The Wind River region surrounding Dubois sits at an elevation between 6,900 and 8,000 feet, characterized by red rock formations and high desert plains. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 80°F during day, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Camping options extend from developed grounds with corrals to remote backcountry sites accessible via forest service roads.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Multiple designated equestrian trails branch from East Fork Road Dispersed area, connecting to higher elevation wilderness beyond the campground. "Full disclosure, I'm not 100% on the long/latt I have provided here. I am doing this after our visit and think this is the correct spot. Cool spot up a dirt road on the way towards the Spence Trial Lawyers' College. We were on a loop by ourselves with a bathroom nearby, kinda surprising since it was dispersed," notes Morgan Y.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds provide direct access to prime fishing spots along the Wind River and its tributaries where trout fishing is productive from May through September. At Double Cabin Campground, one visitor reports, "Great fishing for brookies and cutthroat trout. There are corrals for horses nearby. There are plenty of places to camp off of the campground too."
Wildlife viewing: Campers regularly spot deer, elk, moose and occasionally bears throughout the camping areas near Dubois. "We spoke with a couple of them & they told us that grizzlies, moose, black bears, elk at times, & mule deer are very present in the valley although we only saw deer," writes Jon G. about his experience at Double Cabin Campground.
What campers like
River proximity: Many sites provide direct waterfront access for cooling off during hot summer days. At The Longhorn Ranch Lodge & RV Resort, Brandon G. writes, "We stayed in a riverfront spot and we would definitely recommend! These are very large spots that are back in spots and the Wind River is right outside your door."
Quieter alternatives: Locations outside the national parks provide more solitude and easier availability. A visitor to Pacific Creek Campground shares, "It was a nice alternative to the larger campsites within Grand Teton Park. Because it was slightly out of the way it was much quieter and didn't fill up as quickly."
Bear boxes: Many dispersed sites include bear protection facilities for food storage, critical in this active bear region. "After discovering that the given coordinates were incorrect we drove up the road a while more. We reached a fork and veered right. Shortly after we saw a campsite to the left (about 9 miles off the highway). This particular spot wasn't very private as it was immediately off the road, but there were bear boxes, restrooms, and a creek nearby," notes Renee G. about East Fork Road.
What you should know
Correct coordinates: Several campers report GPS coordinates for dispersed sites can be inaccurate or misleading. Emma C. warns about East Fork Road: "The coordinates are way off. Try 43.58428° N, 109.45601° W and you should get to the place with the bathrooms."
Permit requirements: Some sites on reservation land require specific permits. At Bull Lake, Robert T. cautions, "Be aware, you MUST have a reservation pass to camp here. I was told that you can get into serious trouble if you don't have one. Enquire at Lander or Dubois about getting a pass."
Water availability: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds and by season. At Double Cabin Campground, Josh R. notes, "Be aware that a sign posted at the campground says water won't be available again until the 2022 season."
Tips for camping with families
Avoid hunting season: If camping with children, consider timing outside peak hunting periods when some areas become busier. "We were though woken up at 6am from hunting caravans pulling up and using the campsites as parking while they took their 4x4s out. Very loud very unfortunate," reports Emma C. about East Fork Road.
Look for river sites: Children enjoy safe water play at river-adjacent sites with gradual entry points. "We stayed in a riverfront spot and we would definitely recommend! These are very large spots that are back in spots and the Wind River is right outside your door. They aren't 100% level but we really enjoyed the spot. Our 3 year old daughter loved chasing around the prairie dogs around the park as well!" shares Brandon G. about Longhorn Ranch.
Equestrian-friendly activities: Several campgrounds welcome families with horses and offer space for corrals or paddocks alongside standard camping areas. At Turpin Meadow Campground, campers note the presence of "a small herd of horses roaming with bells to deter the bears" creating a unique experience for children camping in the area.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access to some sites involves rough dirt roads requiring careful navigation with larger vehicles. At Turpin Meadows Dispersed Campground, Kathleen D. shares, "There are horrific potholes. We bottomed out and feared worse damage multiple times. It's a dodgy dirt road that can change radically with inclement weather. The road is narrow and can only accommodate 1 vehicle. If you encounter another, good luck. If you're towing a short wheel base trailer (like us) and backing up is impossible, hail Mary!"
Leveling challenges: Many sites require substantial leveling for larger rigs. "We stayed in a riverfront spot and we would definitely recommend! These are very large spots that are back in spots and the Wind River is right outside your door. They aren't 100% level but we really enjoyed the spot," notes Brandon G. about Longhorn Ranch.
Limited turn-around space: Some dispersed areas provide minimal space for maneuvering larger vehicles. One RVer at Turpin Meadows notes, "The road is narrow and can only accommodate 1 vehicle. If you encounter another, good luck."
