Primitive camping near Lonetree, Wyoming offers backcountry experiences at elevations ranging from 6,000-11,000 feet across Ashley National Forest and surrounding public lands. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during day and drop to 40-50°F at night, with significant temperature differences between lake level and higher elevations. Most dispersed sites require campers to travel on unpaved roads that become increasingly challenging after rainfall.
What to do
Paddle sports on calm mornings: Flaming Gorge NRA Dispersed provides excellent paddling opportunities before afternoon winds pick up. "The water is crystal clear, there are spots of Greta sand, along with rocky patches of beach too. The paths and trails all around lend me to thinking that on the weekends the place is teeming with off roaders, but being a Tuesday night it was quiet," notes reviewer Steve K.
Wildlife photography at dawn: Bring cameras to capture pronghorn antelope, elk, deer, and birds in their natural habitat. "We saw antelope, pelicans, and plenty of other birds too," reports a camper at Flaming Gorge NRA Dispersed.
Rock collecting along shorelines: Spring Creek Road Dispersed offers rocky beaches perfect for finding interesting specimens. "We took our paddle boards out every day. The wind picked up in the afternoons, too hard to paddle, but we walked along the shore and found some lovely rocks," notes Teresa S.
High elevation hiking: Access trails into the Uinta Mountains from West Fork Smiths Fork Dispersed Camping. "Hiking along the river will lead you south to Bald Mountain and Bald Lake. Vast meadows are filled with various wildlife and gorgeous views!" advises Derek E.
What campers like
Early morning fishing: Anglers report successful catches during dawn hours. "Fishing in the early morning was a win. Lots of nature, we'll be back!!" shares Teresa S. from Spring Creek Road Dispersed.
Midweek solitude: Tuesday through Thursday typically offers the quietest camping experience. "We had an amazing spot right on the water. No other campers on site. The views are spectacular. Sunsets/sunrise breathing. And the dark skies were mesmerizing," reports Nancy C. from Flaming Gorge.
Night sky viewing: Buckboard Wash - Dispersed provides excellent stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. "We had a 270° view of the lake, an awesome sunset and an equally spectacular sunrise (at least what I could see from the tent)," notes Lee F.
Peninsula camping: Certain sites offer water views on multiple sides. "The campground on the tip of the little peninsula was available and surrounded by water on three sides was available, but a little windy. Our selected spot was more secluded but still right on the waters edge," reports Chris E. from Spring Creek Road.
What you should know
Vehicle considerations: Many roads require appropriate clearance and capability. "The road is rocky, so rocky that we actually popped a tire on the way in so we camped at one of the first sites with a fire ring," cautions Jeni N. at West Fork Smiths Fork.
Open range livestock: Cattle roam freely throughout camping areas. "Open range means lots of cow pies. And remote camping without enforced WAG laws, you will find human 'pies' as well. Mix in dogs running around in rain…," warns Margaret T. at Jug Hollow Road - Dispersed Camp.
Insect populations: Bugs vary by season and location. "First, I will start with this... there are spiders. Like a lot of them. They set up all over everything overnight and it takes about two hours to get them off of everything the next morning," reports Carla K. at Buckboard Wash.
Wind exposure: Lake areas experience significant wind, particularly in afternoons. "Wind can be brutal. No shade so make sure you have a canopy," advises Carla K. from Buckboard Wash.
Tips for camping with families
Choose wooded sites for shade: Utah Forest Road 13 Dispersed Camping offers tree cover absent at many lakeside locations. "Well spaced sites, very private. Various sites to choose from, whether it's more wooded or open area," notes Drifting M.
Pack extra water: No potable water exists at primitive sites. "This is a primitive camping area by Sheep Creek Lake. No amenities, no established campsites, no toilets, no garbage dumpsters, no water, no cell signal," confirms Greg L.
Expect nighttime noise: Generator use continues after dark at some locations. "Generators tear through the silence of the night. Bring ear plugs!" advises Lin from Jug Hollow Road.
Monitor weather forecasts: Conditions change rapidly across elevation differences. "We had couple of days very strong winds. But others were hot and sunny to pull our inflatable kayak and paddle around," reports Wild Berries B.
Tips from RVers
Scout first in tow vehicle: Large rigs need careful placement. "We have a 30 ft class A RV and we tow a jeep. We parked at the marina and took the jeep to scout out a site. The 'roads' are just dirt, some in better shape than others," recommends Nancy C. from Carter Creek.
Avoid trailers on certain roads: Some areas have insufficient turnaround space. "FS road #13 has large diameter cobble base and makes for a bumpy road. I would not go up this road with a trailer unless you had a turnaround open," advises Greg L. from Utah Forest Road 13.
Plan for self-contained operation: No services exist for waste disposal. "Small windy dirt road down to site. Quiet spot with a rock built fire pit. **Advise against trailers or anything larger than a small van," cautions Jay W. from Carter Creek.
Consider soil conditions: Some areas become impassable when wet. "Lots of expansive soil. Impassable when wet. Our 2 wheel drive van got stuck in muck. Jeep pulled it out luckily," warns Margaret T.
