Tent camping options near Fort Laramie, Wyoming include several primitive sites with varying amenities and terrain. Waters Point in Glendo State Park offers 12 basic tent sites with vault toilets, bench seating, and fire pits, though fire bans may be in effect seasonally. Other options include Packer Lake Campground and Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area across the border in Nebraska, which provides both drive-in and walk-in tent access.
Most tent campgrounds in the Fort Laramie region provide minimal amenities, requiring campers to pack in their own water and supplies. Waters Point features primitive tent sites with bench and fire pit combinations, though campers should check current fire restrictions before planning to cook over open flame. Vault toilets are available at most established tent areas, but shower facilities are not provided. The sites typically have natural, ungraded surfaces that work well for standard tent setups but require proper staking. Pets are permitted at most locations, including Waters Point and Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area.
Tent campers in the Fort Laramie area benefit from relatively uncrowded sites even during peak seasons. The primitive nature of these campgrounds appeals to visitors seeking a more authentic outdoor experience without the disturbance of RVs or large camping setups. Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area provides excellent access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities. A recent review noted, "We had a blast hiking and fishing around the area. The sites were well kept." Waters Point offers a more compact camping experience with sites that, while not exceptionally scenic, provide adequate spacing between neighbors. Packer Lake Campground has received less favorable feedback regarding maintenance, with visitors reporting debris and limited appeal despite offering both walk-in and drive-in tent camping options.
"Clean and comfortable for dry camping. It doesn’t have any restroom but it does have a water outlet. Blue skies and birds all around."
from $10 / night
"Waters Point is a small primitive campground with 12 tent sites, vault toilets and bench and fire pits but there is a fire ban at the moment. Not the prettiest area but not on top of each other."
from $8 / night
"We had a blast hiking and fishing around the area. The sites were well kept and we will be back."
GuideFirst come, First Serve. $25/night. Level pads and easy to back into. Creek running behind the campground. Public Internet is available. There is a train nearby, but the whistle is not too loud. Would stay here again.
GuideClean and comfortable for dry camping. It doesn’t have any restroom but it does have a water outlet. Blue skies and birds all around. It’s a pay at the kiosk and charges higher for out of state visitors.
RangerWe stayed one night at a power plug in as a treat and then moved to the no reservation area for a week or so closer to the water and had a wonderful time. Super soft sandy roads coming into the camp sites so had a few times getting our car stuck, probably not the best in that area for heavy rigs. The walk to the water is surprisingly long lol but lovely. The water was warm and pleasant during August. We had a wonderful time on the weekdays, weekends were a bit loud due to other campers. The Marina restaurant nearby is cute and everyone is really nice. Check out the nearby trail in the dam area. Trash on the way out which is great. Self serve pay.
GuideWas weird camping by a golf course, small cute, clean area. Had electrical and water, no dump station. Nice dog park across the pond/creek/river and access to a trail system that took you to historical sites in the area.
Could not book online need to go into golf house to reserve a site. They will give you a sticker/paper to put on your camper. Glue did not come off when peeled the paper off the camper.
GuideI stopped here on my way from Florida to Shoshone National Forest. It was very convenient and provided water and electric. All the sites were back in but with plenty of space.
ScoutFriendly host. Easy to register online with QR at campsite. Has electric and water and if needed sewer. Reasonable prices.
RangerWould be 4 stars if there were at least some kind of direction. The first entrance you come to is technically the end of the campground if you consider the higher number sites being the end. The second entrance has a line of dumpsters and starts with the camp host. There are no signs at the forks telling you which numbers are which direction. So we guessed and thankfully were right. Although the gravel road is mostly smooth for a gravel road there is a little washout in some areas and we'd prefer not to drive around the whole place just trying to find our spot. Only saw one sign while riding our scooters through the park that indicated a set number of sites in the teens so make sure to save or screenshot a map. Its not a huge campground but who really wants to drive the whole grounds. Vault toilets dotted throughout but we never used them. There is for sure a water fill station at the first entrance. We were already full but someone was using it to fill when we drove in so it appears to be in good working order. Dumpters at both ends. Newer boat ramp and plenty of parking available for trucks w/ boat trailers either in the paved lot or on the beach. Rangers with invasive species check station in operation. Water level was very low during our visit but still beautiful. Was also clearly stated on the website along with other alerts such as the bloom and fireban. The bloom did not seem to affect the area we were at. The water was clear and clean. Our site #4 very large pull through and its quite sloped. We had to use 3 blocks on the right side to level. Can see the water through the trees. Every evening the deer made a loop around us for dinner grazing. They even came quite close. Very cute. Only other complaint is some of the people would drive by quite fast and kick up a lot of dust. There is only one dump station for the entire park located at the park head quarters after shelter point campground and the marina.
