Dispersed camping near Devils Tower offers primitive sites within a 30-mile radius of the monument. Located in northeastern Wyoming, these free campsites sit at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 4,500 feet with significant temperature variations between day and night. During summer months, temperatures often drop 30-40 degrees after sunset, requiring campers to prepare for both heat and cold.
What to do
Hike to Roosevelt Friendship Tower: Just 45 minutes from Devils Tower at Mount Roosevelt Camp, visitors can take a short trail to a historic lookout structure. "Tranquil spot to escape it all," notes one camper, while another mentions the "Vibrant Fall Aspen Trees" visible during autumn months.
Fish for trout: Sand Creek Public Access West Oxbow provides creek access for anglers. "The sand creek has plenty of fish to try your luck at," reports one visitor. Several pull-outs along the road accommodate multiple vehicles with designated camping areas.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple sites offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Spearfish Quarry, campers report "Saw some deer and a lot of cows." The open terrain allows for unobstructed wildlife watching, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Despite their primitive nature, many dispersed camping areas offer reasonable separation. At Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate the solitude: "Very private. Lots of space." Another notes, "Plenty of trees to go pee in but also an open spot where we could stargaze through the tent."
Convenient locations: Many dispersed sites provide easy access to attractions while maintaining a wilderness feel. One camper states, "Very convenient if you are traveling between Teddy Roosevelt National Park and Mt. Rushmore. We pulled in after dark and left as the sun rose. Right outside Deadwood."
Lakeside camping: Belle Fourche Dispersed Site offers waterfront camping opportunities. "Great spots on the water with picnic tables and fire rings. Not crowded at all," reports one visitor. Another mentions waking up to "a beautiful sunrise next to the reservoir" with "plenty of sites to choose from with vault toilet close enough to walk between sites."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to most sites requires navigating unpaved roads of varying quality. At Hartman Rock Dispersed Site, one visitor notes, "Paved road leading to gravel turn-offs, very manageable terrain." However, at Belle Fourche, a camper warns, "The road was a washboard for a long way, and we decided that the potential damage it might cause our rig was not worth the savings from dispersed camping."
Limited amenities: Most sites have no facilities whatsoever. Pack in all supplies and prepare to pack out waste. When vault toilets exist, they're typically at trailheads rather than campsites. "No fire ring, no picnic table, no hook-ups or garbage. Dispersed camping/boondocking," summarizes one visitor.
Seasonal closures: Winter access becomes limited or impossible at higher elevation sites. A visitor to Hartman Rock reported, "Would have loved to visit but closed in the winter!" Check road status before attempting winter camping trips.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with natural features: Children appreciate areas with exploration opportunities. At Belle Fourche, families can enjoy "wildlife and beautiful open surroundings" though there are "very few trees of any kind."
Consider noise levels: Some sites experience unexpected traffic. At Mt. Roosevelt, campers report "some traffic on the road, more than you would think for such a windy gravel road." One visitor noted, "Had some people pull into our spot at different times not knowing it was taken. 9:30 pm was the last one."
Plan for temperature swings: The Black Hills region experiences significant day-to-night temperature variations. Pack appropriate clothing for both hot days and cold nights, especially when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Check road access carefully: Many dispersed sites near Devils Tower have challenging approach roads. At Storm Hill BLM Land Dispersed Site, a camper observed, "I watched someone pull a thirty foot trailer up it with a 2WD Truck but he said it was quite nerve racking. There is a sign that says vehicles can not make it up when the road is wet."
Bring leveling blocks: Most free camping areas near Devils Tower lack graded surfaces. "Will fit maybe, 2 medium rigs," reports a visitor to Hartman Rock, noting the limited space with suitable terrain. Another camper at Mount Roosevelt Road mentioned, "The first pull off recommended was too steep for our van."
Research turning radius: Several sites have tight approaches. At Spearfish Quarry, a reviewer cautions, "There is a sharp right turn coming in and a steep drop. There is a 25' trailer here now but I would not risk anything longer. A van, B+, or small type C will be fine."
