas station RV park. It does has a grill/bar but expectations vs reality is disappointing."
Leveling needs: Most dispersed sites require preparation for uneven terrain. At Rim Station RV Park, the spots are described as "simple but are more than enough for the sort of people this park will attract. Other reviewers on here with negative things to say about a gravel pad should stay out of Wyoming."
Year-round considerations: Many campgrounds have limited seasonal availability. The Wind River View Campground operates from "June 1 to September 15" while Greg L. notes Trails End has a "14-day limit" with a camp host on-site during the operating season from "mid-June to mid-September."
