Best Dispersed Camping near Fort Laramie, WY

Dispersed camping can be found at several reservoirs near Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access Area provides primitive lakeside sites with multiple pull-offs along the shoreline, located approximately 10 miles from Fort Laramie via gravel roads. Wheatland Reservoir #1 Public Access Area offers additional dispersed camping options with similar primitive conditions. Both areas fall under public land management with minimal facilities and services, providing true backcountry camping experiences.

Access to Grayrocks Reservoir requires navigating approximately 10 miles of unpaved gravel roads that remain passable for standard SUVs and passenger vehicles. The road to Wheatland Reservoir #1 consists primarily of gravel surfaces with some rough sections. Most sites have no drinking water, hookups, or permanent facilities beyond occasional vault toilets at boat launch areas. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete fire bans reported during summer months. Camping at Grayrocks appears limited to 5 days based on user reports. Sites are typically first-come, first-served with no reservation system.

These dispersed camping areas feature lakeside views with open terrain and limited shade. Grayrocks Reservoir tends to be busier near the entrance, with more secluded spots available farther along the shoreline. Weather conditions can be challenging with significant wind reported by multiple campers. Water activities are popular, though water quality varies with seasonal bacteria warnings sometimes posted. "Plenty of spots around the water. Lots of trees for shade," noted one visitor to Wheatland Reservoir #1. Another camper at Grayrocks mentioned, "We found a spot right on the lakeside which was secluded from everyone. If you are looking for trees, this is not the place." Wildlife viewing opportunities include fish activity along the shorelines, particularly at Wheatland Reservoir where large fish are frequently spotted.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fort Laramie, Wyoming (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fort Laramie, WY

14 Photos of 4 Fort Laramie Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fort Laramie, WY

16 Reviews of 4 Fort Laramie Campgrounds


  • Mackenzie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access

    Grey rocks Reservoir is peaceful and a perfect place to stay

    We took a gravel road in from Fort Laramie. The road in is about 10 miles of unpaved gravel, totally fine for my SUV. We drove by cattle crossing the road but they were kind and slowly crossed for us to get by. Once you get to the reservoir, there are many pull offs. We got in around 6pm and the first few sites were full, only had to drive in about 10-15 to find an open spot that worked for us! Was right on the water and only 2 cars drove by the site around 9… other than that, saw no one! Peaceful, quiet, beautiful sunset and sunrise.

    Minimal bugs at my specific site but the more trees, the more bugs you have. Very windy as we went to bed around 9 but it was the perfect weather to fall asleep too!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access

    Awesome reservoir! Beautiful location. Careful with dogs.

    Free public access camping. Many spots right on the water. Great boat launches. Arrive Thursday or Friday AM to get a decent spot.

    Sites are all boondocking only although access 8 with the boat launch does have a pit toilet.

    If you bring your dog be aware the are has tons of foxtail growing which can be dangerous for dogs.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2025

    Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access

    Good place to stop

    Pulled in around 8 during a thunder storm and just needed a place to sleep. Everything is pretty well marked with signs to tell what’s camping and what’s private property.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access

    Lakeside Dispersed Spot

    When you get to the beginning of the lake it’s very full of RVs and campers. As you keep driving there are a few dispersed spots. We found a spot right on the lakeside which was secluded from everyone. If you are looking for trees, this is not the place. Bring lots of water toys. Be advised as of jun 2025 no fires are permitted. Bring propane gas cookers, or cook in your camper/RV.

  • Justin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access

    Easy access!

    Easy access into campgrounds, good view of the lake, nice level camping spots for tents and smaller campers.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2023

    Wheatland Reservoir #1 - Public Access Area

    Peaceful

    Plenty of spots around the water. Lots of trees for shade. I spent a restful 2 nights. There are large fish (about a foot long or more) that splash along the shoreline. A few bow fishermen were there to try their luck.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access

    FLIES!!!! But amazing spot!!

    Cows everywhere, water close by and beautiful hills around this area. Only downside is the insane amount of flies

  • S
    Sep. 16, 2021

    Wheatland Reservoir #1 - Public Access Area

    Dry camping on the shore.

    Has trees and the road around the reservoir is gravel but not bad. The water level is low so muddy walking out to the shore. Beautiful! Windy some of the time. Only a few campers. Loved it!

