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Best Dispersed Camping near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

202 Reviews

Dispersed camping sites surround the Snowy Range section of Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming, with multiple free options along forest service roads. Forest Road 318 offers mountain views but requires 4WD and decent clearance due to rough terrain with standing water and deep ruts in some sections. Forest Road 330C provides river access with isolated spots along Little Laramie River, while Laramie Overlook features several loops with level spots for larger vehicles near the forest entrance and more secluded sites down a half-mile path.

Most dispersed sites in the area provide basic fire rings but no amenities. Cell service varies by location, with excellent Verizon coverage at Laramie Overlook but limited connectivity in other areas. According to one visitor, "If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, I highly recommend searching for one of those offshoots for the privacy and nice camping spot." Roads to Twin Buttes Reservoir and Miller Lake sites remain accessible for most vehicles, though Miller Lake has been described as "absolutely covered in cow pies" by some campers. The 14-day camping limit applies throughout the national forest, with most sites usable from late spring through early fall depending on snow conditions.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG (58)

    1. Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "Great place to boondock for a few days. We stayed here for a week in our 20 foot skoolie. Short drive into the Medicine Bow National forest and you’re here."

    "The reading getting up here is bumpy and a little washed out but nothing to worry about you can get to the first area with just a normal car no issues. 4 bars verizon cell. No bathrooms or amenities."

    2. Forest Road 318

    5 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    6 miles

    "4WD and decent clearance is a must. The road is in rough shape and sections had standing water and mud with deep ruts."

    "The road is very bumpy so take your time driving on it. 4WD is a must."

    3. Forest Service Road 330C

    2 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    6 miles

    "We found a great spot right next to the river on forest road 330C near North Fork Campground. The area was fairly busy on Labor Day weekend but we were basically isolated in this spot."

    "Stayed one night at the coordinates of camper 1 . Had a great time with my dog, very close to medicine bow, and awesome views of the river."

    4. FS RD 103 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "Great camping spot within Medicine Bow National Forest. Some of this area requires a $5 day fee which can be paid online or using an envelop system with cash."

    "Very few other boondockers, and well dispersed. Very quiet with minimal traffic."

    5. Twin Buttes Reservoir

    9 Reviews
    Laramie, WY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 777-4600

    "Good Verizon service, was able to work remote. Got pretty windy but it was nice on the hot days. Idk if I’d swim in the water. There was a pit toilet. Good view of the mountains."

    "We arrived around sunset for a quick night on our road trip heading West. There were some bugs out but nothing crazy. Peaceful sounds of birds and waterfowl."

    6. Miller Lake dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Jelm, WY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "Very peaceful campground, right by a lake with a nice view. People came and went throughout the day to go fishing at the lake and some with ATVs. "

    "We were able to find a pretty clear spot with a fire pit to set up, but most of the old sites are grown over and too cramped for tent camping."

    7. Evans Creek Dispersed

    1 Review
    Jelm, WY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "Stopped in late, made it fine with 2w low clearance, I stayed at the first spot, I’m not sure how many there were. Light traffic throughout the night, but overall peaceful stay."

    8. White Rock Canyon Dispersed Site

    6 Reviews
    Elk Mountain, WY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "Nice isolated spot in the National Forest, 5 mi from the main highway. Nice view with few fire rings. No one was around."

    "There are sites all along the road left and right all the way back in here, and every one of them is relatively secluded and equally beautiful."

    9. Meeboer Lake

    3 Reviews
    Laramie, WY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 777-4600

    10. Twin Butte Lake

    1 Review
    Laramie, WY
    18 miles

    "Take the road down and around the lake. Their is a second vault toilet and many spots right on the waters edge. This is a great spot for fishing as you can camp all along the edge of the lake."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

219 Photos of 58 Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

202 Reviews of 58 Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG Campgrounds

  • Isabelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2018

    Dispersed Camping in Routt National Forest

    Solitude by the river

    We stumbled upon this campground by chance, and what a wonderful chance it was! After deciding to take a weekend rafting trip along the Wyoming/Colorado section of the Platte River, we planned to just find dispersed camping options within the surrounding National Forest area. We initially put our boats in at the Routt Access Trailhead which is where we were able to find this amazing group of campsites (see directions below). There are plenty of campsites designated by fire rings along the road that are well spread out and offer plenty of seclusion. We were surprised to not encounter any other campers despite it being a beautiful summer weekend. The campsite we used offered much appreciated shade from the June sun with plenty of big trees. The ground is relatively flat on top of the hill so we had quite a few options to spread out with our group pf 3 tents. Another huge plus of this area is how pristine it is, not a piece of trash to be found. If camping here, please continue that by following Leave No Trace principles. 

