Camping options near Jelm, Wyoming include several dispersed and established sites throughout the surrounding mountain and reservoir areas. Miller Lake dispersed camping provides free primitive sites with fire rings and vault toilets, situated near a small mountain lake with fishing access. For those seeking more amenities, Wood Landing Campground offers cabin rentals, RV sites with hookups, and tent camping along the Laramie River. Several public land areas managed by BLM and Forest Service provide no-cost alternatives with varying levels of accessibility, particularly in the Twin Buttes Reservoir and Evans Creek areas.
Road conditions vary significantly across the region, with many dispersed camping areas requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. "Beautiful old abandoned campground! There are cows and unfortunately the water nearby has some issues with it. However this area is beautiful and I always look forward to camping here," notes one visitor about Miller Lake. Weather patterns include strong winds, particularly at exposed sites like Twin Buttes Reservoir where little tree cover exists. Cell service varies dramatically - with Twin Buttes offering good connectivity while other forest locations have limited or no service. Most dispersed sites have a 5-day camping limit and limited facilities, though some areas like Twin Buttes Reservoir maintain vault toilets that are regularly serviced.
The camping experience near Jelm centers around water access, mountain views, and relative solitude. Waterfront camping at Lake Hattie and Twin Buttes Reservoir provides scenic mountain backdrops, though exposed shorelines create wind challenges. According to reviews, Lake Hattie features "a beautiful mountain backdrop behind the lake" but can be crowded during peak periods. For those seeking more wooded surroundings, Lake Owen Campground offers a forested setting with proximity to the Medicine Bow Rail Trail, making it popular for families with children who enjoy biking. Several visitors note issues with biting insects at waterfront locations, particularly during evening hours. Little Cabin With a View receives consistently high ratings for its cozy accommodations and nearby river access, with one visitor describing it as having "awesome views" and "very cozy" accommodations.
"The bugs were terrible when we got there around sunset, but in the morning they weren’t swarming. There was lots of space between campers, and lots of places to choose from, all giving the same view."
"We arrived around sunset for a quick night on our road trip heading West. There were some bugs out but nothing crazy. Peaceful sounds of birds and waterfowl."
"Very peaceful campground, right by a lake with a nice view. People came and went throughout the day to go fishing at the lake and some with ATVs. "
"There are cows and unfortunately the water near by has some issues with it. However this area is beautiful and I always look forward to camping here"
$125 / night
"There is river access very close and they offer a razor ride up jelm mountain and numerous trails to hike on."
"Camped at Lake Hattie May 2020. We have a Tacoma and RTT, but any sort of car or camper could make it here no problem. No fees - this is BLM land."
"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."
$40 / night
"This small campground is located on the Laramie River at historic Wood's Landing. It has log cabins with common facilities and 5 available water/30 amp electric and a dump station."
$20 / night
"A lot of trees have been cleared near the lake, but there are plenty of Aspen's and new babies growing. Everytime we have gone there there is always room to camp, even on 4th of July."
$20 / night
"We camped on the dispersed area just to the east of the campground in a pleasant spot in the trees and boulders a good distance from the dust of the road."
"Beautiful spots to camp and you can tuck yourself away behind a rock formation and far from your neighbors. "
"Short drive into the Medicine Bow National forest and you’re here. There are a couple of loops right as you enter, which are the most level places to park a rig."
"I tent camped tucked into the forest a bit. The birch was dripping sap all night and I think I would have put my tent in the open if I had known. Some nice little fire pits."
LegendAfter leaving RMNP we headed towards Steamboat Springs via Poudre Canyon and the Roosevelt NF. Spent a quiet night off the highway. A few cars went by and a flock of turkeys but was otherwise a quiet spot to camp for the night. It is dispersed camping so no facilities or trash receptacles available. Pack in-pack out.
GuideIdk, spur of the moment.
GuideEasy road to find and follow. A little rough with some pretty jagged rocks on the way up, but I made it no problems with a low riding EV. Ended up parking off the main road since it was completely deserted. You can hear some highway noise, but otherwise very peaceful!
LegendIts in town so close to alot of stuff. Full hook ups. They also have premium sites with a nice table and chair with a BBQ smoker. They have mailboxes and a little campground store. Its location is nothing special just a gravel lot with paved roads. You are packed in like.sardines and alot of people living here long term. If you got something to do in the area and are only sleeping here, it could work as a base camp. 2-3 bars verizon 5g
LegendWithin 2 miles you have a free site, a cheaper site $14/7 then this site $20 or $10 per night with america the beautiful pass. The only advantage to this site is a small creek that helps drown out the noise. 0-1 bar verizon. Skip this place stay down the road
LegendAmerica the beautiful pass gets you this place for only $7 per night. Paved road all rhe way to and through. Pit toilet and dumpster in common area. The sites are small open and close together. Picnic table fire pit and park grill at the sites. Stay limmit is 14 days it is currently closed maybe seasonal.but maybe gov shutdown. Check dates if you come in the fall
LegendThe reading getting up here is bumpy and a little washed out but nothing to worry about you can get to the first area with just a normal car no issues. 4 bars verizon cell. No bathrooms or amenities. The views are amazing up here you can see all the way into colorado. If yiu go down the hill like 3 minutes you come into a little town had gas, a bar and some food options. Up the hill takes you to some amazing mountain lakes. This is a great spot to adventure and then come back to camp for some rest
LegendThis place is very close to town. There are a bunch of spaces all facing the lake. The back half of the loop is elevated so even they get a view. The sites have electric hookup but no water or sewer however there is a vault toilet. Most of the sites have picnic tables but some dont. The place is pretty empty off season. Probally because it gets so cold at night here. 3 bars lte verizon. No issues with road and big rig friendly.
