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Best Dispersed Camping near Lysite, WY

16 Reviews

The central Wyoming landscape surrounding Lysite features primarily dispersed camping options on public lands, with several notable sites within an hour's drive. Lake Cameahwait near Shoshoni offers lakeside camping with basic amenities including pit toilets and covered picnic areas. Outlaw Cave Campground provides a more remote experience along the Middle Fork of the Powder River, where campers can explore the historic Hole-in-the-Wall country once frequented by Butch Cassidy. Ocean Lake Lindholm and Hell's Half Acre Road round out the dispersed camping options, each providing different terrain and water access possibilities for both tent and RV campers.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring travel on unpaved roads. According to camper James C., "Pay attention to the proper way to drive in. Do not cross into private property which is well posted." GPS directions often route travelers incorrectly, particularly to Outlaw Cave Campground, where following BLM signage rather than navigation apps is essential. Strong winds are common throughout the area, with campers at Lake Cameahwait noting wind-fenced picnic tables that provide necessary shelter during storms. Cell service is surprisingly reliable at some locations, with Verizon coverage reported at Lake Cameahwait, though supplies are limited in nearby towns.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with multiple reviewers highlighting the scenic views at sunrise and sunset. Lake Cameahwait features several shaded structures along the shoreline with ADA accessibility at some sites, though water levels can affect campsite availability. As one camper noted, "The two spots closest to the lake were flooded so watch out for that." Mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as a consideration, particularly during warmer months. Many sites are described as feeling like parking lots rather than traditional campsites, with Ryan L. explaining, "The area is not a typical camping area, and feels more like a parking lot to a day-use park." Most locations have 14-day stay limits and operate on a pack-in, pack-out basis for trash management.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Lysite, Wyoming (6)

    1. Lake Cameahwait

    14 Reviews
    Shoshoni, WY
    28 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Hell's Half Acre Road

    2 Reviews
    Lysite, WY
    34 miles

    3. Outlaw Cave Campground

    6 Reviews
    Ten Sleep, WY
    43 miles
    +1 (307) 684-1100

    "Pay attention to the previous post where he explains the proper way to drive in. Do not cross into private property which is well posted."

    "Walking down to the cave and along the ridges without lot of other people around is certainly a positive."

    4. Lake Cameahwait Dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Shoshoni, WY
    28 miles

    5. Sand Mesa Wildlife Managment on Bass Lake

    Be the first to review!
    Shoshoni, WY
    28 miles

    6. Ocean Lake Lindholm

    2 Reviews
    Riverton, WY
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 332-2688

    "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"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lysite, WY

6 Photos of 6 Lysite Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lysite, WY

16 Reviews of 6 Lysite Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2022

    Lake Cameahwait

    Peaceful & Free

    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 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lake Cameahwait

    Lakeside spot bit of a drive from highway

    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. There were sheltered areas with tables and bbq stands which was a nice touch.

  • Addy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Lake Cameahwait

    Quiet and Easy for a Van

    This 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.

  • l
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Lake Cameahwait

    Perfect free spot

    4 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

  • Kelda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Lake Cameahwait

    Gorgeous Lakeside Camping

    It'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

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2025

    Lake Cameahwait

    Quiet, nice area.

    We camped here for one night in May. The area is not a typical camping area, and feels more like a parking lot to a day-use park. We weren’t sure if this was actually a valid camping area; however, we drove a little ways up the road and eventually came to a sign indicating that the lots were valid for camping up to 14 days.

    Lots of bugs, but quiet and nice place to stay for a night or two.

  • Michael U.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2025

    Lake Cameahwait

    Good road. 8+ spots

    2 locations with pit toilets along shoreline. Pretty buggy but great views.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2019

    Lake Cameahwait

    Get spot 10 miles off 20/26

    Plenty of room on a great little lake. Had a 34 ft A class and took in on dirt road which covers about 2/3 of lake. The other 1/3 is a 2 lane paved road. Amazing back drop views of the mountains behind us and tons of running room for the boys and dog

  • Carrie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2017

    Lake Cameahwait

    Mostly set up for day camping

    Small lake popular with fishermen. There were a few paddle sport users present. It is very hot in July and there are provided shade structures. You can see the Boysen Reservoir from the road on the north side of the lake, they are very close.  There are several pit toilets available around the perimeter of the lake.

