Best Dispersed Camping near Elk Mountain, WY
The Medicine Bow National Forest surrounding Elk Mountain, Wyoming features predominantly dispersed camping options along forest service roads and near waterways. White Rock Canyon Dispersed Site and Forest Road 318 provide secluded camping within the national forest boundaries, while several public access areas along the North Platte River, including Foote Public Access Area and Sanger Access Area, offer riverside camping opportunities. Most sites accommodate tent camping, with some areas suitable for smaller RVs and trailers, though few provide amenities beyond basic vault toilets.
Road conditions vary significantly across the region, with many sites requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. Several campers report 4WD and high-clearance vehicles are necessary for accessing certain areas, particularly Forest Road 318 where one visitor noted "4WD and decent clearance is a must. The road is in rough shape and sections had standing water and mud with deep ruts." Cell service is inconsistent but generally available with Verizon providing better coverage than other carriers. Most dispersed sites enforce stay limits between 5-16 days, and some areas require permits. Summer and early fall offer the most reliable access, though mosquitoes can be problematic near water sources during warmer months.
Riverside camping receives consistently positive reviews, with the North Platte River sites particularly valued for fishing access and seclusion. As one camper described Foote Public Access Area: "When nobody is here it's wonderful - right next to a creek, dogs can run around, and it is so very quiet and secluded." Sites within Medicine Bow National Forest provide mountain views and cooler temperatures, with fall visitors noting the colorful aspen displays. Wind exposure can be significant in open areas, making tent camping challenging at times. Hunters frequently claim sites in fall, particularly in White Rock Canyon where one reviewer observed most sites "were already filled with hunting campers that had been brought up and left" ahead of hunting season.