TravelerNot much shade here, but the sites are level. My van doesn't need electricity, so I'm in a $12 tent site. Pay by phone. Good cell signal. Easy access on a dirt road. Class A and fifth wheels are here, too.
RangerRight of rt25 in Wheatland with beautiful mountain views. Super friendly and helpful owner would definitely stay again. Very clean laundry/bathroom building. Gravel dirt lot with cement pads, full hookups and picnic tables. Very long sites can accommodate big rigs. I reserved by phone a week in advance. No credit cards so bring check or cash $60 at the time of my visit.
Tent campsites near Fort Laramie, Wyoming offer primitive camping experiences in high plains terrain, with elevations ranging from 4,200 to 4,600 feet. The camping area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs often exceeding 90°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most tent sites in this region are ungraded with natural surfaces that require proper tent staking techniques due to occasional high winds.
Fishing opportunities: Waters Point at Glendo State Park provides access to reservoir fishing where anglers can catch walleye and trout. The area's proximity to water makes it convenient for combining camping with fishing excursions, though campers should verify current reservoir water levels before planning fishing trips.
Hiking trails: Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area offers extensive trail networks through mixed prairie and woodland terrain. According to Jesse S., "We had a blast hiking and fishing around the area. The sites were well kept and we will be back."
Historical exploration: Fort Laramie National Historic Site is located within driving distance of local campgrounds and provides educational opportunities about frontier settlement and military history. The visitor center contains exhibits detailing the fort's significance during westward expansion, with ranger-led tours available seasonally.
Privacy between sites: While Waters Point's tent sites aren't particularly scenic, campers appreciate the adequate spacing between camping spots. Shannon G. notes that the sites are "not the prettiest area but not on top of each other," providing sufficient separation for a more private camping experience.
Maintained facilities: Despite the primitive nature of camping options, many tent sites receive regular maintenance. Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area maintains their sites consistently, which enhances the overall experience for visitors exploring the outdoor recreational activities in the area.
Accessibility: Most tent campgrounds in the region feature drive-in access with parking areas adjacent to tent sites. Lost Springs City Park offers tent camping with convenient access to basic toilets, though the park lacks additional amenities found at larger facilities.
Seasonal fire restrictions: Fire bans are common in the Fort Laramie area, particularly during summer months. A recent visitor to Waters Point mentioned that "there is a fire ban at the moment" during their August stay, highlighting the importance of checking current restrictions before arrival.
Limited water access: Most tent campgrounds near Fort Laramie do not provide drinking water. Campers must pack in their own water supplies sufficient for their entire stay, as the nearest resupply points may be considerable distances from camping areas.
Variable site quality: Tent camping options in the region show significant variation in maintenance and appeal. Packer Lake Campground received negative feedback from Jeannie R., who reported, "There were wrecked cars at the edge of the water, both sides of the 'lake' are not much bigger than a pond. We left and drove on!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds in the Fort Laramie area provide chances to observe native wildlife. The Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area contains habitats supporting deer, turkeys, and various bird species, making it educational for children interested in nature.
Weather preparation: The region experiences rapid temperature changes, often with hot days followed by cool nights. Families should pack layered clothing and ensure sleeping bags are rated appropriately for potentially cold overnight temperatures, even during summer months.
Activity planning: Due to limited on-site amenities at most tent campsites near Fort Laramie, families should prepare entertainment options in advance. Shawnee Lost Springs City Park provides basic facilities but offers minimal structured activities, requiring families to create their own recreational opportunities.
Site limitations: Most designated tent camping areas near Fort Laramie are not suitable for larger RVs. Packer Lake Campground technically allows RVs but lacks hookups and has limited space for larger vehicles, making it primarily appropriate for smaller camper vans or truck campers.
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive campsites can become problematic after rain. RVers should check weather forecasts before attempting to reach tent camping areas, as many access routes lack all-weather surfaces and may become impassable for heavier vehicles.
Self-sufficiency requirements: RV campers staying at tent sites must be prepared for dry camping. No electrical hookups or sewer connections are available at Waters Point or other tent-focused campgrounds in the region, requiring campers to manage power and water usage carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fort Laramie, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fort Laramie, WY is Lower Spotted Tail — Guernsey State Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Fort Laramie, WY?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Fort Laramie, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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