Dispersed tent campsites near Lonetree, Wyoming serve as entry points to the High Uintas Wilderness in neighboring Utah. Most sites sit between 8,000-10,000 feet elevation with summer temperatures ranging from 40-80°F. Rain showers frequently occur in July and August afternoons, and nighttime temperatures drop significantly even in summer.
What to do
Fishing at alpine lakes: Many backcountry tent sites offer lake access with excellent fishing opportunities. At Little Lyman Lake Campground, "the fishing after everyone left was great, brook and speckled trout, small but fun to catch on light tackle or flies." The lake holds two trout varieties making it suitable for various skill levels.
Explore hiking trails: The area contains numerous day hikes from tent sites to scenic destinations. Near China Meadows Trailhead, one camper noted the path "Going to Red Castle - great trailhead and clearly marked. Going to Big meadow or Dahlgreen trail? Better have a compass since the trail is poorly marked!" Plan accordingly with maps for lesser-known routes.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot moose, deer, and various bird species. Uinta Canyon campers report diverse wildlife, with one mentioning "views of deer and moose" from their campsite. Dawn and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing times when animals are most active.
What campers like
Solitude at higher elevations: Many backcountry tent sites offer peaceful settings away from crowds. At Dollar Lake Campsites, one backpacker reported, "We stayed here while backpacking king's peak. It's the best camping spot to do so. It's a beautiful area and you have access to shade and water." The site requires an 8-mile hike, naturally limiting visitor numbers.
Night sky viewing: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities from tent sites. At Forest Road 13 Dispersed Camping, a visitor noted, "We loved camping here after visiting Flaming Gorge! The camp sites are spacious and each one is far enough from each other that peace and quietness was never an issue." Another camper specifically mentioned seeing "the whole milky way galaxy" from their campsite.
Established fire rings: Many dispersed tent areas contain previously-built fire rings despite their remote nature. According to a Dollar Lake camper, "The sites are pretty established with fire pits already made. Finding wood is a lil bit harder so plan on hiking a bit to find some after you've established your camp." This saves time when setting up camp but requires planning for firewood collection.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: High altitude tent sites experience rapid weather changes and cold nights even in summer. Temperatures can drop below freezing overnight even in July and August. Afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently, often forming quickly between 1-4 PM during summer months.
Road conditions: Many tent camping access roads require careful navigation. For Hoop Lake, a camper reported, "About 40 minutes down a dirt road off the main road. Easily passable in any car. Past Hoop Lake the road gets rockier and sandier so higher clearance/4WD necessary." Consider vehicle capabilities when planning your trip.
Water availability: Most tent sites lack reliable potable water sources. A Forest Road 13 camper suggests, "We found a spot next to a stream on forest road 838. Very few campers in the area, all quiet and respectful. Road was rough, no problem for our Subaru Forester." Always carry sufficient water or proper filtration equipment for creeks and lakes.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For family tent camping, select locations with manageable access routes. At Whiterocks, "The road to the campsite is well maintained. The campsite itself is nestled in the pines with craggy mountains all around it." Established campgrounds provide easier access than remote backcountry sites.
Plan for isolation: Cell service is extremely limited at most tent sites in the area. One Forest Road 13 camper mentioned, "Spotty Verizon and ATT service but still managed to be able to text and call as needed." Pack emergency communication devices for family safety.
Consider fishing-friendly locations: Several tent camping locations offer kid-friendly fishing opportunities. A Whiterocks reviewer noted, "If you get one of the sites towards the back of the campground the creek runs right by it and fishing for pan size trout is a blast." These smaller fish provide perfect beginner fishing experiences for children.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most campsites near Lonetree accommodate tents better than RVs. At Riverview Campground, one visitor mentioned camping "right on the Yellowstone and enjoyed a peaceful weekend!" The campground accommodates smaller RVs but lacks hookups.
Road considerations: Forest service roads often present challenges for larger vehicles. One Forest Road 13 visitor advised, "FS road #13 has large diameter cobble base and makes for a bumpy road. There are much better dispersed sites across the hwy on FS roads #839 and #838 for RVs and TTs. I would not go up this road with a trailer unless you had a turnaround open." Consider vehicle capabilities and turnaround options when selecting camping locations.
