Dispersed camping opportunities near Evanston, Wyoming extend beyond the Bear River corridor, with options ranging from 10 to 30 miles from town. The surrounding high desert and mountain terrain offers camping elevations from 6,700 to over 8,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations throughout the camping season. Weather patterns frequently bring afternoon thunderstorms during summer months with common temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night.
What to do
Fishing access points: Whitney Reservoir provides trout fishing opportunities about 40 miles from Evanston. "We experienced the water drop almost 30 feet. Fishing was phenomenal. Never skunked," reports a Whitney Reservoir camper who spent 45 days at the location.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities. "We saw a moose way off in the distance," notes a visitor to Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area, where lakeside camping provides habitat for numerous bird species.
Mountain biking: Several trail networks connect to camping areas within a 30-minute drive. "Clean quiet camp with 30A and water, showers and flush toilets! Next to historic union pacific rail trail for hiking and biking (many goatheads so plan accordingly- tubeless?) Runs from dam to park city about 28mi," explains a visitor to Dry Hollow Campground.
What campers like
Reservoir camping: Multiple water-adjacent camping areas provide both recreation and scenic views. One visitor to Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside noted, "A 4 mile-ish drive off the main road this site is located right next to the lake and has vault toilets. It was lovely and peaceful and we woke up to a lovely sunrise."
Privacy between sites: Dispersed camping options offer more solitude than developed campgrounds. "Very private boondocking area about 10 miles off the highway. Wide open area; fairly level in the campsites we saw," explains a visitor about their Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside experience.
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation camping areas provide relief from summer heat. "I just returned from a 3 night stay at Whitney Reservoir and I think this may be my new favorite spot. Peaceful, beautiful…honestly words don't describe," writes a camper who visited in August.
What you should know
Bug activity: Insect populations vary significantly by season and location. "Beautiful views but insanely buggy this time of year. Couldn't open my vehicle doors for a second or they flooded in," warns a visitor to Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside in July.
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require careful navigation. "The road is okay if you go slowly; we came in with our 31' class A pulling a 12' box trailer. There's a bathroom about 6 miles in," reports a camper at Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area.
Weather considerations: Strong winds and sudden storms affect the Evanston area throughout the camping season. "The Wyoming wind made its presence felt, proving to be the only downside to an otherwise delightful stay," notes a camper at Echo Island RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access sites: Choose campgrounds with shorter access roads when camping with children. "Spots are all RV sites with covered picnic tables on concrete patios with electric and water. The campground is a little close to a road, so you can hear it, but it's still pretty peaceful," notes a visitor to Dry Hollow Campground.
Swimming options: Several nearby reservoirs offer swimming opportunities during summer months. "This is a new campground at Echo Reservoir. The sites are wonderful. Each site appears to be level, with shade over the picnic table. We enjoyed the beach access as well," shares a camper at Echo Campground.
Wildlife experiences: Many camping areas provide opportunities for children to observe wildlife. "We very much enjoyed watching the moon go through its phases and star gazing with zero light pollution. We had just a few pets... 10 turkey vultures, 2 bald eagles, 1 Osprey, 1 woodpecker, 4 deer, 2 Moose, 2 porcupines," shares a Whitney Reservoir visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces: RV campgrounds near Evanston vary in pad composition. "Park sites are gravel & track dirt into rv. Septic hookup is at the back of the site so hopefully you have a long hose," advises a visitor to Phillips RV Park.
Leveling requirements: Bring leveling blocks for dispersed sites around Evanston. "There are tons of free site all up and down the main road. The only problem is it is busy if you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest. Spots fill quick," notes a camper at Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo.
Dispersed campsite access: Many free camping areas have limited turn-around space. "About 1/4 mile down a dirt road from Hwy 39 is a good single boondocking spot with a great view. Not for large RVs. Our 17 ft trailer with 4x4 was tricky to get into the spot because the loop was so small," cautions a visitor to Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo.
