Lander is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Lander is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Lander, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"I have determined that Lander WY is the friendliest city in America... plus, they let you camp for FREE up to three nights in their city (town) park."
"Campsites are dispersed. Some have firepits and tent pads built. All accessible with a 2WD car. Amazing views, but still warm in September. Great climbing location also."
"You can park right next to the Cottonwoods and Aspen that run along the river and there is a nicely maintained pit toilet."
"Beautiful location with a small stream running through it. Access to the back sites were very rocky & rutted but worth the effort. The sites are close to the road but there was little traffic."
"Views are amazing, There are about 15 spots available for big rigs, Road in from Landers is all paved. No cell service. If you drive further along FR 300 there are many dispersed free camp areas."
"These primitive sites around the Christina Lake trailhead are open and made for larger RV's and equine trailers."
"I went a mile or so up Louse Lake Rd looking for a 1 night site. Lots of small side roads. The ATV folks make lots of noise and dust in the daytime be but it seem to stop at dark."
"Last 1m of dirt road was a bit rutted, but not bad. Were the only ones here, so perfect to turn on some music, or sit in the quiet and listen to birds and elk."
"Arrived 10:30 on a Wednesday spent a quiet night, awoke to great sunrise over lake"
"On the west side of Boysen Reservoir near Bonneville, WY, this lovely and free camping area along the shores of this tiny lake, offered us a great place to camp for a few days to wait out the wind and"
"Good lake access and view of sunset. The GPS location from the app takes you to 4 spots, one ADA, but there are a couple more around the lake. Well maintained pit toilet."
LegendThis is just a single BLM camp site at the end of a dirt road at the Boulder Lake Dam. Table, fire ring and a old stinky vault toilet. No water, no trash and the road in is narrow and.lumpy and I would not haul in a TT or RV. However it does have a nice view looking up Boulder Lake. Note that there is no road across the dam no matter what Google maps says!. Cell signal is marginal.
ScoutCost is $5 but has fire rings and Outhouse. Views are amazing, There are about 15 spots available for big rigs, Road in from Landers is all paved. No cell service. If you drive further along FR 300 there are many dispersed free camp areas.
LegendOn the west side of Boysen Reservoir near Bonneville, WY, this lovely and free camping area along the shores of this tiny lake, offered us a great place to camp for a few days to wait out the wind and recharge our solar batteries.
Each campsite area had a covered and wind fenced picnic table and grill, which we used to hide behind during a spicy, early spring wind storm. The pit toilets were the standard Forest Service bathrooms, which were very clean. There were also several group areas, and at least one large covered picnic pavilion further down the road. Verizon cell phone service was surprisingly great at the campsite.
Hiking, biking, fishing and paddling are all available right from camp, and the Boysen Reservoir is a short skip down the road for a longer water experience. The nearby town of Bonneville doesn’t have much more than a Post Office and gas station convenience store so come prepared or you'll need to drive about an hour for supplies.
LegendThis area is noted as the backpacker parking area to access the wilderness trails above Boulder Lake. It is just outside of the developed Boulder Lake CG. However this area is also a popular free dispersed camp area for TTs and RVs as the regular campground is a bit tight for larger TTs and RVs and the loop Rd in the campground is terrible. So folks camp out here on the open flat grassy area, and as a bonus there is a grassy boat launch area good for kayaks and other water craft. No potable water, no toilets, no trash dumpsters, no tables or fire rings. 14d limit and the rangers do come around to check I hear. There is a toilet up the hill at the packstock staging parking area.
GuideThere is a dispersed camping area east of Frye Lake CG off Louis Lake Rd on Forest Road 3001L.
This road has maybe half a dozen camping spots along an incredibly rocky road. We were happy our AWD van was lifted with a special shock kit. At the end of the road, there is a sort of flat field.
There is no lake access via car, but you can walk up to the top of the dam.
So if you want free camping, this works. But it isn’t as the review below describes.