    Camping in this area is complimented by tons of nearby activities including hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding trails, class I-IV white water rafting opportunities, rock climbing, fishing and wildlife viewing. On our weekend adventure we went on a 4-hour boat trip from the Routt Access boat put-in to the Six-Mile Gap take-out point, the river felt like a private get away and we didn’t see any other people except for a few fly fishermen at the access points. The wildlife we encountered was the highlight of our trip, we saw moose, a golden eagle, foxes, pronghorns, and marmots. 

    To get there: The GPS coordinates entered on this page are for the Routt Access Trailhead. Following these directions from there is the easiest way to find the campsites. I have also included a screenshot of google maps in this review. When approaching the trailhead from the main road, just a few hundred yards before the trailhead/river access parking area, the road forks. To the right is the trailhead, and to the left is FS 939.1 (Mahogany Road). With a normal clearance vehicle and 2wd, you should be able to easily reach the first campsite along this road, marked by a well-appointed fire ring. For those with slightly higher clearance cars (my friends had a Subaru Forester and did just fine) I would highly recommend continuing along the road a bit higher and up the hill. 4wd is probably not necessary unless the road is muddy, but some large holes and rocks will be problematic for very low clearance vehicles. From up here, you will have amazing views of the grasslands, mountains and river.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2022

    Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping

    Small, but mighty

    Great place to boondock for a few days. We stayed here for a week in our 20 foot skoolie. Short drive into the Medicine Bow National forest and you’re here. There are a couple of loops right as you enter, which are the most level places to park a rig. Then another path leads about a half a mile to a few other sites that are more secluded, but not very level. I wouldn’t recommend towing anything down there with the condition of the dirt road and low hanging tree branches. Those would be ideal for a camper van or tent. There is a lovely creek that runs along there. The dump/water is decommissioned at this site, but as you turn in there is dump/water at the forest station. During our stay there were a couple of RV’s and some off road fanatics. Quiet and cool summer evenings. Great cell service!

  • Morgan Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    USFSR 550 - Dispersed Camping

    Far from the crowds, far from ordinary

    Beautiful Aspen groves surround you as you roll on endlessly down well maintained dirt roads. I've put in specific coordinates, but you can follow any of these FS roads after you pass through the "town" of Columbine. I prefer to go up to the right along 550. But you can't go wrong. 

    Free range sheep are being guarded by Great Pyreneese dogs, Moose and Pronghorn are all abundant. Bears too, so lock it all up. 

    Great easy MTB on the roads and some smaller trails.

    Leave no trace.

  • Katherine B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Foote Public Access Area Dispersed

    Great late season spot

    A few sandy campsites by the Platte River - had we gotten there earlier, we could have parked on the river's rocky shore. Someone beat us to it though!

    There are actually two separate camping areas of this access - when you get to the fork, there are sites in either direction. Both are denoted with the Foote Public Access area signs, so you know you found it. There was also a boat ramp. I am not familiar with this section of the Platte, but I would imagine fishing and hunting are probably great activities if you're staying here for a few days. Wildlife appeared abundant in September - luckily, mosquitos and flies were not!

    It is a road through private land, which is relatively well maintained, but please respect private property. Also be aware of current fire restrictions - there are no fire rings here, and open fires are not permitted. A firepan or fuel-based cooking system would be good to have.

  • M
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Vedauwoo Wagon Road

    Great location

    I went on Labor Day weekend, it was quite busy BUT I was still able to find a spot. Need high clearance and a good off roading car to get all the way through. Also side note, turns out the road goes all the way through! Both ends go straight to a high way which is sweet. There are many animals so make sure everything is bear proof and prepared for one to come by!

    The road winds through and there are many different roads that brand off and have a bunch of sites at too

  • Mary S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Vedawoo Dispersed Sunset Camp

    Lovely!

    Easy to access (I have 4wd), and each spot is massively spacious with really cool rock formations. The view is gorgeous...lovely fire rings...you definitely have to bring water and everything you need--there are no facilities her--but it is wonderful camping!

