Best Tent Camping near Elk Mountain, WY
Dispersed tent camping options surround Elk Mountain in southern Wyoming, primarily clustered along the North Platte River and nearby public access areas. Foote Public Access Area offers primitive riverside tent sites with minimal amenities, located approximately 20 miles southwest of Saratoga. The Medicine Bow National Forest also provides established tent camping areas with varying levels of accessibility throughout the region.
Access to most tent sites requires travel on dirt roads that may become difficult after rain. Foote Public Access Area features a small number of informal campsites—typically accommodating only 3-5 tents at once—with a vault toilet but no potable water. Camping is restricted to designated areas only, and most sites prohibit open fires, requiring campers to bring contained cooking systems. The North Platte River access points have experienced status changes, with some areas like Pick Bridge Road converting from overnight camping to day-use only. Tent campers should bring insect repellent, as multiple reviewers mention significant mosquito activity near water sources.
These riverside tent sites provide direct water access for fishing and paddling opportunities. Most primitive camping areas near Elk Mountain offer excellent seclusion with few neighboring campers, especially during weekdays. The landscape ranges from riverside locations with occasional farm noise to more remote forest settings. Tent campers will find generally level ground but potentially overgrown vegetation in some areas. A recent review noted, "It's a nice area next to the river. There are only spots for maybe 5 vehicles maximum." Elsewhere in the region, Lake Hattie Public Access Area provides tent camping with mountain views, though the exposed shoreline lacks shade trees and can become crowded during peak seasons. Campers seeking more remote tent sites should explore the Medicine Bow National Forest's dispersed options, which require four-wheel drive to access.
