Best Tent Camping near Pine Bluffs, WY

The high plains surrounding Pine Bluffs, Wyoming offer limited tent camping options with basic amenities and primitive conditions. Tent campers can find sites at Gotte Park across the Nebraska border and Packer Lake Campground in Wyoming, though both locations provide minimal facilities for overnight stays. These tent campgrounds represent the sparse camping landscape characteristic of this eastern Wyoming region, where established sites are few and often require self-sufficiency.

Tent sites at Packer Lake Campground feature both drive-in and walk-in access options, though campers should prepare for primitive conditions. The campground offers basic vault toilets but lacks drinking water, trash service, and other amenities typically found at more developed sites. Fires are permitted in designated areas, and pets are allowed, making it suitable for tent campers traveling with animals. Gotte Park, while technically in Nebraska, provides another tent-only option near Pine Bluffs, though it similarly lacks hookups or developed facilities. Backcountry tent camping enthusiasts should bring all necessary supplies, including water, as services are extremely limited throughout the area.

Recent visitors to Packer Lake Campground reported disappointing conditions that may impact the tent camping experience. According to one camper, the lake is "not much bigger than a pond" and the area suffers from poor maintenance, including abandoned vehicles near the water's edge. This lack of upkeep led some tent campers to leave without staying overnight. The primitive tent camping experience here is compromised by these conditions, though the site does offer the advantage of being one of the few established tent campgrounds in the vicinity of Pine Bluffs. Walk-in tent sites provide slightly more seclusion than drive-in options, potentially offering tent campers a better experience away from the immediate lake area.

Best Tent Sites Near Pine Bluffs, Wyoming (2)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Pine Bluffs, WY

176 Reviews of 2 Pine Bluffs Campgrounds


  • Grayce F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping

    Easy Access Dispersed Camping

    A few little pull offs with fire rings - very pretty scenery and nice sunsets / stargazing. No trees obviously because of the grassland, so no shade or wind protection. Wasn’t very cold or super windy when we visited in July. Good stopover if you’re stretching from Missouri or Nebraska to/from Colorado.

  • Caryl D.
    Oct. 26, 2020

    North Sterling State Park Campground

    Secluded camping area

    For an overnight stay this suited its purpose just fine.  Clean restrooms and sites. Treeless campsites with a shelter for sun and wind protection. But in October, the weather was accommodating.   Would definitely go here again for an overnighted on my way to the Rockies from the east on 80.

  • S
    Aug. 31, 2021

    AB Camping & RV Park by Open Road Resorts

    Great BBQ

    Funny way to title a campground review but it was the best part.

    Our full hook up spot was super narrow with a large cottonwood that looked like it had been banged into a couple times by other RV’s. Dead branches hung down so we couldn’t use our awning and one scrapped the roof. Site G18

    Our neighbors pulled in so their door was facing us. Which seems contrary to most camp grounds.. We’ve only experienced this in one other campground. A little uncomfortable when you walk out your door and your neighbors are right there at your picnic table. Luckily this was a one nighter.

    I believe this campground could be spruced up and be a very nice campground especially at $50 a pop for a full hook up spot!

    Yes the barbecue joint and the campground are run and or owned by the same people. My husband raved about the barbecue, it was pretty good. It appeared that lots of people from the campground we’re getting ribs and pulled pork and brisket.

    We didn’t use the facilities but our close by neighbors stated that the showers were very nice.

    I believe there are numerous better sites than the one we stayed in.

  • D
    Aug. 18, 2022

    Crow Valley

    It’s okay… for vanlife and smaller fifth wheels

    Site is $11.25/night. No water or service hookups. There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site. Bathrooms are plenty close to all sites.

    Campground is located on a the four way intersection stop sign of hwy 14 and hwy 392, Briggsdale, CO. There is too much road noise to sleep in a tent.

    Careful with large RV as some of the tree branches are very low.

  • Andrew H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2023

    Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping

    Relaxing and fun with cows

    We were coming from Nebraska and heading West in a Ford F-150 pick up truck pulling a 22 foot travel trailer. We stopped in Sterling, CO to fill up gas. If you are taking road 14, just know that it is at least 60 miles before the next gas station, so plan accordingly. We left Sterling heading west on highway 14, until we got to county road 129 where the pavement ends and we headed north into the grasslands. We simply followed the Google maps directions to get all the way to the Pawnee Buttes Trailhead parking lot from there! It was pretty easy, honestly! The roads are all gravel, so just take your time. They were pretty well maintained, due to the industry traffic that goes through there. We came across a couple of eighteen wheelers. The gravel was pretty compacted and seemed pretty safe. There are several areas to pull off, and if you are pulling a trailer, or you have a big rig, there is a loop parking lot at the Pawnee Buttes Trailhead that you can turn around in if you need to. The picture of me and the dog is standing on County Road 110 just before you get to the parking lot for the trail head. Our camping spot was one of many flat areas off of road 110 that you can pull off on, as long as it is 300 feet or less from the edge of the road. Our spot was before you get to the trail head, but if you pass the parking lot and keep going up the hill on Pawnee Buttes Trailhead Road, there are tons more spots to camp up on the ridge about a quarter mile or so. There are a lot of cows, but they are shy, curious animals. We had our pit bull with us, and we didn’t feel threatened. Just make sure that if you go through any gates while wandering the grasslands, you shut them behind you. There are no garbage facilities, so please LEAVE NO TRACE! There are some vault toilets in the parking lot.

