Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Encampment? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed in most places. From getting away from it all to just enjoying a weekend with friends, dispersed camping can make for a great story. Across the forests, opportunities range from dispersed camping miles into wilderness or just off a forest road in designated dispersed areas. Make sure to bring everything you need when dispersed camping, as water, restrooms, and fire rings may not be available nearby, and always remember to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Use the links below to explore the wide range of dispersed opportunities the forests and grasslands have to offer. For comprehensive information on dispersed camping opportunities, please contact the ranger district office in the area you plan to visit.
Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed in most places. From getting away from it all to just enjoying a weekend with friends, dispersed camping can make for a great story.
Scout
This spot will no longer allow overnight camping. It is day use only
Guide
Loads of sites along the FS roads out here, you don’t have to look hard, easier with more ground clearance
Scout
Very few other boondockers, and well dispersed. Very quiet with minimal traffic.
ScoutA little way off of WY-130 on a good dirt road. Good for up to mid-size trailers or smaller. Scattered informal sites, no water or hookups, two pit toilets. Signs indicate that camping is OK. Beautiful location on the North Platte River.
Guide
A dirt road about 1.25 miles leading to a boat ramp, with parking for cars/ trailers. There is a bridge with a 12ton limit per vehicle. more allowed if you are towing. peaceful and quiet at night with a very nice trail and bridge over the river . This is not really a campsite, just a nice free place to spend the night and then move on, but you can stay up to 5 days. had dirty bathrooms, no toilet paper.
Scout
We showed up at night and it was very quiet, no problem finding a spot to camp. However, during the day the gnats, bugs, and ants were everywhere. Literally crawled up our boots and bodies. Great place to over night, but terrible place to hang out during the day unless you have a bug net.
Scoutsimple, and easy place to get to… flat awesome sunset
Guide
Good Verizon service, was able to work remote. Got pretty windy but it was nice on the hot days. Idk if I’d swim in the water. There was a pit toilet. Good view of the mountains. Agree with review below that it’s not a destination spot, but if you’re in the area I’d do a night
Guide
This was our first stop on a week long road trip from Colorado Springs to the Oregon Coast and, honestly, we could have just hung out there and saved all the miles.
It was a such a beautiful area mid September. All the leaves were changing, it was cool and misty, the view was spectacular, yes it was rough as hell to get there, but totally worth it if you’ve got the rig for it.
My only note for the area was that there were a lot hunters walking through and around our camp, but everyone was polite and respectful.
TravelerJust to update this since the last review had it closed. The road leading up to the summit is back open, but it is ROUGH. I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse.
You will not be able to get anything low clearance or anything you're towing that does not have independent suspension + high clearance (I dropped my 18' TT at Walmart and went to scout - glad I did) While I was 1/4 up into the climb, a Sprinter Van was stopped at what is probably the worst portion of the road. If you can make it past that first choke point, you'll pass a park then walk-in camp site on the left and then shortly after another camp spot on the right that is more van friendly. Both are not good for trailers. It is after those two sites the road goes from bad to worse.
If you have a Camper on a F350 or high clearance + tent, it has some of the best views I've seen at a park spot. It's worth the drive up there for pictures if you're curious, but I would unhook anything you're carrying before doing so.
ScoutClearly marked directing you to the location. Bumpy dirt road until you reach the lot. It’s a parking lot camping location. Clearly marked camping area designated (5 days max). Clean, quiet, will stay again.
Ranger
Good spot . Road was very iffy for my 2wd sedan, but I made it. Perfect on the way in or out of medicine bow.
Ranger
Stayed one night at the coordinates of camper 1 . Had a great time with my dog, very close to medicine bow, and awesome views of the river. Heard no cars throughout the night, there were three other campers I believe .
Ranger
Stopped in late, made it fine with 2w low clearance, I stayed at the first spot, I’m not sure how many there were. Light traffic throughout the night, but overall peaceful stay.
GuideLovely location with secluded spots. The stars and view were awesome and the wind blew just right all night.
Scoutwouldn't recommend if you are tent camping, but i was very comfortable in my car despite very strong winds. ATT is intermittent but works nonetheless! no toilet paper in toilets so bring your own! nice quiet spot but as others have said, it's definitely not a destination spot
Traveler
Very peaceful campground, right by a lake with a nice view. People came and went throughout the day to go fishing at the lake and some with ATVs.
During the night there was only one other group of campers but its a fairly large campground with plenty of spots so they were far away. The total amount of offroading is ~3 miles as most of the drive is paved road. The dirt road is well taken care of and almost any car could make it. This area seemed to be part of a wildfire as there are many trees cut down that have scorch marks. The lake is relatively small but theres another body of water just across the far end. I didnt venture over there but youre able to see it across the lake.
GuideI had a rough time at this campsite, but I don’t want to discount it entirely. There were tons of mosquitoes. My spot was out in the open so when thunderstorms rolled through I opted to sleep in my car. There was a couple different spots, mine was away from some of the seemingly main spots. Beautiful riverside
GuideGreat camping spot within Medicine Bow National Forest. Some of this area requires a $5 day fee which can be paid online or using an envelop system with cash.
When you first pull onto FS RD 200 you will wind down past many easy to reach sites with 2wd. Small RVs should be fine as well. As you continue on, you will come across multiple splits in the road leading to more sites. If you are going when there is still a lot of snow melt (through late June) I would recommend 4x4 the further back you go.
I personally camped across from the Keystone Reservoir and it included a level site and a nice fire ring.
Guide
Unfortunately the road is closed right now, I’m not even supposed to be here idt but I foraged through the woods from the campsites further back north on the dirt road. But I figured I’d at least let yall know there is a campsite here.
Traveler
Such a tranquil setting, we had the whole place to ourselves. About 3 miles off the beaten path , through the T&A Ranch. We will return.
ScoutStoped by and there are no camping signs everywhere
ScoutRoad closed right by buffalo Pass campground. No way of getting through to spots and no sign of when the road will open
Scout
Stopped here on my way through. Got here around 3pm only 2 other people. Only a few spots are larger for 5th wheels etc. road was pretty bumpy coming down, you pass a few farms and a lot of private property which can be confusing. Boat launch doesn’t allow camping, camping is right around the bend. Right next to the river and absolutely beautiful. NO OPEN FIRES. Close to houses, secluded but not entirely out in nature by yourself. Would definitely camp again! Easy to find, good Verizon cell reception. Quiet spot.
Guide
The coordinates get you here but there is nothing at the coordinates. You have to drive just a short distance further to find a spot. It is super quiet and very pretty. 4 bars Verizon.
TravelerA good spot to find. No services. No cell. Just a couple of spots but no one else around the 1st of October. A traveler's overnight spot
ScoutThe forest road was a bit washed out in some places and required decent clearance but outside of a few big bumps the road was a fun ride! Campsites were many but pretty full upon my late arrival. Would recommend daylight arrival if possible as many spots didn’t appear obvious in the night!
Dispersed camping near Encampment, Wyoming, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Encampment, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Encampment, WY is Foote Public Access Area Dispersed with a 3.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Encampment, WY?
TheDyrt.com has all 35 dispersed camping locations near Encampment, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