LegendOf the 3 or 4 spots out here this has by far the best cell over by the boat ramp I get 4 bars of 5g on verizon. This is similar to all the other spots in the area. Gravel area. Some picnic tables and a vault toilet seems to be the standard load out in this area. This one does have a large pull through spot where a guy had a very large pull behind and a truck so if you have a bigger rig check thus one out. Not as many waterfront spots here tho
Dispersed camping near Jelm, Wyoming offers options across forest, mountain, and reservoir lands with varying accessibility. The area sits at approximately 7,500-9,000 feet elevation in the Medicine Bow mountains, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Many sites close during winter months due to snow accumulation and road access limitations, with optimal camping typically running from late May through September.
Fishing opportunities: Twin Buttes Reservoir provides accessible fishing with diverse wildlife viewing. "We saw a family of eagles, a golden eagle, and many shore birds and water fowl" notes Susan D., though she warns "the soil is very clay - so slippery when wet."
Mountain biking: The Lake Owen Campground connects to the Medicine Bow Rail Trail, which offers family-friendly riding. "The campground is near the Medicine Bow Rail Trail which was great bike riding for my grandsons who are 8 and 6," reports RoseMarie C.
Bird watching: Meeboer Lake offers excellent bird watching opportunities with minimal amenities. One camper describes "peaceful sounds of birds and waterfowl" while another mentions "Tons of tiny bugs that get into everything."
Seasonal color changes: The forested areas transform dramatically in autumn. "GO IN THE FALL, with all the Aspen's it is beautiful and an old railroad trail to walk along is a very easy 'hike'. You can also walk all around the lake, where there is an old train caboose," recommends Bayley W. about Lake Owen.
Mountain views: Laramie Overlook Dispersed Camping offers exceptional vistas. "The views are amazing up here you can see all the way into colorado. If yiu go down the hill like 3 minutes you come into a little town had gas, a bar and some food options," notes johny R.
Stargazing: Clear night skies provide excellent star viewing at many sites. "Lovely location with secluded spots. The stars and view were awesome and the wind blew just right all night," reports Matthew S. about Laramie Overlook.
Wind exposure: Most reservoir and lake sites lack tree cover, creating significant wind challenges. "wouldn't recommend if you are tent camping, but i was very comfortable in my car despite very strong winds," writes Lana F. about Twin Buttes Reservoir.
Road conditions: Access varies dramatically by site and season. Samuel C. notes about Evans Creek, "Stopped in late, made it fine with 2w low clearance" while another camper warns about Laramie Overlook: "Road was very iffy for my 2wd sedan, but I made it."
Water safety concerns: Several lakes show signs of potential algae or contamination. At Miller Lake, "The lake is a short walk away, but probably not safe to swim due to what looks like high amounts of HCB. Same goes for fishing. There are fish present, but they're pretty skittish and probably not super safe to eat," cautions Iris K.
Insect protection: Multiple sites report significant bug activity, especially near water. "The bugs were terrible when we got there around sunset, but in the morning they weren't swarming," notes Alyson M. about Twin Buttes Reservoir.
Site selection: Prioritize areas with established amenities for easier family camping. "Wood Landing Campground has log cabins with common facilities and 5 available water/30 amp electric and a dump station. The sites are small but the location is feet from fine trout fishing and a good restaurant open Wednesday through Sunday," shares Rich D.
Alternative activities: Plan for weather disruptions, especially wind. "Season matters here... The wind absolutely ravages this place. Your van or RV will rock. There isnt a tree in sight just open land so you feel really exposed," warns johny R.
Accessibility assessment: Carefully research road conditions before committing to sites. "We were able to find a pretty clear spot with a fire pit to set up, but most of the old sites are grown over and too cramped for tent camping," reports Iris K. about Miller Lake dispersed.
Water and dump stations: Limited services mean planning ahead. "The dump/water is decommissioned at this site, but as you turn in there is dump/water at the forest station," notes Izzy T. about Laramie Overlook.
Site leveling challenges: Many dispersed areas offer limited level parking. "There are a couple of loops right as you enter, which are the most level places to park a rig. Then another path leads about a half a mile to a few other sites that are more secluded, but not very level," explains Izzy T.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the nearby attractions to Jelm Mountain?
Jelm Mountain offers excellent hiking trails with panoramic views of Wyoming's landscape. Visitors can enjoy river access nearby for fishing or water activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, Little Cabin With a View provides access to numerous hiking trails and even offers razor rides up Jelm Mountain to explore the area. The nearby Medicine Bow National Forest provides additional recreational opportunities with beautiful lakes and hiking trails. The area is also close to rock climbing opportunities, particularly in the unique boulder formations found around Vedauwoo, making it a paradise for adventure seekers.
Where can I find camping in Jelm, Wyoming?
Camping options near Jelm include established campgrounds and dispersed sites. Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping offers well-spaced sites that provide privacy while camping. For those seeking amenities, Curt Gowdy State Park Campground provides both full hook-up and no hook-up sites with access to two lakes. Other nearby options include Miller Lake dispersed camping and Wood Landing Campground. For RV travelers, several sites in the region accommodate larger vehicles, and most camping areas are accessible via drive-in with some requiring high clearance vehicles, especially during spring or wet conditions.
When is the best time to visit Jelm for camping?
The prime camping season for Jelm and surrounding areas runs from late spring through early fall (May to September). Brooklyn Lake Campground operates primarily during summer months due to its high elevation. Big Creek Lakes Campground, at over 9,000 feet elevation, is only open June through August and requires preparation for potential snow even in summer. Late season camping in October can be rewarding but risky due to weather changes. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations regardless of when you visit, as Wyoming's mountain climate can change rapidly. Always check current conditions before your trip, as roads to some areas may be impassable outside peak season.
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