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Best Campgrounds near Jelm, WY

831 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Jelm, Wyoming (203)

    1. Miller Lake dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Jelm, WY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "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"

    2. Twin Buttes Reservoir

    8 Reviews
    Laramie, WY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 777-4600

    "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."

    3. Little Cabin With a View

    1 Review
    Jelm, WY
    2 miles
    +1 (307) 760-8643

    $125 / night

    "There is river access very close and they offer a razor ride up jelm mountain and numerous trails to hike on."

    4. Lake Hattie Public Access Area

    5 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 601-5008

    "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."

    5. Wood Landing Campground

    1 Review
    Jelm, WY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-9638

    $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."

    6. Lake Owen Campground

    2 Reviews
    Jelm, WY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    $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."

    7. Evans Creek Dispersed

    1 Review
    Jelm, WY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    8. Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "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."

    9. BLM North Sand Hills Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cowdrey, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 724-3000

    "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."

    "Sites are fairly close together but no one was around on a Sunday and Monday night. We ended up camping not in the campground but in dispersed camping located all around the dunes."

    10. Dowdy Lake Campground

    23 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $30 - $81 / night

    "All pretty close to water access. Some spots were right on the water too. Super quiet area and everyone seems respectful of noise. Lots of dogs but leashed.

    Nice walking area around the lake."

    "The lake is amazing and the sites are very spacious. I love the addition of the bear boxes. This campground was found on a whim about 5 years ago and now it’s the one we have to go to every year."

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Recent Camping Photos near Jelm, WY

321 Photos of 203 Jelm Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Jelm, WY

831 Reviews of 203 Jelm Campgrounds

  • Susan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Twin Buttes Reservoir

    Great spot!

    We picked a spot here that is right off the road by the "beach". Our 33' 5th wheel fits just fine. Beautiful area near town, but lots of fishermen traffic. Great spot for fishing or bird watching. We saw a family of eagles, a golden eagle, and many shore birds and water fowl. Be careful, though. The soil is very clay - so slippery when wet.

  • Philip P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lake John Dispersed Camping

    Relatively Private Site right next to Lake John Shoreline

    After driving past the more established Lake John RV Resort we found this spot to park our campervan. Site has a metal tin can fire pit. Very peaceful with private location.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Vedauwoo Wagon Road

    Great site, bumpy road

    We arrived at night in a Ram Pro master campervan. It has official signs at the entrance showing you where the sites are. The site has pull ins for each user and they are spread out. Each site has a lot of space. We arrived late so had to drive a way down to reach a free one. It is quite a bumpy road so it was a bit unnerving in our rented vehicle but it was fine in the end. We woke up to a lovely site surrounding by interesting rocks. There are vault toilets near the entrance but you cannot camp here. It was sunny and windy for our visit in September.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Pingree Road Dispersed Camping

    Enjoyable Camp Site

    I stayed here for a couple of nights on a road trip through Colorado and I found it to be a nice place to relax. The views themselves weren’t spectacular (by Colorado standards) but it was quiet (on weekday, can’t speak for the weekend). The forest itself was pretty though.

    The one thing I did notice was that there were more black flies than I expected. It wasn’t overwhelming but they definitely buzzed the campsite a fair amount. I didn’t mind too much but my dog took great personal offense to the interlopers.

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping

    multiple free dispersed sites

    There’s a long winding dirt road with several designated dispersed camp sites, beware the road is rutted, though we saw numerous larger trailers that made it with no issue. Large scenic boulders all around, even spotted a moose, so keep your pups in sights.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Curt Gowdy State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Great pull thru campsite and a view of the lake. Nice spacious spots with good distance between other campers.

  • Chloe S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Deer Haven RV Park

    Small and wonderful

    We stated this campsite for a month, we were having trouble finding somewhere last minute and Jeff got us in for a great price! It's a smaller park which we love, there are quite a few full-time tenants here. It is RIGHT on the north Platte river, so you don't have to go far for fishing or paddle boarding. There are no bathrooms or showers on site so your rig must be fully self-contained, which wasn't a problem for us but thought it was worth mentioning. We would definitely stay here again! Adding it to our list of favorites. It's also only 4 minutes away from hobo Hot springs. And there is a wonderful ice cream shop downtown that makes their own ice cream it's delightful

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    vedawoo campground

    Wonderful

    Beautiful campground! Destination worthy. Lots of trails and rock formations. Pristine vault toilets. Paved sites. No hookups. Come to site with full water tanks and empty gray & black tanks. Located just of Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Poudre Canyon Road Camp

    Low key but functional

    Full disclosure: I crashed here after driving straight through eastern Wyoming so my standards may have been a little low at the time. I would have preferred to stay at Pingree but it wasn’t an option so I snagged a site here for a few nights and explored the canyon during the day. Overall I found it comfortable and quiet. The sites are spaced far enough apart for privacy. The view of the canyon isn’t spectacular; the opposing hillside is a little scruffy looking. But there are still trees and vegetation around the site so I wouldn’t call it ugly by any means. It just depends where you look I guess.

    There were a handful of flies buzzing through the campsite which my dog took great personal offense to. But otherwise it was a very mellow, low-key site. I would describe it as a serviceable alternative if your first choice is full and you are tired of driving.

Guide to Jelm

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.

What to do

  • Hiking and Exploring: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. One camper mentioned, "Awesome rock formations all around with trails throughout the area" at Vedauwoo Campground. Another noted, "Lots of hiking trails in the area amongst the awesome rock formations" at Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers. A review for Dowdy Lake Campground highlighted, "Good fishing, kayak, etc access - no wake lake." Campers at Chambers Lake Campground also enjoyed fishing, saying, "Fishing was amazing!"
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, Vedauwoo Campground is a hotspot. One climber shared, "Came to check out new rock climbing routes."

What campers like

What you should know

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites and activities. One camper at West Lake said, "We love that this campground is quiet, spaced out and fairly small. It’s perfect for our young family."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at North Michigan Campground enjoyed, "Hiking was fun. Beautiful views."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids entertained. A camper at Chambers Lake Campground suggested, "Bring what you need. It was really beautiful."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough roads. A reviewer at Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping noted, "The road was a little rough, but our lifted trailer of 22 feet in length cleared it just fine."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at Dowdy Lake Campground mentioned, "Weekend reservations recommended."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Many campgrounds lack amenities. A visitor at Vedauwoo Campground reminded, "Bring your own water, there are fire pits tables and cell reception is good."

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 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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