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.
"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. "
"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."
"Good Verizon service, was able to work remote. Got pretty windy but it was nice on the hot days. Idk if I’d swim in the water. There was a pit toilet. Good view of the mountains."
"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."
"Stopped in late, made it fine with 2w low clearance, I stayed at the first spot, I’m not sure how many there were. Light traffic throughout the night, but overall peaceful stay."
"Great place to boondock for a few days. We stayed here for a week in our 20 foot skoolie. Short drive into the Medicine Bow National forest and you’re here."
"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."
"Just past the campground is dispersed primitive camping 🏕️. All sites are well established. There was a 🔥 ban so no campfires. Good hiking and rock climbing"
"Free dispersed camping with easy dirt road access for any size RV.
No worries about RV size. All camp sites located on roads which loop back to main road."
"After deciding to take a weekend rafting trip along the Wyoming/Colorado section of the Platte River, we planned to just find dispersed camping options within the surrounding National Forest area."
"As long as you steer clear from the private property you'll find a site. Some roads will turn sour and require high clearance."
"The gravel road in is in very good condition. The drive is totally beautiful especially during the fall. The road is lined with aspens and large boulders and massive rock bluffs."
"It is dispersed camping and it’s first come first serve. There is a camp ground near by with a porta-potty and there is a small market about 10-20 miles away."
"There’s a lake & a cute lil creek that runs off from it, that makes wonderful sound atmosphere but does mean bugs. The road is very easy going, made it out in my Prius with no problems."
"4WD and decent clearance is a must. The road is in rough shape and sections had standing water and mud with deep ruts."
"The road is very bumpy so take your time driving on it. 4WD is a must."
LegendWe stumbled upon this campground by chance, and what a wonderful chance it was! After deciding to take a weekend rafting trip along the Wyoming/Colorado section of the Platte River, we planned to just find dispersed camping options within the surrounding National Forest area. We initially put our boats in at the Routt Access Trailhead which is where we were able to find this amazing group of campsites (see directions below). There are plenty of campsites designated by fire rings along the road that are well spread out and offer plenty of seclusion. We were surprised to not encounter any other campers despite it being a beautiful summer weekend. The campsite we used offered much appreciated shade from the June sun with plenty of big trees. The ground is relatively flat on top of the hill so we had quite a few options to spread out with our group pf 3 tents. Another huge plus of this area is how pristine it is, not a piece of trash to be found. If camping here, please continue that by following Leave No Trace principles.
Camping in this area is complimented by tons of nearby activities including hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding trails, class I-IV white water rafting opportunities, rock climbing, fishing and wildlife viewing. On our weekend adventure we went on a 4-hour boat trip from the Routt Access boat put-in to the Six-Mile Gap take-out point, the river felt like a private get away and we didn’t see any other people except for a few fly fishermen at the access points. The wildlife we encountered was the highlight of our trip, we saw moose, a golden eagle, foxes, pronghorns, and marmots.
To get there: The GPS coordinates entered on this page are for the Routt Access Trailhead. Following these directions from there is the easiest way to find the campsites. I have also included a screenshot of google maps in this review. When approaching the trailhead from the main road, just a few hundred yards before the trailhead/river access parking area, the road forks. To the right is the trailhead, and to the left is FS 939.1 (Mahogany Road). With a normal clearance vehicle and 2wd, you should be able to easily reach the first campsite along this road, marked by a well-appointed fire ring. For those with slightly higher clearance cars (my friends had a Subaru Forester and did just fine) I would highly recommend continuing along the road a bit higher and up the hill. 4wd is probably not necessary unless the road is muddy, but some large holes and rocks will be problematic for very low clearance vehicles. From up here, you will have amazing views of the grasslands, mountains and river.
RangerGreat place to boondock for a few days. We stayed here for a week in our 20 foot skoolie. 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. Then another path leads about a half a mile to a few other sites that are more secluded, but not very level. I wouldn’t recommend towing anything down there with the condition of the dirt road and low hanging tree branches. Those would be ideal for a camper van or tent. There is a lovely creek that runs along there. The dump/water is decommissioned at this site, but as you turn in there is dump/water at the forest station. During our stay there were a couple of RV’s and some off road fanatics. Quiet and cool summer evenings. Great cell service!
