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Dispersed camping near Hartville, Wyoming centers around several reservoir areas that permit primitive overnight stays without developed facilities. Free dispersed campsites at Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access Area and Wheatland Reservoir #1 provide shoreline camping on public access lands. These dispersed sites allow campers to stay directly along the water with minimal restrictions, offering alternatives to established campgrounds. Both areas feature open terrain with limited shade and function primarily as boondocking locations for self-contained camping.
Many access roads to these reservoir camping areas consist of gravel surfaces that may present challenges during or after wet weather. Grayrocks Reservoir enforces a 5-day camping limit and currently prohibits campfires, requiring visitors to bring propane cooking equipment instead. Neither location provides drinking water, hookups, or other amenities beyond basic vault toilets at some access points. Vehicle access varies by location, with some sites requiring slow navigation across unpaved terrain, though most are accessible without high-clearance vehicles under normal conditions.
The reservoir camping areas attract visitors seeking waterfront experiences with views of surrounding hills and cliffs. Wind exposure is common at both locations, particularly at Grayrocks Reservoir where campers should secure equipment properly. Wildlife viewing includes fish activity along shorelines and occasional cattle in surrounding areas. Privacy levels vary based on visitation, with weekends typically seeing higher occupancy. "Beautiful place, real authorized camping there. Nice view on the reservoir, however pretty popular among locals so don't expect to be alone there," notes a visitor to Wheatland Reservoir #1. At Grayrocks, visitors mention that "there are many spots right on the water" though "the flies were definitely biting" during summer months.
"Free public access camping. Many spots right on the water. Great boat launches. Arrive Thursday or Friday AM to get a decent spot."
"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."
"The gps will bring you down a 2 track road on the edge of a field there is a sign that says keep out. Ignore it that is for the field not the road."
"Quiet location. Might feel like you are going the wrong way on your way in around the reservoir but keep going! Lots of spots available."
TravelerFree 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.
TravelerPulled 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.
LegendThe gps will bring you down a 2 track road on the edge of a field there is a sign that says keep out. Ignore it that is for the field not the road. The road is very bumpy yoy will come up to a pile of smashed concrete tubes just stick to the right along the lake you will start seeing spots down and to your left then right whrte the marker is onbthe dyrt their is a huge open area with alot ot spaces. Room for trailers in some spots but road is just bumpy 2 bars verizon. Their is a bathroom over at the boat launch area its more than a walk but only like 3 mins in the car. No othet amenities
TravelerWhen 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.
GuideEasy access into campgrounds, good view of the lake, nice level camping spots for tents and smaller campers.
TravelerGreat spot in between SLC & Black Hills. Quiet location. Might feel like you are going the wrong way on your way in around the reservoir but keep going! Lots of spots available.
TravelerPlenty 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.
GuideCows everywhere, water close by and beautiful hills around this area. Only downside is the insane amount of flies
GuideHas 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!
Dispersed camping near Hartville, Wyoming offers solitude in an arid high plains environment where elevations range from 4,500-5,500 feet. Weather patterns can shift rapidly, with strong winds common throughout the year and afternoon thunderstorms frequent in summer months. Water access points serve as primary camping locations with limited shade and natural windbreaks.
Waterfront activities: At Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access Area, visitors can enjoy shoreline fishing and water recreation. "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," advises camper Kyle G.
Wildlife observation: Morning and evening hours provide opportunities to spot local wildlife near shorelines. "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," notes Cat R. about her experience at Wheatland Reservoir #1.
Stargazing: With minimal light pollution and open terrain, these reservoir camping areas offer excellent night sky viewing. One Grayrocks visitor mentioned experiencing an "incredible lightning storm and sunset" during their stay, highlighting the dramatic skies common to the region.
Privacy options: Campers appreciate finding secluded spots despite overall popularity. "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," shares Mackenzie D. about Grayrocks Reservoir.
Waterfront access: Direct shoreline camping remains a major draw. "This place offers waterfront camping with beautiful views and plenty of privacy from other campers," notes Sherri S. about her Grayrocks experience.
Seasonal beauty: Water levels fluctuate throughout the year, changing the landscape. "I was here last year in late July. The water level is much higher right now so there is less land to camp on, but there are still spots. It is mostly quiet, the reservoir is beautiful and the sun rises and sunsets are gorgeous," describes Scott B. from his time at Wheatland Reservoir #1.
Seasonal pest considerations: Insects can be problematic during warmer months. "Cows everywhere, water close by and beautiful hills around this area. Only downside is the insane amount of flies," warns Rory R. about Grayrocks Reservoir.
Weather preparedness: Wind exposure requires securing equipment properly. "Check the weather before you go!" advises Jason & Sara S., who camped at Grayrocks despite windy conditions.
Fire restrictions: Current regulations prohibit open fires at certain locations. Kyle G. notes that "as of June 2025 no fires are permitted. Bring propane gas cookers, or cook in your camper/RV" at Grayrocks Reservoir.
Water conditions: Water quality varies throughout the year. "Beware of the water. There was some sort of bacteria warning when we visited," cautions Avery O. about Grayrocks Reservoir.
Arrival timing: Weekends fill quickly with local traffic. Scott B. mentions that Wheatland Reservoir #1 is "pretty popular among locals so don't expect to be alone there," making weekday arrivals preferable for families seeking quieter experiences.
Insect protection: Pack appropriate clothing for bug protection. "The mosquitos were present but didn't bite much. The flies were definitely biting but nothing pants and a sweatshirt can't fix," advises Avery O. about their Grayrocks visit.
Site selection: Some access points offer better vehicle access than others. Justin R. notes about Grayrocks that there's "easy access into campgrounds, good view of the lake, nice level camping spots for tents and smaller campers."
Entry gate selection: Larger rigs should choose appropriate access points. Alison C. advises that at Grayrocks Reservoir "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."
Road conditions: Access roads remain passable for most vehicles under normal conditions. Mackenzie D. reports: "We took a gravel road in from Fort Laramie. The road in is about 10 miles of unpaved gravel, totally fine for my SUV."
Pet considerations: Dog owners should be cautious of local vegetation. Chris M. warns that if "you bring your dog be aware the area has tons of foxtail growing which can be dangerous for dogs" at Grayrocks Reservoir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hartville, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hartville, 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 Hartville, WY?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Hartville, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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