Dispersed camping areas near Meeteetse, Wyoming range in elevation from 5,000 to 7,500 feet, creating varied weather conditions throughout the year. The region experiences strong afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, particularly in July and August. Between April and October, overnight temperatures can drop significantly even after warm days, requiring campers to prepare for temperature fluctuations of 30-40 degrees within 24 hours.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several campgrounds provide direct fishing access to the Shoshone River with various trout species. At Cody Trout Ranch Camp, campers can fish both in a stocked pond and along the river. "There's so much to do here! My littles (6&8) loved the playground, the fishing pond, it's far enough from the road to be quiet and safe," notes Elizabeth M.
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies at Sheep Mountain BLM provide exceptional stargazing during new moon phases. "The view made it so worth it plus the darkest nights to see the stars. Us 2, and our three wild dogs loved it," writes Mariah K. The area has minimal light pollution due to its distance from major towns.
Buffalo Bill Center exploration: Located 20 minutes from multiple campgrounds, this five-museum complex requires at least half a day to explore. "Close enough to Yellowstone and Meeteese," notes Patricia H. from Gateway Motel and Campground. The center includes wildlife, firearms, Plains Indians, western art, and Buffalo Bill museums under one roof.
What campers like
Open space for pet exercise: The expansive terrain at dispersed camping areas allows dogs to run freely. "Open spaces, enough room for my dog to run around off leash, cell service and quiet," reports Tymika B., highlighting the benefits of Cody BLM Dispersed for pet owners seeking space.
River access: Campsites near water features provide both recreation and natural cooling. "This area is huge so there's plenty of space to camp, you may see other RVs on the distance. I love that there's very good phone reception," mentions Mariana T. about the spaciousness of sites.
Proximity to Yellowstone: Many sites serve as affordable base camps for park exploration. "We found this spot to stay overnight before visiting Cody and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. We got a great spot with amazing views of the sunset," shares James B., describing his experience at Cody BLM Dispersed.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Strong winds affect many campgrounds in the region, especially those on open terrain. "It can get very windy here, with strong gusts. Our staked canopy actually flew off while my wife and kids were relaxing in it and almost flew into the lake," warns Anand from Lake Shore Campground. Secure all equipment with heavy-duty stakes.
Road conditions to dispersed sites: Access roads to free camping areas often require careful navigation. "The road is rough in just a couple of spots, but we saw vans and a large Class C make it up here no problem," notes James B. about Cody BLM Dispersed roads. Low-clearance vehicles may struggle after rain.
Seasonal closures: Most established campgrounds close between October and May. "This campground is about a 30 minute drive to the east Yellowstone entrance," shares HANNON C., but access may be limited by seasonal park closures or mountain pass conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: Multiple free dispersed camping areas exist within 30 minutes of Meeteetse. "We pulled off of highway 16 to just explore and found that this area has a lot of options for camping. It is a vast stretch of BLM land between Cody and Greybull," writes Laura M. about dispersed sites.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. "The playground was fenced off due to Covid in August 2020. We enjoyed visiting the dam and the bike park in the town of Cody, WY," reports Ashley M. from North Fork Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife spotting times. "Upon exploration we found several bones (femur of a cow we think, spine of a smaller animal, and coyote skull we think) didn't see any animals while we were there but just seemed like remnants of the coyotes we heard at night," notes Sophie B., describing evidence of wildlife around Cody BLM Dispersed.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many dispersed sites require careful positioning for proper leveling. "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," advises Cameron L. from Sheep Mountain BLM.
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "Good cell reception with ATT, Verizon and TMobile," reports Laura M. about the surprisingly strong connectivity at Cody BLM Dispersed, making it suitable for remote workers.
Hookup availability: Limited full-hookup sites exist in the region. "Nice park no full hook ups, and not many sites with water so plan with time," warns Daniel L. about Buffalo Bill State Park. Arrive with full water tanks and empty holding tanks when using sites with partial or no hookups.
