Jelm, WY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Jelm is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Please check website for actual open/close dates. It is weather dependent.
The campground is composed of two loops, winding around the boulders, slabs and cliffs of the Vedauwoo rock formation which comprises 10 square miles of weathered Sherman granite. There are 28 campsites with tables, fire rings, trash pick up and vault toilets. This area is constructed to blend in with the natural beauty of the surroundings. The vegetation is a variety of Limber pine, Engleman spruce, Douglas fir and Aspen. The general area was once used as a hideout for outlaws. Native Americans thought playful spirits piled up the boulders. All the tent sites are walk-ins and some of them are so secluded, one might feel the "outlaw's spirit." There is access to rock climbing and a nature trail through the rocks. It is located in the Pole Mountain area and is managed by the Laramie Ranger District.
$20 / night
Curt Gowdy State Park is nestled conveniently between Laramie and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Here you will discover three reservoirs, endless recreation and unforgettable experiences! The Park is a well known destination for mountain bikers, hikers, archery enthusiasts and those just looking for a relaxing getaway. Named after the well-known sportscaster Curt Gowdy, the park was established in 1971.
$19 - $33 / night
Dowdy Lake Campground is located 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colo., near the village of Red Feather Lakes. Visitors enjoy the area for its canoeing, fishing and trail opportunities.
Canoeing and fishing are popular activities on the 115-acre, no-wake Dowdy Lake. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but a 10 mph speed limit is enforced. Anglers cast for brown, brook, cutthroat and lake trout. Several additional lakes are in the vicinity. Many hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are in the surrounding area, including the 4-mile Mount Margaret Trail. Several off-road vehicle trails are located within five miles of the campground. Other popular activities include viewing wildlife and visiting the nearby Redfeather Visitor Center.
The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest on the shore of Dowdy Lake, at an elevation of 8,200 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected during spring and summer months. Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and removal of hazardous trees, some sites have reduced shade.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
The small village of Red Feather Lakes is nearby, offering limited dining options, gift shops, general stores, a library, post office and a golf course.
$23 - $35 / night
$60 / night
At an elevation of 10,800 feet, Sugarloaf is the highest elevation campground that the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest has to offer and it is one of the highest elevation campgrounds in the United States. The sites at this location offer a breathtaking panorama of the Snowy Range which peaks out at 12,000 feet. There is little or no shade in the campground due to elevation, the pine beetle infestation, and the removal of hazard trees. This campground will have a mix of reservation sites and first-come, first-served sites for the 2024 season. If you are not reserving your site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by cash or check once you are at the campground.
Sugarloaf Campground is near a variety of hiking trails and two crystal clear snow-melt lakes: Libby and Lewis Lakes. Non-motorized craft can be used on these lakes but you must carry your boat to the water's edge. Both Libby and Lewis lakes contain brook trout and splake (a hybrid of a male brook trout and female lake trout). Lewis Lake is annually stocked by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). Use of live-bait fish is prohibited in lakes and streams within the Forest. Three popular trailheads originate in this area that range in difficulty level to accomadate visitor's interests. Savage Run Wilderness and Platte River Wilderness are nearby to the south for visitors that desire a more remote setting.
The campground sits on a spruce and fir-lined hillside in the midst of a fisherman's paradise of 102 recreational lakes. This is a rustic, picturesque campground where every site has delightful views of the Snowy Range. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, marmots, moose, mule deer, and pikas are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.
The campground is 1.5 miles from the Libby Flats Observation Area. Visitors can find many more outdoor opportunities in the surrounding Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing, and winter sports.
$20 / night
Adventurers love sleeping under the towering trees and night sky of the secluded Brooklyn Lake Campground in the mountains of southeastern Wyoming. Located eight miles northwest of Centennial, Wyoming, the facility is situated along a small, picturesque lake at an elevation of 10,500 feet. This campground will have a mix of reservation sites and first-come, first-served sites for the 2024 season. If you are not reserving your site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by cash or check once you are at the campground.
Popular activities include hiking, fishing and non-motorized boating. The 36-acre lake is a nice canoeing spot with calm water. Non-motorized boats are allowed on Brooklyn Lake with carry-down access for small recreational watercrafts. There is no boat ramp and trailered vessels cannot be used at this location.Fishing is good for brook trout. From the campground, hikers can access the Sheep Lake and Lost Lake Trails. Sheep Lake Trail also allows horseback riding.
The scenery at Brooklyn Lake can't be beat. Pine forests and grasslands surround the lake, and the snow-capped Browns Peak protrudes into the crisp, blue summer sky. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.
Visitors can find many more outdoor opportunities in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.
$20 / night
This walk-in dispersed campground provides access to biking, hiking and fishing.
Please check website for actual open/close dates. It is weather dependent.