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Foote Public Access Area Dispersed

    Dispersed camping on the North Platte River

    This tiny dispersed site is on the North Platte River with boat access and a few weedy, private sites spread out in this area tucked inside private property. Since you have to drive over private property to get here, be mindful of speed on the dirt access road and clean up after yourself. I did not camp here as all of the sites were taken but I did visit with a couple traveling from Canada. They liked how quiet it was and loved how secluded it was. They said the mosquitoes were horrific, but worth dealing with to camp in such a great spot. Just up the road is the actual public access to the river, but in the campground there is a small boat ramp that you could use to launch a small boat or canoe. I'm keeping this one on my list for future reference- free, beautiful, and secluded. Hope I can get a spot in the future.

  • Isabelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2017

    Comanche Peak View Campground

    Primitive camping not far from Fort Collins

    I have camped here multiple times and always have a great time. There are a few primitive sites here with fire pits, plenty of firewood for gathering, flat spots for a tent and fairly accessible with a high clearance vehicle. This campground is an especially good option for those wanting to avoid the summer crowds of the close by and popular campgrounds of Red Feather Lakes and Lost Lake. I often use this as a home base for exploring some of the trails in those areas. There are also lots of fun boulders in the campground area to climb around on or tuck your tent next to if needing protection on a windy night.

Guide to Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Dispersed camping near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland in Wyoming offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Views and Wildlife Encounters While Free Camping Near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

  • Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and the peaceful sounds of nature at Twin Buttes Reservoir, where you can also spot local wildlife like birds and waterfowl.
  • Experience the beauty of the changing seasons at White Rock Canyon, especially during fall when the aspens turn vibrant shades of yellow.
  • At Laramie Overlook Dispersed Camping, you can enjoy stargazing in a secluded spot, making it a perfect retreat for night owls and nature lovers alike.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG in Wyoming

  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Meeboer Lake has no drinking water or electric hookups, so bring your own supplies.
  • If you're traveling with pets, Evans Creek Dispersed allows pets, making it a great choice for those who want to bring their furry friends along.
  • Keep in mind that some areas, like Forest Service Road 330C, may require a bit of off-road driving, so a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended.

Fishing and Outdoor Activities for Dispersed Campers

  • Cast your line at Miller Lake, where fishing is popular and the scenery is picturesque, making it a great spot for a relaxing day by the water.
  • For those looking to hike, Forest Road 318 provides access to numerous trails within the Snowy Range, perfect for exploring the area's natural beauty.
  • If you're interested in a more secluded experience, Sodergreen Lake offers a quiet spot for fishing and enjoying the serene environment, though be prepared for limited camping space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best spots for dispersed camping in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest?

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest offers excellent dispersed camping opportunities across its vast terrain. Vedawoo Dispersed Sunset Camp features massive rock formations, spacious sites, and gorgeous views, accessible with 4WD vehicles. For those exploring the Colorado portion, USFSR 550 - Dispersed Camping provides beautiful Aspen groves along well-maintained dirt roads beyond the town of Columbine. Other notable areas include Laramie Overlook with its relatively level parking spots, Pingree Hill (requiring high-clearance vehicles), and Forest Service Road 700 with well-established sites. Most dispersed areas require you to bring all supplies including water, and proper vehicle clearance is often necessary to access the best spots.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Thunder Basin National Grassland?

Dispersed camping in Thunder Basin National Grassland follows standard USFS regulations: camp at least 100-200 feet from water sources, roads, and trails; stay a maximum of 14 days within a 30-day period; and practice Leave No Trace principles. Forest Road 318 and FS RD 103 Dispersed are available areas for dispersed camping, with the latter accommodating larger rigs. Always use existing fire rings when present, and be aware of seasonal fire restrictions that may prohibit campfires entirely. Camping is generally free but requires self-containment as there are no services. Stay clear of clearly marked private property and always pack out all trash. Check with local ranger districts for current conditions and specific area closures before your trip.

What amenities or facilities are available for dispersed campers in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is primitive with minimal amenities. Most sites like Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping have no facilities, requiring campers to bring all water and supplies. Some areas such as Foote Public Access Area Dispersed offer proximity to rivers for water (which must be filtered/treated) and occasional sandy shore access. Established dispersed sites typically have fire rings, but no trash service, electricity, or potable water. For those needing basic facilities, nearby Twin Buttes Reservoir and Meeboer Lake areas have vault toilets while still maintaining a primitive experience. Cell service is limited or non-existent in most areas, so prepare accordingly with offline maps and emergency plans.

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