RangerBeautiful Aspen groves surround you as you roll on endlessly down well maintained dirt roads. I've put in specific coordinates, but you can follow any of these FS roads after you pass through the "town" of Columbine. I prefer to go up to the right along 550. But you can't go wrong.
Free range sheep are being guarded by Great Pyreneese dogs, Moose and Pronghorn are all abundant. Bears too, so lock it all up.
Great easy MTB on the roads and some smaller trails.
Leave no trace.
GuideThere are tons of sites along the back roads. As long as you steer clear from the private property you'll find a site. Some roads will turn sour and require high clearance.
ScoutI went on Labor Day weekend, it was quite busy BUT I was still able to find a spot. Need high clearance and a good off roading car to get all the way through. Also side note, turns out the road goes all the way through! Both ends go straight to a high way which is sweet. There are many animals so make sure everything is bear proof and prepared for one to come by!
The road winds through and there are many different roads that brand off and have a bunch of sites at too
Guide29 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
TravelerEasy to access (I have 4wd), and each spot is massively spacious with really cool rock formations. The view is gorgeous...lovely fire rings...you definitely have to bring water and everything you need--there are no facilities her--but it is wonderful camping!
LegendI have camped here multiple times and always have a great time. There are a few primitive sites here with fire pits, plenty of firewood for gathering, flat spots for a tent and fairly accessible with a high clearance vehicle. This campground is an especially good option for those wanting to avoid the summer crowds of the close by and popular campgrounds of Red Feather Lakes and Lost Lake. I often use this as a home base for exploring some of the trails in those areas. There are also lots of fun boulders in the campground area to climb around on or tuck your tent next to if needing protection on a windy night.
LegendThis is a beautiful area and well worth the visit. The gravel road in is in very good condition. The drive is totally beautiful especially during the fall. The road is lined with aspens and large boulders and massive rock bluffs. The road leads to several homes and there is quite a bit of traffic. The dispersed camping is a little over 3.4 miles in. If you follow the GPS you will be fine. All sites have rock fire rings and most sites are fairly level. All sites are in the sun which is great for solar. Verizon cell service was a major bonus. We did have several herd of cattle that would visit but the only downside were the gifts they would leave us. Just watch your step. There is a small stream that runs along the back side of the sites. Most sites were on the right side of the road. Be aware there is a lot of private property. Be courteous. Stay off. At the highway is is a post office and small grocery store and a hardware store.
LNT
Pack it in Pack it out
Stay safe happy travels
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Jelm, Wyoming, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and scenic views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Jelm dispersed camping sites?
Dispersed camping sites around Jelm are truly primitive with minimal to no amenities. At Vedawoo Dispersed Sunset Camp, you'll find spacious sites with established fire rings, but you must bring all your own water and supplies. Similarly, at Vedauwoo Wagon Road, the sites are primitive with no facilities. Most dispersed areas feature natural clearings for tents and existing fire rings, but lack toilets, potable water, trash services, or picnic tables. Plan to pack in everything you need and pack out all waste. Cell service is typically limited, so download maps in advance and bring adequate food, water, and emergency supplies.
Where can I find dispersed camping in Jelm, Wyoming?
For dispersed camping near Jelm, Wyoming, check out Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping, a prime spot just a short drive into Medicine Bow National Forest. It offers a couple of loops at the entrance with level parking for rigs, plus additional sites about half a mile down the path. Another excellent option is Forest Road 318, which provides drive-in access to multiple dispersed sites. Look for established fire rings to identify designated camping areas, and remember to follow Leave No Trace principles. Most dispersed sites in the area are accessible via forest service roads throughout Medicine Bow National Forest.
Is a permit required for dispersed camping near Jelm Mountain?
No permit is generally required for dispersed camping near Jelm Mountain in Medicine Bow National Forest, but specific regulations apply. At Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping, which shares management approaches with nearby forests, you can camp for free with a typical stay limit of 14 days within a 30-day period. Be aware that seasonal fire restrictions may apply, especially during dry months. Before heading out, check with the local Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest ranger district office for any temporary closures, special regulations, or fire bans. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, and use only existing sites when possible.
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