15 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping areas surround Lander, Wyoming on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. The region offers several primitive camping options including Wild Iris OK Corral, Christina Lake Trailhead, Frye Lake, Hugh Otte Camping Area, and various unmarked forest pull-offs. Most sites are located along unpaved forest roads and provide basic, no-fee camping experiences with minimal or no facilities. These areas typically follow the standard 14-day stay limit common on public lands.
Road conditions vary considerably throughout the dispersed camping areas near Lander. Several campsites require navigation on rutted, rocky dirt roads that may challenge vehicles without high clearance. The Hugh Otte area features a rough access road but rewards visitors with streamside camping. Fire regulations fluctuate seasonally, with many areas permitting campfires when no bans are in effect. Most locations lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Cell service is unreliable across most areas, with several reviews noting no connectivity at Wild Iris, Frye Lake, and other remote locations.
The camping experience near Lander provides solitude and natural beauty with mountain views and waterside locations. Many sites offer stream or lake access, particularly at Frye Lake and Hugh Otte Camping Area. Wildlife sightings are common, with some areas requiring bear-aware camping practices. According to reviews, Wild Iris features "bear boxes to store your food items" while another camper noted "beautiful location with a small stream running through it" at Hugh Otte. The Christina Lake Trailhead area provides "primitive sites around the trailhead open and made for larger RVs and equine trailers." Visitors frequently mention the stunning night skies, with one review noting "stargazing will be intense on a dark night and the coyotes will be heard yipping in the distance."
"Pretty much exactly at coordinates. OK to drive when dry. Plenty of spots going in farther, but would recomend higher clearance and 4WD. Fee to camp is 5 USD."
"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."
"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."
"Quiet location, only saw a few vehicles while we were here 1 night. Beautiful mountain and lake views."
"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"
"This was a lovely lakeside camp spot. There are vault toilets on site. The road was paved up to the site but a 10min drive off the highway. There were a lot of bugs/flies on our September evening."
from $12 / night
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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.
TravelerThis was a lovely lakeside camp spot. There are vault toilets on site. The road was paved up to the site but a 10min drive off the highway. There were a lot of bugs/flies on our September evening. There were sheltered areas with tables and bbq stands which was a nice touch.
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.
TravelerStayed at the first space (with bear bic) when entering the Camping area. Pretty much exactly at coordinates. OK to drive when dry. Plenty of spots going in farther, but would recomend higher clearance and 4WD. Fee to camp is 5 USD. Did not see anyone else over night, just some climbers leaving around sunset.
GuideOn a quiet lake with mountain views. Finding a level spot was a challenge. There are lots of flies. It is very quiet. Very few people around. A great variety of birds. There is a pit toilet and covered tables. No water or trash.
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.
Dispersed camping near Lander, Wyoming offers free or low-cost options on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. Located at elevations ranging from 5,300 to 8,500 feet, these sites experience significant temperature drops at night, even in summer months. Most primitive camping areas require preparation for self-sufficient stays without typical campground amenities.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Cameahwait, about 60 miles northeast of Lander, provides clear water fishing and swimming. According to a camper, "the water is very clear. Is very easy to find. GPS got us there no problem."
Rock climbing: Wild Iris OK Corral attracts climbers with limestone sport routes. "They have amazing limestone sport routes in a variety of skill levels," notes one visitor. Climbers often stay for the International Climbing Festival hosted in July.
Stargazing: Night skies at Ocean Lake Lindholm offer exceptional viewing. A visitor mentioned the "Great dark sky" as a highlight. The remote location and limited light pollution create optimal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Hiking trails: Multiple trailheads provide access to wilderness areas. Near Boulder Lake, "this area is noted as the backpacker parking area to access the wilderness trails above Boulder Lake" making it convenient for day hikes or backpacking trips.
Waterside camping: Frye Lake Camping offers lake access and fishing opportunities. A camper describes it as having "lake access, and some rocky roads leading to maybe 15 camping spots, some with bear boxes and fire rings."
Wildlife viewing: Many sites provide opportunities to observe native wildlife. At Ocean Lake Lindholm, campers report the "Lake teaming with birdlife, and saw fish jumping," offering nature photography opportunities throughout the day.
Solitude: Several sites offer quiet, secluded camping experiences away from crowds. At Hugh Otte Camping Area, visitors appreciate that "The sites are close to the road but there was little traffic," allowing for peaceful stays.
Stream access: Several campsites feature stream access for cooling off and water activities. Hugh Otte Camping Area has a "Beautiful location with a small stream running through it," providing ambient sound and recreation opportunities.
Road conditions: Many sites require careful navigation. For Hugh Otte Camping Area, "Access to the back sites were very rocky & rutted but worth the effort," suggesting high-clearance vehicles are recommended for certain areas.
Bear safety: Several camping areas require proper food storage. Christina Lake Trailhead Dispersed Sites has wildlife concerns, and campers should note that "the coyotes will be heard yipping in the distance" and follow appropriate food storage practices.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is virtually nonexistent at most sites. At Frye Lake Camping, visitors report "No AT&T or T-Mobile—Starlink only," requiring campers to prepare for offline stays.
Weather changes: Mountain weather can change rapidly. At Wild Iris, one camper experienced unexpected conditions: "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."
Site selection: Choose areas with clear boundaries for children. At Wild Iris OK Corral, "Nice but close to others. Not sure if there are more spots up the road or not. Would be good if camping with others as there are multiple sites in one pull off."
Water activities: Lake Cameahwait offers kid-friendly swimming and paddling. A camper notes, "Small lake popular with fishermen. There were a few paddle sport users present," making it suitable for families with water toys.
Facilities access: Plan for limited facilities at most sites. Christina Lake Trailhead sites are "primitive sites around the trailhead open and made for larger RVs and equine trailers" but have minimal amenities for children.
Insect protection: Prepare for bugs, especially near water. Lake Cameahwait has "Great place to stay if you can work around the mosquitoes," suggesting families bring proper repellent and protective clothing.
Site capacity: Several dispersed areas accommodate larger rigs. At Wild Iris OK Corral, "Sites are fairly large and we were able to find one with our 39ft fifth wheel without a problem," though access roads may present challenges.
Leveling requirements: Bring leveling equipment for uneven terrain. Ocean Lake Lindholm has "Mostly level sites, but a few levellers wouldn't go amiss," according to experienced RVers.
Road navigation: Research road conditions before attempting access with larger vehicles. For Frye Lake, "Road in from Landers is all paved," but interior roads may be challenging for big rigs.
Alternative locations: If developed campgrounds are full, consider nearby dispersed options. Near Boulder Lake, "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."
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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