  • Tarrah C.
    May. 2, 2024

    North Sterling State Park Campground

    Wind and Sandburs

    There are bathrooms with plumbing and vault toilets. All of the leantos are set up so there is no view of the lake. My dog kept getting sanburs in her paws because they were everywhere. This is a one night place. $36 to camp

    I was pummled by the wind when it was fron the north and south. The water is not individual hook up it is shared with the campsites around you.

    At 8a the ranger was banging in my door to explain the water situatuon since I had hooked directly up to it. There were no other campers at the site but she felt it critical that I unhook my hose. The ranger from the previous day and campsite host never seemed to care.

  • Brooke P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2024

    Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping

    Decent

    It's a decent camp spot. We went on memorial weekend and we were able to find a spot. His Subaru outback made it and we saw sedans get up there just fine.

    Cows do use the area and may wander into your site. Cactus are a thing and it can get really windy. Our tent was staked down and we angled it so the side wasn't collapsing on us. Cooking during the wind was nearly impossible but doable with some engineering.

    Neighbors were quiet and the terrain made it so that we didn't see who camped in the next spots nearest us.

    It's decent if you want to get away for a day or two, wander around at your leisure, and read.

    Pit toilet available at the Buttes trailhead.

    Verizon service is spotty but I was still able to use maps.

  • J
    Sep. 30, 2019

    Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area

    Huge sites, nice lake

    Not far off the road in Kimball, NE is a lake with nice large flat spaces. Huge old trees provide shade and we have excellent cell on both our Verizon and at&t networks. Good fishing and a sand swimming beach

    It is dry camping with vault toilets and a dump. Actually free, but with a suggested donation. 14 day limit.

  • laura S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    North Sterling State Park Campground

    Chimney View campground

    No shade other than picnic shelter. A bit windy. Beautiful views, sites spaced out well. Vault toilet not in great shape but main restroom/shower house clean.


Guide to Pine Bluffs

Tent camping options near Pine Bluffs, Wyoming remain sparse due to the region's arid high plains topography at approximately 5,000 feet elevation. The eastern Wyoming location experiences temperature extremes with cold winters and hot summers, creating a challenging environment for overnight stays. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, requiring campers to prepare for considerable daily temperature fluctuations.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Packer Lake Campground offers fishing in a small body of water, though visitors should bring their own equipment and verify fishing regulations before arrival. A recent camper noted the lake is smaller than expected: "There were wrecked cars at the edge of the water, both sides of the lake are not much bigger than a pond."

Day trips to Nebraska: From Gotte Park, campers can explore nearby Nebraska attractions within 30 minutes of the state border. This tent-only park serves as a convenient base camp for those interested in exploring both states during their stay.

Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot pronghorn antelope, jackrabbits, and prairie birds throughout the Pine Bluffs region. The high plains ecosystem supports diverse grassland species despite the seemingly barren landscape.

What campers like

Affordability: The primitive nature of camping options near Pine Bluffs translates to low-cost or sometimes free camping opportunities. Tent camping sites require minimal investment compared to more developed campgrounds in Wyoming's tourist regions.

Uncrowded experience: Packer Lake Campground rarely reaches capacity, providing solitude for tent campers seeking quiet stays. The remote location means campers often have significant personal space even during peak summer months.

Stargazing conditions: The limited light pollution around Pine Bluffs creates exceptional night sky viewing. The high elevation and typically clear weather conditions make astronomical observation a highlight for tent campers willing to endure the primitive facilities.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Tent camping near Pine Bluffs requires self-sufficiency. Most sites lack amenities beyond basic vault toilets, with no drinking water, electricity, or trash service available. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

Weather preparedness: The exposed nature of high plains camping leaves tent sites vulnerable to sudden weather changes including strong winds, thunderstorms, and temperature swings. Summer camping requires adequate shade structures while spring and fall camping demands proper cold-weather gear.

Access challenges: Many camping areas have unpaved access roads that become difficult to navigate during or after precipitation. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for reaching tent sites during wet conditions.

Tips for camping with families

Water requirements: Families tent camping near Pine Bluffs should bring 1-2 gallons of water per person per day due to the complete absence of potable water sources. The dry climate increases water consumption needs, particularly during summer months.

Entertainment planning: The limited natural features require families to bring their own entertainment options. Board games, star charts for night sky viewing, and field guides to prairie wildlife help keep children engaged during downtime at camp.

Safety considerations: The open terrain offers little natural protection from lightning during thunderstorms. Families should monitor weather forecasts carefully and have contingency plans for quickly breaking camp if severe weather approaches.

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: RV campers report difficulty finding level parking at undeveloped sites around Pine Bluffs. The natural terrain often requires extensive blocking and leveling equipment.

Supply runs: With no services at campgrounds, RVers typically make supply runs to Pine Bluffs (population approximately 1,000) for necessities. The town offers limited shopping options but provides basic groceries, fuel, and emergency supplies within 15-20 minutes of most camping areas.

Generator requirements: The absence of electrical hookups means RV camping requires generator use or sufficient battery capacity for extended stays. The open terrain allows generator noise to travel considerable distances, potentially affecting other campers seeking quiet tent camping experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pine Bluffs, WY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pine Bluffs, WY is Gotte Park with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.