Dispersed camping options surround Granite Canon, Wyoming at elevations between 7,000-8,500 feet, creating cooler summer camping conditions compared to lower elevations. Forest Service roads throughout the Medicine Bow National Forest provide access to primitive sites where campers should arrive prepared with all necessary supplies. Winter conditions can persist into late spring, with snow possible even in early summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Hattie Public Access Area, located about 20 miles west of Laramie, offers excellent fishing access. As one camper noted, "Great little spot ~20 miles west of Laramie. Easy access and can drive right up to the water and park. The wind was a variable as were the gnats, but they did not bite" (Eric S.).
Rock climbing: The Upper Blaire Dispersed Camping area serves as an ideal base camp for climbers. One visitor mentioned, "These sites are primitive and have a nice secluded feeling. You cannot see or hear the highway from here. There was spotty cell service... If you want to do some rock climbing in the area, these sites are very convenient" (Les R.).
Hiking trails: Several established trails wind through the surrounding forest. At Lory State Park Backcountry Campsites, you can find "a beautiful meadow with wildflowers in the summer. A relatively short hike in with multiple routes so good for a quick trip or with kids" (Becky M.).
What campers like
Solitude and seclusion: Many dispersed sites in the Granite Canon area offer privacy from other campers. At Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, "The site is off the main trail and is secluded enough so you don't see hikers or bikers. It has a nice view... and you are surrounded by the trees/rocks" (Miranda K.).
Stargazing conditions: The high elevation and distance from major cities creates excellent night sky viewing. One camper at Horsetooth mentioned the chance to "watch the sun light up the town of Foco!" and recommended "spending a night up there" for the views (Alyssa E.).
Natural surroundings: The best tent camping near Granite Canon, Wyoming features diverse ecosystems. In the Canyon Lakes Ranger District Dispersed Camping area, a visitor reported, "Stars were beautiful too very little light pollution" (Ryan B.).
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas have no amenities. At Upper Blaire Dispersed Camping, "These sites are primitive... There are no facilities here, but if you would like to access picnic tables or a vault toilet, the Blair Picnic Area is not far away" (Les R.).
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging depending on recent weather. One camper noted about Crown Point Road: "It was pretty rough driving in, there were so many 'private' lands even when you hit the national forest" (Ryan B.).
Wildlife encounters: Free-roaming livestock and wildlife are common in the area. At Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir, families enjoy "swimming, kayaking and just goofing off. Adults chill and drink and fish. Most spots do not have bathrooms... or any other facilities except a fire ring" (D.).
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Lake locations provide swimming options during summer months. A visitor to Lake Hattie noted the lake "is like a beach" with "Mountain View, swimming and fishing... no running water has restrooms and lots of camp/picnic tables" (Juana B.).
Short hiking options: Choose campsites with easy trail access for kids. At Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, "This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! From the parking lot, it's only about a mile and a half... This site would be a perfect base for exploring Horsetooth rock/Horsetooth falls!" (Miranda K.).
Wildlife viewing: Many kids enjoy spotting animals around camp. One visitor to Upper Blaire mentioned, "there are cows roaming free in this area. You might find them blocking the road or next to your tent when you wake up" (Les R.).
Tips for RVers
Site selection: Most dispersed camping near Granite Canon suits smaller RVs and trailers rather than big rigs. At Lake Hattie, a camper mentioned "any sort of car or camper could make it here no problem. No fees - this is BLM land. The lake area is beautiful and there were plentyyy of areas open" (Megan V.).
Road access: Many forest roads become progressively narrower and rougher. A visitor noted at Upper Blaire, "The washboard road coming off the highway is harsh but it smooths out when you get closer to camp" (kiloalpha 2.).
Campsite spacing: Dispersed sites typically provide good separation between campers. One person observed, "There are at least three camp site I saw that are all secluded by boulders and trees. Each one has established fire sites" (kiloalpha 2.).
