BLM lands surrounding Meeteetse, Wyoming offer multiple no-cost camping opportunities on public land. Elevations typically range from 5,000-7,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature shifts between day and night even in summer months. The area sits within Wyoming's Big Horn Basin, characterized by sagebrush plains and striking rock formations, with several sites offering both mountain views and riverside access.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Lower Sunshine Reservoir provides good fishing access with most camping spots located on a ridge above the water. "This is a free camping area about 45 minutes south of Cody. Most of the spots are on a ridge above the reservoir, but there is a way to drive below the ridge and camp. The vault toilet is on the water level, so a walk up after use!" notes Rebecca B.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours offer prime opportunities to spot pronghorn antelope, deer, and coyotes. At East Fork Road Dispersed, one camper observed, "We were on a loop by ourselves with a bathroom nearby, kinda surprising since it was dispersed. Just a 100 yards or so from a beautiful river. We never saw another person."
Stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. A camper at East Fork Road shared, "Stars to die for. The milky way was very bright."
What campers like
Solitude and space: The Cody BLM Dispersed area provides ample room to spread out. Chris N. notes, "Getting into the area was easy and there wasn't much there other than solitude over a vast long and wide grasslands valley and a humongous 360 degree sky view."
Convenience to attractions: Many sites serve as good basecamps for exploring nearby destinations. Justin R. mentions Cody BLM is a "Great stop before heading into Cody or Yellowstone! Nice flat camp spots!"
Cell connectivity: Unlike many remote camping areas, several Meeteetse dispersed sites maintain good reception. At Sheep Mountain BLM, campers report reliable connectivity, while a Lower Sunshine Reservoir visitor confirmed, "Strong connection with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Starlink."
What you should know
Site selection: Many areas have unmarked camping zones that require some exploration. At Sheep Mountain BLM, one camper advised, "Not incredibly clear what was fair game for spaces but there was an RV up near the trailhead and another car camper in a circle (this looked like the place to be for a view!)."
Weather considerations: Wind can be significant in this open landscape. James B. at Cody BLM Dispersed observed, "Very little shelter from the wind, however if you set up against the small hills just right, you'll have just enough shelter when things a blowing."
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed sites vary greatly in quality. At Hogan Reservoir BLM Campground, the terrain is "Hardscape if you are in a tent," according to Lia T., while other areas require high-clearance vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom availability: Some dispersed sites unexpectedly include toilet facilities. At East Fork Road Dispersed, Renee G. found, "This particular spot wasn't very private as it was immediately off the road, but there were bear boxes, restrooms, and a creek nearby."
Water access: With no piped water, plan accordingly. The Hogan Reservoir area provides water recreation options as noted by one visitor: "The reservoir is perfect for fishing, floating and cooling off after a hike."
Safety precautions: Be aware of hunting activity in season. Emma C. shared this experience at East Fork Road: "We were though woken up at 6am from hunting caravans pulling up and using the campsites as parking while they took their 4x4s out. Very loud very unfortunate."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: The varied terrain requires attention to parking position. At Sheep Mountain BLM, Cameron L. reported, "We were able to haul our 45-ft fifth wheel and find level ground. There are some additional locations to park higher on the hill but the road to get there is a little more rough."
Vehicle clearance: Access roads can be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Lisa D. warns, "We have a Chrysler Pacifica hybrid and for whatever reasons they like to make these van low to the ground. The gravel rocky road didn't look too bad even though it was rough so we headed up to the top and boy do I regret that! We bottomed out a few times."
Weather protection: Consider positioning for wind protection. "It was a windy day and calmed down around dinner time but at bedtime it was very windy! We have a rooftop tent and platform in the van. It felt like the RTT was the sail to our van," shares one Sheep Mountain camper.