ScoutThis was a cute little spot! We arrived early evening on a Thursday and it was empty. Good lake access and view of sunset. The GPS location from the app takes you to 4 spots, one ADA, but there are a couple more around the lake. Well maintained pit toilet. The two spots closest to the lake were flooded so watch out for that. Good service for Verizon. Make sure your GPS is taking Bass Lake Rd in from 26. Ours found a "shortcut" down the gravel ranching roads. Not sure why the info here says showers and hook ups, we did not see that. Not sure a tent camper would enjoy this spot.
Guide4 shaded structures right along a beautiful lake with a perfect view of the mountains. no trouble getting in - paved roads. pit toilets & ADA accessible parking spot with ramp down to the water
RangerIt's always nice to camp near a pretty lake. This is mostly a day use area so it gets pretty busy during the days - especially on the weekends. I didn't see any signs about camping. Nothing forbidding it or explaining the camping rules. This did make me wonder if camping was allowed. However, no one bothered me in the 2 days I stayed here. It's easy to get to, and you can camp right by the lake if water levels are low enough. Be prepared for mosquitoes and families with lots of kiddos.
GPS: 43.2949385, -108.2433068
LegendI have determined that Lander WY is the friendliest city in America... plus, they let you camp for FREE up to three nights in their city (town) park. There are restrooms with flushing toilets and running water. Nice soft green grass to set your tent up in. I recommend getting a burger from the Lander Bar when you visit!
There are picnic shelters, horseshoe pits and lots of trees.
And sprinklers... be aware, you might get a wet tent (see video)
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lander, Wyoming, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for camping enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Lander, WY?
The Lander area offers several dispersed camping options in the surrounding mountains and public lands. Frye Lake - Dispersed Campsites provides beautiful mountain views with about 15 spots suitable for larger vehicles along paved roads from Lander. For more remote options, Boulder Lake Trail - Trailhead Dispersed Camping offers sites just outside the developed Boulder Lake Campground, popular for trailers and RVs. Additionally, continuing along Forest Road 300 past Frye Lake reveals numerous free dispersed camping areas. The Wind River Range and Sinks Canyon areas also feature BLM and National Forest land with dispersed camping opportunities throughout the region.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Lander area of Wyoming?
Dispersed camping regulations in the Lander area typically follow standard public land guidelines. At South Boulder Lake Camp Site, a BLM site, camping is permitted at designated areas with fire rings. Most dispersed sites in the region have a 14-day stay limit within a 28-day period. Pack-in/pack-out policies apply for all trash, and proper human waste disposal is required. Fire restrictions may be implemented during dry seasons, so always check current conditions. Some areas like Christina Lake Trailhead Dispersed Sites require camping in designated spots only. Always camp at least 200 feet from water sources, stay on existing roads/trails, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Is free camping available in the Lander, Wyoming area?
Yes, free camping is available in several locations around Lander. Lake Cameahwait offers free lakeside camping with shaded structures, pit toilets, and beautiful mountain views. The area features multiple camping spots around the lake, including an ADA-accessible site with a ramp to the water. Surprisingly, Wild Iris OK Corral allows free camping for up to three nights in Lander's city park, with amenities like flushing toilets and running water. For those willing to venture further from town, numerous free dispersed camping options exist on BLM and National Forest lands throughout the Wind River Range, though these typically lack amenities beyond fire rings.
What amenities are available at Frye Lake Campground near Lander?
Frye Lake Campground costs $5 per night and offers basic amenities including fire rings and vault toilets. The campground provides spectacular mountain views and good access for larger vehicles, with paved roads leading from Lander. Frye Lake Camping features multiple campsites in a scenic mountain setting. The dispersed areas east of the main campground off Louis Lake Road (Forest Road 3001L) offer additional camping options, though these access roads are extremely rocky and best suited for high-clearance vehicles. Be aware there's no cell service at the lake. Water is not provided, so campers should bring their own supply. The surrounding area offers excellent hiking and fishing opportunities.
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