The Lander area sits at around 5,300 feet elevation in west-central Wyoming, providing access to both the Wind River Range and Sinks Canyon. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 80°F during daytime, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can dip well below freezing. The Middle Popo Agie River runs through several camping areas, creating natural white noise for sleeping.
What to do
Hiking to Popo Agie Falls: Access the trail from Sinks Canyon State Park for a moderate hike with a rewarding endpoint. "There are hiking trails galore in the state park and in the Shoshone National Forest," notes one Sinks Campground visitor, while another camper adds, "The Popo Agie Falls trail nearby" is worth exploring.
Paddling on Louis Lake: Bring your own watercraft or rent from the nearby lodge during summer months. A reviewer at Louis Lake Campground reports: "There are lots of canoes and kayaks you can take on the lake as well as life vests to wear." Another camper mentions: "We enjoyed paddle boarding and watching fish jump."
Rock climbing: The limestone formations attract climbers of various skill levels. As one climber who stayed at Wild Iris OK Corral explains: "They have amazing limestone sport routes in a variety of skill levels. The area has a well marked trail system to point you in the direction of different walls along the crag."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Many campsites allow you to sleep next to running water. One reviewer at Popo Agie Campground writes, "We tent camp and did site 20… it is on the river feet from our tent… loved hearing the river." Another adds that "the sites have diverse configurations" and recommends getting "a site with some shade."
Free city camping: Unlike most towns, Lander allows free camping at its city park. "Free camping in Lander City Park. We couldn't believe everything Lander had to offer and it was just a short walk from where we were camping along the creek," writes one visitor to Lander City Park. Another points out: "You can stay here for free for up to 3 nights."
Natural features: The unique geology of the area provides memorable camping experiences. "The Sinks of the Popo Agie isn't far from camp, about a mile and the Visitors Center is located there. The rise is about another half mile away and has the biggest trout I've ever seen!" reports a camper at Popo Agie Campground.
What you should know
Reservations status varies: Some campgrounds require booking while others are first-come, first-served. "Busy road with paving going on. Toilet was lesser well maintained," warns a visitor to Sinks Canyon Campground. At Wild Iris, one camper notes: "I arrived at 3:30pm on a tuesday and there were barely any spots left."
Bear precautions: Multiple campgrounds require proper food storage. "Each campsite offers a metal bear boxes to store your food items. The story is, there was a black bear who broke into someone's camper and ate their waffles. So there is a bear named Waffles in the area!" shares a Wild Iris OK Corral camper.
Weather considerations: The mountain location brings unpredictable conditions. One Worthen Meadow visitor recalls: "We planned to stay for at least couple of nights but following morning after with beautiful sunshine, clouds gathered and viscus thunderstorm arrived from nowhere. Blowed our seat cushions away to nearby creek."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campsites have built-in entertainment for kids. At Sawmill Campground, a visitor notes: "This campground has a large group area with a very nice playground for the kids." Lander City Park campers mention "There are nearby walking trails, picnic areas and a playground in the park."
Kid-friendly water features: Look for safe spots where children can enjoy water. "If you drive a little ways from there you can do an AMAZING hike that ends in beautiful waterfalls and a 'slide rock' that is very smooth and you can slide over the falls," recommends a Worthen Meadow Campground visitor.
Multi-generational camping spots: Some areas work well for mixed-age groups. "I took my 4 teens and 3 dogs tent camping here last summer and it was the best of the best. The surroundings are magnificent. The nature trail was fun," shares a Popo Agie Campground camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate bigger RVs. A camper at Sleeping Bear RV Park advises: "Gravel roads throughout the park. Turns just a little narrow, but completely manageable- you just have to pay attention. Our site was almost level, we just needed one link on the left side."
Hookup locations: Some sites have unusual hookup placements. "However, the 50/30 AMP power was on the door side of our 5th wheel as this is a pull in site for motorhomes. Since our power cord was in the middle of our rig, we easily reached the post," explains a Sleeping Bear RV Park camper.
Size restrictions: Certain roads and campgrounds limit RV access. One Sawmill camper advises: "This campground would be best for vans or small campers." At Louis Lake, another visitor warns: "The spots are small, larger campers and some medium campers could have a hard time getting situated."
