Cottonwood Lake Campground sits within the Wyoming Range, approximately 8 miles from Highway 89 via a narrow access road. The campground offers separate areas for equestrian users and regular campers with 16 individual sites and one reservable group site. Most sites become accessible by early July when water levels at Hobble Creek crossing subside enough for safe passage, though the official season runs from May 25 to September 15.
What to do
Horseback riding: Access bridle trails directly from Spring Creek Trailhead where camping areas accommodate horse trailers and provide space for horses. A camper at Spring Creek Trailhead noted, "Great dispersed camping area. Appears to be used by a lot of hunters. There is a nice big picnic table at one site and a few spots with campfire rings and meat poles."
Hiking: Reach Lake Alice via the trail from Hobble Creek Campground. A visitor at Hobble Creek shared, "Decent campground in a remote area. No facilities. Camp is located near the trailhead to Lake Alice. You need to cross Hobble Creek to get to the campground, which can be very high in early summer."
Fishing: Try fly fishing at Cottonwood Lake for brown and cutthroat trout. The lake sits a quarter-mile from the campground and features a boat dock at the far end and a beach area for launching kayaks and paddleboards.
Wildflower viewing: Phillips Bench area offers seasonal wildflower displays. A camper reported, "Steep 3 miles up highway outside Jackson. Pull off on RIGHT small area with a beautiful waterfall fed pond!"
What campers like
Adequate spacing between sites: Most camping areas around Grover provide good site separation. A visitor to Palisades Creek Campground noted, "Adequately spaced sites, next to a creek. Well maintained, nice hiking trails. $12/night. Allows dogs and has good cell service. Picnic tables and fire pits."
Clean facilities: Vault toilets at established campgrounds are generally well-maintained. One camper at Palisades Creek commented, "This campground has a small number of lots, and when we were there in July most were filled by RVs. Only one had a noisy generator. Our spot was right next to the roaring Palisades Creek, and a short walk to restrooms."
Equestrian accommodations: Horse-friendly areas provide ample space for trailers and stock. Several campsites include specialized features like meat poles for hunters and dedicated parking for horse trailers.
Peaceful atmosphere: Most sites remain uncrowded except during peak periods. A camper at Fall Creek dispersed mentioned, "Good cell service, access to a great trail, and clean campsites. Several spots have nice access to a stream that runs through that area which was great to play in with my pup!"
What you should know
Seasonal access limitations: Many roads become impassable in early summer due to high water. A visitor to Paris Springs Campground noted, "The only issues that we had was that the water running to each campsite wasn't drinkable so it was shut off. They discounted our nightly price in half which was nice though."
Road conditions: Access roads to most campgrounds include narrow sections and potholes. Take extra care when towing trailers or RVs.
Campground amenities: Most established sites include fire rings and picnic tables. A Paris Springs camper mentioned, "They are replacing the picnic tables so each site has two, a very nice coated metal table and the old cement and wood ones. They have metal fire rings and an area large enough for a camper and a level tent site."
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly between sites. While some campgrounds offer reliable service, many remote areas have no connectivity.
Tips for camping with families
Stream access: Look for sites with safe water features for children. A visitor to Sage Hen Flats Campground shared, "Great place to camp right by the river. Good fishing and my kids loved floating the river. Need to bring canopy or have awning for shade."
Short trails: Choose campgrounds with nearby short hiking options. Paris Springs offers "a short 5 minute hike right by campground #4 that leads to a cool waterfall. It was a great way to start the morning."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Wyoming Range provides habitat for various wildlife species. Many campgrounds report frequent wildlife sightings, though proper food storage remains essential in bear country.
Weather preparation: Mountain elevations experience significant temperature drops at night, even in summer. Pack appropriate clothing for cold nighttime temperatures.
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: Most campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs but present challenges for larger rigs. At Paris Springs, one camper advised, "The sites are small; some are pull through. I don't think I'd tow a camper longer than 20 ft through there."
Water availability: Many campgrounds lack hookups. Bring sufficient water supplies for your stay, especially at dispersed sites.
Road clearance: Access roads to equestrian camping near Grover, Wyoming often include rough sections requiring higher clearance vehicles. A visitor to Phillips Bench Trailhead observed, "It's a little rough in the beginning but not bad after that, seen Subarus up there."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require substantial leveling. Bring appropriate blocks and leveling equipment, particularly for larger RVs.
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