The campground is composed of two loops, winding around the boulders, slabs and cliffs of the Vedauwoo rock formation which comprises 10 square miles of weathered Sherman granite. There are 28 campsites with tables, fire rings, trash pick up and vault toilets. This area is constructed to blend in with the natural beauty of the surroundings. The vegetation is a variety of Limber pine, Engleman spruce, Douglas fir and Aspen. The general area was once used as a hideout for outlaws. Native Americans thought playful spirits piled up the boulders. All the tent sites are walk-ins and some of them are so secluded, one might feel the "outlaw's spirit." There is access to rock climbing and a nature trail through the rocks. It is located in the Pole Mountain area and is managed by the Laramie Ranger District.
$20 / night
Curt Gowdy State Park is nestled conveniently between Laramie and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Here you will discover three reservoirs, endless recreation and unforgettable experiences! The Park is a well known destination for mountain bikers, hikers, archery enthusiasts and those just looking for a relaxing getaway. Named after the well-known sportscaster Curt Gowdy, the park was established in 1971.
$19 - $33 / night
Dowdy Lake Campground is located 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colo., near the village of Red Feather Lakes. Visitors enjoy the area for its canoeing, fishing and trail opportunities.
Canoeing and fishing are popular activities on the 115-acre, no-wake Dowdy Lake. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but a 10 mph speed limit is enforced. Anglers cast for brown, brook, cutthroat and lake trout. Several additional lakes are in the vicinity. Many hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are in the surrounding area, including the 4-mile Mount Margaret Trail. Several off-road vehicle trails are located within five miles of the campground. Other popular activities include viewing wildlife and visiting the nearby Redfeather Visitor Center.
The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest on the shore of Dowdy Lake, at an elevation of 8,200 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected during spring and summer months. Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and removal of hazardous trees, some sites have reduced shade.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
The small village of Red Feather Lakes is nearby, offering limited dining options, gift shops, general stores, a library, post office and a golf course.
$23 - $35 / night
Guide
Loads of sites along the FS roads out here, you don’t have to look hard, easier with more ground clearance
Guide
Stayed 5 days here (stat limit 16 days). Close to Summit Rest Area (potable water March-October, flush toilets), Laramie for restocks, and the Vedauwoo Recreation Area. So much free camping here, only downsides are wind, & road noise. Absolutely beautiful views of the valley. Would stay again 100%
Guide
$35/night. What a wonderful place to camp under the stars. One of the cleanest NP campgrounds I’ve come across. Closed until May 2025.
Legend
$10; $5 with senior/interagency pass. Camped in site 8 on Oct 12, 2024; in my opinion, this is the best site. Short walk to his/hers vault toilets in day use area. Trash cans nearby. Site was level & accommodated my van. Area for setting up tent. Hammock camping possible. We'll water pump located near entrance to campground next to site #2. Picnic table and metal firering on site. Overall, the campsite was clean. Good separation between sites. Some trees and foliage between sites. Site was mostly shaded. Encampment River was behind the site. Hiking trail nearby. Liked this campground. I would stay here again. Campground was well maintained, and the vault toilet was clean and stocked. Very weak T-Mobile and AT&T service.
Guide
Loved this place. Great rocks, great locations great wildlife.
Yes you can hear the Interstate but it's great wondering where the semis are off to at sunset.
Loads of cones to get fire started and don't miss the beaver pond. It's got beavers and moose!
Facilities limited but great and clean
Guide
arrived late afternoon, loads of space at the end of summer.
Beautiful sites amongst the aspen, cold but high.
Great toilets and super clean site
Scout
Very few other boondockers, and well dispersed. Very quiet with minimal traffic.
Traveler
-Moderate to heavy foot traffic -Busy, mostly big groups staying at sites having their own fun but plan ahead for finding a site -Friendly and respectful people -Very well maintained sites, trails, signage, and other infrastructure -I’d recommend at least AWD but 2wd should absolutely be able to go on the main road and access most sites (2-4) wil require awd/4wd
Scout
This is not a campsite this is mishawaka owned land. There is a campsite there for employees by the flags in the trees
GuideLoved this campground in Rocky Mountain NP! Full of new growth pine trees. Elk wondered through on some days. Depending on site, lots of privacy. Not for big rigs, but perfect for vans, tents and smaller trailers. Bathrooms clean, flush toilets. Only drawback to this stay - the dump station was already closed down for the season. Water was available. We found a dump station down the road in Stillwater Recreational area.
Guide
Beautiful campsite. Pretty remote. No cell services for about an hour down the road unless you use the emergency WiFi at the fire station in Rustic. Fire wood is available at big bend which is about 30-40 minutes back down the mountains. Camping in September got into the high 30’s. It says water is clean. When I filled my bottle it was pretty yellow so I still boiled before drinking. We were able to hear elk calls late into the evening. All together a great site.
