Dispersed camping options near Frannie, Wyoming provide access to the Bighorn Canyon area while avoiding more developed sites. The region sits at approximately 4,600 feet elevation with arid conditions and significant temperature fluctuations. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while spring and fall bring cooler conditions along with unpredictable wind patterns that affect tent camping.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Upper Bighorn Canyon offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities. Trail Creek/Barry's Landing campground provides access to prime wildlife areas. As one camper notes, "This campground is beautiful! And affordable! And provides wonderful hiking and boating opportunities with amazing views in walking distance from the sites."
Explore Cody's museums: Buffalo Bill State Park is just 10 miles from downtown Cody with its historical attractions. A visitor recommends: "We enjoyed visiting the dam and the bike park in the town of Cody, WY. We were on the river portion of the campground, there is also a loop further east on the reservoir."
Stargazing at dispersed sites: Cody BLM Dispersed camping areas offer exceptional night sky viewing away from light pollution. "Getting into the area was easy and there wasn't much there other than solitude over a vast long and wide grasslands valley and a humongous 360 degree sky view," explains a camper who stayed in July.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: The Lovell Camper Park provides economic camping with clean facilities. A visitor shares, "What a gem this find was! Free camping with showers and bathrooms as clean as home, close to restaurants and a cute movie theater, and close to the Bighorn Canyon with great wildlife."
Water access for recreation: Deaver Reservoir offers waterside camping with basic amenities. A recent camper reports, "This is a very clean and well maintained spot. Ideal for a campervan or truck camper. Good covered picnic tables and nice pit toilets Also, the reservoir was quite a pretty spot."
Quiet, isolated camping: Dispersed camping areas provide solitude for those seeking to escape crowds. One camper at Big Horn NRC Dispersed noted simply: "Amazing views," highlighting the undeveloped nature of these free sites that allow pets to roam more freely than at developed campgrounds.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Wind is a significant factor throughout the region. At Deaver Reservoir, a camper warns: "Very, very windy up here. Not recommended for tents." Similar conditions exist at most open sites in the area.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds have limited operations from May through September. North Fork Campground at Buffalo Bill State Park notes its season runs "May 1 to September 30," with services reduced in shoulder seasons.
Terrain considerations: The area features mostly exposed, treeless camping. When staying at Cody BLM Dispersed, one camper advises: "Very little shelter from the wind, however if you set up against the small hills just right, you'll have just enough shelter when things are blowing."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly trails: Trail Creek/Barry's Landing campground offers multiple hiking options suitable for families with dogs. "There weren't any bugs. The spots were spacious. There are toilets available as well as a boat launch and plenty of dry firewood. One of my favorite sites!" reports one visitor.
Playground access: When visiting with children, consider campgrounds near town facilities. Absaroka Bay RV Park provides access to nearby recreation: "It's in town by a pretty lake and has Mountain Views."
Bear safety education: Teach children about wildlife safety when camping in bear country. Campers at Barry's Landing note the "large bear lockers" at each site, making it an excellent opportunity to educate kids about proper food storage.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Billings Village RV Park offers full hookups but has limited spacing between sites. A recent visitor notes: "This a no-frills spot to spend a night, but wouldn't want to stay longer. Sites are tightly-spaced without so much as a place for more than one camper to park while checking in."
Hookup height issues: When setting up at dog friendly campgrounds near Frannie, check electrical connection height. One RVer at Billings Village RV Park mentioned: "Only hiccup was how low to the ground the electric was- we had to bend the cord to connect."
Dump station locations: Most dispersed camping areas lack sanitary dumps, requiring planning. Lovell Camper Park is one exception, with a visitor noting: "No electric but has a dump station," making it convenient for overnight stays when traveling with pets.