Guide to Lysite

Dispersed camping near Lysite, Wyoming offers rugged access to the Wind River Basin at elevations ranging from 4,800 to 5,500 feet. The semi-arid climate produces hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cold winters with significant wind chill factors. Most dispersed sites in this region require visitors to bring their own water supply and practice Leave No Trace principles.

What to do

Fishing access: Ocean Lake Lindholm provides excellent shoreline fishing with multiple jumping fish visible from camp. "Lake teaming with birdlife, and saw fish jumping," notes Gregory, who appreciated the boat ramp access for small watercraft.

Historical exploration: The Outlaw Cave Campground area connects visitors with Wyoming's outlaw history. "Somewhere down at the bottom of the river is also where the hole in the Rock gang used to hide and you can go and find the place," explains Steve M., who visited the canyon rim campground.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at secluded lake sites offer excellent wildlife observation opportunities. Gregory at Ocean Lake Lindholm reports hearing elk and seeing numerous bird species: "Were the only ones here, so perfect to turn on some music, or sit in the quiet and listen to birds and elk."

What campers like

Sunrise views: Many campers specifically mention morning views over the water. Bob D. at Ocean Lake Lindholm describes a "Great isolated spot" where he "spent a quiet night, awoke to great sunrise over lake."

Canyon vistas: The elevated terrain provides dramatic overlooks that earn high marks from visitors. AJ A. describes the Outlaw Cave Campground setting: "You camp on top of an enormous canyon that you can hike down to the river if you're up for a challenging hike!"

Dark sky viewing: Remote locations away from city lights create prime conditions for astronomy. Gregory notes that Ocean Lake Lindholm offers a "Great dark sky" with minimal light pollution, making it ideal for stargazing during clear nights.

What you should know

Navigation challenges: GPS directions frequently lead travelers onto private property. Mitch S. warns about Outlaw Cave Campground: "Like another review had said the GPS (or google maps) will try to direct you across private property. If you continue along the road you will find signs that help direct you where you're allowed to go."

Road conditions: Access roads deteriorate seasonally and after storms. James C. notes about Outlaw Cave: "Road was pretty smooth accept for the last approximately 2 miles, a little rougher and more narrow but not difficult to do in a car."

Limited amenities: Most sites provide minimal facilities. Gregory describes the Lake Cameahwait facilities: "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."

Tips for camping with families

Fishing opportunities: Lake sites offer accessible fishing for children. According to Steve M., visitors to Outlaw Cave report "they were catching trout left and right" at the river below the campground, though accessing the water requires a steep hike.

Day use popularity: Expect busier conditions during daylight hours at lake sites. Kelda C. notes about Lake Cameahwait: "This is mostly a day use area so it gets pretty busy during the days - especially on the weekends."

Bug protection: Insect populations peak during summer months. Michael U. describes Lake Cameahwait as "Pretty buggy but great views," while Wayne H. advises: "Great place to stay if you can work around the mosquitoes."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Many dispersed sites require leveling equipment for RVs. Gregory at Ocean Lake Lindholm advises: "Mostly level sites, but a few levellers wouldn't go amiss."

Wind exposure: Open areas experience significant wind events. Gary S. reports challenges at Lake Cameahwait: "Only spent one night as we had a very strong wind and did not crank up our top on our slide in camper."

Large rig access: Some locations accommodate larger vehicles despite unpaved access. Andrew P. reports: "Plenty of room on a great little lake. Had a 34 ft A class and took in on dirt road which covers about 2/3 of lake."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lysite, WY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lysite, WY is Lake Cameahwait with a 4-star rating from 14 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lysite, WY?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Lysite, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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