Guide
I picked this place because it was free. When I got there maps took me in the wrong direction then rerouted me. The roads going in there are rough and then turn to sand. Car struggled a bit. It’s clearly an area for off-roaders and people with ATVs. Since I got in so late I didn’t make it to the actual coordinates this provides. I just pulled over in a spot that was clearly camped in before and slept.
Traveler
Dry campground $45 right next to LOTS of BLM (which I didn't realize) campground is dirt road lots and lots of garbage but it does look like they just bought the place and is a work in progress. Owners where very nice, only a few spots very bad mosquitoes
Guide
A dirt road about 1.25 miles leading to a boat ramp, with parking for cars/ trailers. There is a bridge with a 12ton limit per vehicle. more allowed if you are towing. peaceful and quiet at night with a very nice trail and bridge over the river . This is not really a campsite, just a nice free place to spend the night and then move on, but you can stay up to 5 days. had dirty bathrooms, no toilet paper.
Guide
Loved the location inside Rocky. We were lucky to get two nights from cancellations and were happy even though we had 2 different sites so had to move. Our favorite was the B loop - small and quiet with very close restroom. We could hear the elk bugling and deer walked through often. The second night we were at the end of the C loop, site 42. Very large site next to the water spigot and right next to the walking path that goes a few miles towards Estes. Not a big deal, but after 3 days of hiking in the park, it was tiring to walk uphill to the restrooms and to the trash dumpster! Beautiful view of Deer Mountain and there is also a city open space at the end of the campground. Heard owls while walking here early in the morning. Hope to go back next year and stay in one spot!
Traveler
Stayed here 2024/09/11. Easy access, well marked and well separated dispersed campsites. Good views. Only downside was distant traffic noise from I-80. Would stay here again.
Guide
Strenuous hike to Upper Chipmunk from Lawn Lake TH. Approximately 4.2 miles to the campsite. Water was not close. You will have to hike down to Ypsilon Lake then back up to the site. Overall, it was quiet no complaints but not my favorite site.
Traveler
It’s an open area, ie no shade and it’s simple boondocking (which we like). Peaceful, open area, minimal sites with good views and also had some horse petting time.
Scout
Beautiful please to see the sunset
Guide
Amazing campsite. Plenty of spots directly next to the river and beautiful views all around.
The fishing is excellent on this stretch of water as well.
Guide
Amazing location. Good trails. Water and clean toilets. First come first serve. Got there around 1 pm and around 6 out of the 16 spots still available. Filled up fast throughout the evening. Got below 30 degrees at night so come prepared!
Guide
29 really spread out dispersed camping spots along a very long road. Some of them are hard to find. A few really awesome hiking trails a couple different lakes to choose from for fishing kayaking. It’s along rd 151 you also have Peterson lake nearby as well. I found two group campgrounds that are pay per night (22 a night) they have toilets and water. The dispersed by Peterson lake was very rough road high clearance recommended. The 151 to long draw relatively smooth and vehicle could make it
Scout
We showed up at night and it was very quiet, no problem finding a spot to camp. However, during the day the gnats, bugs, and ants were everywhere. Literally crawled up our boots and bodies. Great place to over night, but terrible place to hang out during the day unless you have a bug net.
Guide
Stayed here over a weekend and wanted to stay longer. Pulled our 33’ travel trailer and there were good spots off the road.
Ranger
A long time favorite for our family. About 72 miles from the biggest town, Fort Collins. About 13 mile from the nearest services, which are limited, at Sportsman's Lodge & the Trading Post. 25 miles from Archer's and 26 miles from Glen Echo at Rustic which has a bit more to offer, including a restaurant and liquor store in addition to staples and touristy stuff.
1st come, no reservations, 41 sites with the usual basic campground amenities. On site host with firewood for sale. Situated between the tiny headwaters of the Laramie River and the much larger West Branch of the Laramie.
7ish miles from the pavement of Hwy 14 on dirt road. No cell and no Wifi. I'm not a fan of their water which is available at one pump, near site 3. Closest cell service and Wifi that I know of would be at Glen Echo.
Gateway to the Rawah Wilderness with the main access trailhead located a short walk away at the West Branch TH.
Scout
Was an old KOA. In fact, there are two typical KOA A frame buildings that need to be torn down due to their lack of upkeep. The grounds were overgrown with weeds knee high.
Scoutsimple, and easy place to get to… flat awesome sunset
Camping near Jelm, Wyoming, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
Camping around Jelm, Wyoming, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Jelm, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Jelm, WY offers a wide range of camping options, with 195 campgrounds and RV parks near Jelm, WY and 64 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Jelm, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jelm, WY is Vedauwoo Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 49 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jelm, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 64 free dispersed camping spots near Jelm, WY.
What parks are near Jelm, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Jelm, WY that allow camping, notably Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG and Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland.
