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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
