Tent camping opportunities near Evanston, Wyoming provide access to remote alpine environments at elevations ranging from 7,000-10,500 feet in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day and drop to 40-50°F at night, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. The camping season generally runs from late May through early October, though higher elevations may retain snow into June.
What to do
Fishing alpine lakes: Little Lyman Lake Campground offers productive fishing for brook and speckled trout. A visitor noted, "The fishing after everyone left was great, brook and speckled trout, small but fun to catch on light tackle or flies."
Off-road exploring: Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin provides excellent access to trail networks. According to one camper, "We stayed here for the night on our rooftop tent. It's very quiet, barely any people. There's man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here."
Hiking to remote lakes: From China Meadows Trailhead, experienced hikers can trek to spectacular alpine lakes. One visitor shared, "Going to Red Castle - great trailhead and clearly marked. Going to Big meadow or Dahlgreen trail? Better have a compass since the trail is poorly marked!"
Boulder scrambling: Pyramid Lake features interesting rock formations. A camper reported, "There is also a large boulder field on the South side of the lake which is fun to scramble around. I have decided my dog is part mountain goat."
What campers like
Solitude and space: Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo offers good separation between sites. One visitor mentioned, "We came during a week day and the whole site was empty! Very quiet, very pretty, and very colorful. There were only two or maybe three spots total, so get here early."
Fall colors: September and October bring spectacular foliage displays. A camper noted, "It was chilly and very pretty around. Nice view of the sunset. There's no cell service."
Star visibility: The remote locations provide excellent night sky viewing. A visitor to Pyramid Lake remarked, "The night was extremely silent. Very private, although you could see neighbors. Sitting under the stars with my fire, I was lucky enough to have a neighbor play some guitar and sing. The stars were incredible."
Wildlife encounters: The area supports diverse wildlife including deer, elk, and numerous bird species. Campers frequently report dawn and dusk sightings near water sources.
What you should know
Road conditions: Pyramid Lake Dispersed Camping requires high-clearance vehicles. A visitor warned, "I would not attempt without a 4wheel drive with high clearance. Our 4runner did great even with the camper. I'm not an experienced off road driver, but we took our time and were careful picking our line. Was a little over an hour to make the last 4 miles."
Campground facilities: Little Lyman Lake has limited amenities. A camper reported, "This is a wonderful campground with 6 small RV campsites and 4 tent sites. Sites 2, 3, 8 and 10 are pull thru. There's two very clean pit toilets but no water."
Site availability: Popular areas fill quickly during peak season. One camper at Monte Cristo advised, "The only problem is it is busy if you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest. Spots fill quick."
Weather preparedness: Mountain conditions change rapidly. Pack layers and rain gear even in summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access options: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Dispersed Camping offers varying difficulty levels. A visitor shared, "If you go early enough in the day to scope out sites, you get a lot of freedom with what experience you will have. You can take some dispersed sites that are fairly grouped together which makes noise from other sites an issue but has lots of visual privacy."
Bring entertainment: Mountain lakes stay cold even in summer, so pack alternative activities for children if swimming isn't feasible.
Wildlife safety: Store food properly in hard containers or vehicle. Black bears occasionally visit campsites in the region.
Cell service limitations: Most remote camping areas lack connectivity. A camper mentioned, "I had ZERO AT&T service from the moment I crossed state lines from the north."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Little Lyman Lake Campground accommodates smaller RVs only. A camper reported, "This is a wonderful campground with 6 small RV campsites and 4 tent sites. Sites 2, 3, 8 and 10 are pull thru. Site 1 is a double back in and 9 is a deep back in."
Access challenges: Many forest roads become impassable after rain. One RVer advised, "Road is a little ruff coming from the west, but coming in from the north through Wyoming is way easier on the vehicle. It takes me about an hour longer, but it is worth it."
Water considerations: No water hookups available at dispersed sites and limited potable water sources. A camper noted, "Doesn't sound like they will ever get water back so bring enough with you as we could not find any even in Mountain View."
Generator restrictions: Check current regulations as generator use may be prohibited in some areas or during certain hours.