  • joe S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access

    Good stay

    It is a nice camps spot, a bit exposed and a bit buggy by big e and had a nice vein of the lake and cliffs.


Guide to Fort Laramie

Dispersed camping near Fort Laramie, Wyoming offers accessible shoreline sites with minimal facilities. The reservoirs sit at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet where summer temperatures can reach over 90°F while dropping significantly at night. Rainfall averages only 14 inches annually, creating dry conditions except during spring thunderstorm season, with consistent high winds across the open plains.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: The waters around Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access Area attract many anglers. "If you bring your dog be aware the area has tons of foxtail growing which can be dangerous for dogs," notes Chris M., who also mentioned the "great boat launches" available at the reservoir.

Water recreation: During summer months, boating and swimming are popular activities despite seasonal bacteria concerns. "Bring lots of water toys," suggests Kyle G., who camped at Grayrocks Reservoir. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access and boat launching conditions.

Wildlife viewing: Camping at Wheatland Reservoir #1 provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. "There are large fish (about a foot long or more) that splash along the shoreline. A few bow fishermen were there to try their luck," reports Cat R., who spent a peaceful two nights at the reservoir.

What campers like

Waterfront access: Direct lakeside camping ranks as the top feature mentioned by visitors to primitive camping areas near Fort Laramie. "We found a spot right on the water and only 2 cars drove by the site around 9... other than that, saw no one!" shares Mackenzie D. about her stay at Grayrocks Reservoir.

Privacy options: While entry areas tend to be crowded, more secluded spots exist further along shorelines. "This place offers waterfront camping with beautiful views and plenty of privacy from other campers," notes Sherri S., who found the drive to Grayrocks Reservoir worthwhile for the seclusion.

Natural beauty: The landscape provides striking views despite minimal tree cover. "Beautiful place, real authorized camping there. Nice view on the reservoir," comments a visitor to Wheatland Reservoir #1. Another camper, Scott B., adds, "The reservoir is beautiful and the sun rises and sunsets are gorgeous."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads require preparation but remain navigable for most vehicles. "We took a gravel road in from Fort Laramie. The road in is about 10 miles of unpaved gravel, totally fine for my SUV," reports Mackenzie D. about reaching Grayrocks Reservoir.

Site selection timing: Arriving early, especially before weekends, improves your chances of securing desirable locations. "Arrive Thursday or Friday AM to get a decent spot," advises Chris M. about Grayrocks Reservoir.

Insect activity: Biting insects can be problematic during warmer months. "Beware of the mosquitos were present but didn't bite much. The flies were definitely biting but nothing pants and a sweatshirt can't fix," warns Avery O., who also mentioned tall grass conditions at Grayrocks.

Livestock encounters: Cattle grazing occurs in surrounding areas and occasionally impacts access roads. "We drove by cattle crossing the road but they were kind and slowly crossed for us to get by," notes Mackenzie D., describing her drive to the camping area.

Tips for camping with families

Gate selection: Some camping areas have restricted access points that may challenge larger vehicles. "Gates 1-5 are very tight if you've got a large rig. Gate 6 and the loops nearest are the best for large RVs," advises Alison C. about Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access Area.

Weather preparation: Wind and sudden storms occur frequently in this region. "Check the weather before you go!!!" emphasizes Jason & Sara S., who experienced windy conditions but still enjoyed their private beach area at Grayrocks.

Water safety: Water conditions vary seasonally with bacteria warnings sometimes posted. "Beware of the water. There was some sort of bacteria warning when we visited," reports Avery O., who still found plenty to enjoy about the camping experience.

Tips from RVers

Campsite leveling: Finding level parking for larger vehicles requires careful site selection. "Easy access into campgrounds, good view of the lake, nice level camping spots for tents and smaller campers," notes Justin R. about Grayrocks Reservoir.

Boondocking requirements: No hookups exist at these primitive camping areas, requiring self-sufficiency. "Sites are all boondocking only although access 8 with the boat launch does have a pit toilet," explains Chris M., highlighting the minimal facilities available.

Seasonal water access: Fluctuating water levels affect shoreline camping throughout the year. "The water level is low so muddy walking out to the shore. Beautiful! Windy some of the time. Only a few campers," reports Sharrie T. about Wheatland Reservoir #1, noting the gravel roads were "not bad" for access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fort Laramie, WY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fort Laramie, WY is Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fort Laramie, WY?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Fort Laramie, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.