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Best Dispersed Camping near Kemmerer, WY

10 Reviews

Dispersed camping dominates the landscape around Kemmerer, Wyoming, with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites offering primitive, no-fee options for self-sufficient campers. The Fossil Butte National Monument BLM area provides remote camping opportunities approximately 10 miles from the visitor center, while Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area offers lakeside camping with basic amenities. These areas primarily support tent camping and smaller recreational vehicles, with limited facilities and no hookups. The region's camping areas typically feature wide-open terrain with minimal shade, providing expansive views of Wyoming's high desert landscape.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the camping areas near Kemmerer. The Fossil Butte BLM land requires high-clearance vehicles to navigate steep gravel roads with grades up to 17% and challenging hairpin turns. As one camper noted, "Once the road turns to gravel, it gets steep. We have a 15k pound fifth wheel and a 2wd dually and were only able to make it a couple 100 yards up the hill before we started spinning." Woodruff Narrows access roads are unpaved but generally passable when driven slowly. Cell service is surprisingly good in some areas, with visitors reporting strong internet access at Fossil Butte. The Wyoming wind presents a consistent challenge across all camping areas, particularly at exposed lakeside sites.

Campers consistently highlight the solitude and natural beauty available at sites near Kemmerer. Woodruff Narrows receives praise for its peaceful lakeside setting, with one visitor noting, "Great campsites next to the lake. Excellent views and quiet. Only saw a couple other campers off in the distance." Wildlife viewing opportunities include birds, waterfowl, and occasional moose sightings. The Fossil Butte area earns recognition for its exceptionally dark night skies and quiet environment. Seasonal considerations include summer insects, with recent reports indicating heavy bug activity at Woodruff Narrows during warmer months. Despite minimal amenities, the clean pit toilets at Woodruff Narrows receive positive mentions from multiple visitors.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Kemmerer, Wyoming (3)

    1. Fossil Butte National Monument BLM

    3 Reviews
    Kemmerer, WY
    13 miles

    "Beautiful and remote area 10 miles up the road from the Visitor’s Center. Paved road that turns to dirt- both in great condition. High clearance vehicle needed, especially on the BLM land."

    "Not a lot of info listed for this location so adding a review to hopefully help out! We didn’t get to camp here but it made me leave “stars”.

    The drive into the monument is easy, zero issues."

    2. Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area

    7 Reviews
    Woodruff, WY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 777-4600

    "Very private boondocking area about 10 miles off the highway. Wide open area; fairly level in the campsites we saw."

    "I wandered in after dark and the dirt road was easy to navigate. No one was around for miles which was quite nice! A few people drove past (I assume to go hunting) but not much traffic noise."

    3. Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside

    2 Reviews
    Woodruff, WY
    32 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Kemmerer, WY

17 Photos of 3 Kemmerer Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kemmerer, WY

10 Reviews of 3 Kemmerer Campgrounds

Guide to Kemmerer

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Kemmerer, Wyoming, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy the serenity and stunning landscapes that this region has to offer.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Kemmerer, Wyoming

  • When heading to Fossil Butte National Monument BLM, be prepared for a steep gravel road that may require a high-clearance vehicle, especially if you want to explore the more remote areas.

Enjoy wildlife watching while free camping near Kemmerer

Dispersed campers should check out Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside

  • For a lakeside experience, Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside provides easy access to the water and scenic views, although be mindful of the Wyoming wind that can pick up at times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots near Kemmerer, Wyoming?

The Kemmerer area offers excellent dispersed camping options. Fossil Butte National Monument BLM provides remote, peaceful sites about 10 miles up from the Visitor's Center. The paved road transitions to dirt (both well-maintained), though high clearance vehicles are recommended once you reach BLM land. The northern boundary offers incredibly dark skies and remarkable quiet, though be cautious of the steep 17% grade gravel road with hairpin turns at the north end. For water-adjacent camping, Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area offers gorgeous lakeside sites surrounded by sagebrush about 10 miles off the highway, with plenty of space and privacy for boondocking.

Is a permit required for dispersed camping in Kemmerer, WY?

No formal permit is typically required for dispersed camping in the Kemmerer area. At Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside, campers can access established pull-offs without obtaining permits beforehand. However, all dispersed camping in this region is subject to standard BLM and public land regulations, including 14-day stay limits, pack-in/pack-out trash policies, and fire restrictions that may be in place seasonally. Some areas may have specific regulations about camping distance from water sources or designated roads. It's always recommended to check with the local BLM office or visitor centers (like the one at Fossil Butte) before your trip for current rules and seasonal restrictions, especially regarding campfires.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Kemmerer?

Dispersed camping sites near Kemmerer are primitive with minimal amenities. Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area offers basic pit toilets located about 6 miles in, with some sites positioned just 10 feet from the reservoir for water access. There's typically good Verizon cell service in this area. Sites are generally open with no shade structures, picnic tables, or fire rings. Most dispersed areas follow standard pack-in/pack-out principles for trash. Water is not provided, so campers must bring all necessary supplies. During certain seasons, fire restrictions may be in place, requiring campers to use alternative cooking methods. The trade-off for limited amenities is exceptional privacy, peaceful surroundings, and beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape.

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