Dispersed camping options surrounding Pinedale, Wyoming range from lakeside sites to secluded forest locations at elevations between 7,000-8,000 feet. The area experiences cool summer nights with temperatures often dropping below 50°F even in July and August. Wind conditions vary significantly by location, with exposed areas like Soda Lake receiving consistent breezes while forested sites offer more protection.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk: Kelly Park FS Rd #747 Dispersed Camping provides prime opportunities to observe wildlife. "Open grassy area in Aspen close to paved road," notes one visitor, describing the convenient access while maintaining a natural setting.
Fishing in mountain lakes: Visit Willow Lake for excellent fishing opportunities. One angler reports, "Willow lake at times can be great from boat, for nice Macs and some bows. Use extreme lower end, flooded prairie for bows, and occ. Browns."
Kayaking calm waters: Launch from established points at Fisherman Creek Road where multiple sites offer water access. "This spot is absolutely beautiful! Only 1 other camper here and we only saw him when driving in and out. Perfect spot to be away from the crowds," shares one camper who enjoyed the solitude for water activities.
What campers like
Star viewing opportunities: Cliff Creek in Bridger-Teton National Forest offers exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor remarked, "I'd almost drive there again from St Louis just to lay under those stars in that picturesque valley."
Privacy between sites: Warren Bridge Recreation Area Designated Dispersed Camping provides well-spaced camping areas. "Extremely quiet and only a few other people ever came by," reports a camper who stayed for five nights, appreciating the seclusion.
Ease of access: Many primitive camping areas near Pinedale remain accessible without specialized vehicles. At Boulder Lake Trail, "This area is also a popular free dispersed camp area for TTs and RVs as the regular campground is a bit tight for larger TTs and RVs and the loop Rd in the campground is terrible."
Bird watching opportunities: The area supports diverse raptor populations. At Warren Bridge, one camper observed, "Directly across the river from our site is a tall pine with an eagles nest. 2 large Bald Eagles hang out there in the evening, while a large Golden Eagle watches the nest and fights off the peregrine falcons while they're gone."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most dispersed camping locations near Pinedale lack basic services. At Boulder Lake Trail - Trailhead Dispersed Camping, "No potable water, no toilets, no trash dumpsters, no tables or fire rings. 14d limit and the rangers do come around to check I hear."
Cell service variability: Connectivity depends heavily on specific location. At Cliff Creek, "zero cell service here. You will have to drive into Jackson to get service, which is fine as they have all the amenities you'd need, laundry, shower, fuel, groceries, firewood."
Weather protection needs: Exposed sites experience significant weather impacts. At Willow Lake, one camper warns that "bugs were unbearable" during their visit, suggesting bringing appropriate protection during summer months.
Road conditions: Access roads vary from well-maintained to challenging. For Fisherman Creek Road, a visitor reports, "The road was pretty good, even for our overloaded car and rented trailer. The spot was large enough to turn around and easily maneuver the trailer."
Tips for camping with families
Scout sites before committing: When traveling with children, preview potential camping locations. At Dispersed camping along Cliff Creek in Bridger-Teton National Forest, families appreciate that "There were lots of open spots with privacy and no snow."
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain elevations cause significant day/night temperature variations. One Cliff Creek camper noted, "It did get down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit over night, so pack warm," even during spring camping.
Consider noise factors: Some areas experience more traffic than expected. A camper at Cliff Creek observed, "The down side is the traffic! It's quiet by 10pm, but it's hard to believe how many vehicles go whizzing by on this forest road. Yesterday for 2 solid hours in the evening it was non stop cars."
Bathroom availability: When camping with children, know where facilities exist. Kelly Park has "a toilet up the hill at the packstock staging parking area," providing at least minimal facilities for families.
Tips from RVers
Site reconnaissance: For larger vehicles, checking sites before attempting access saves trouble. A reviewer at Fisherman Creek Road noted, "Long dirt road with lots of trails leading to nice spots. The road and most of the campsites are fit for large RVs."
Leveling requirements: Some free sites offer surprisingly level terrain. At Soda Lake, one RVer found, "The site was surprisingly level too, almost didn't need to level at all."
Electronic needs: Satellite and antenna reception varies by location. An RVer at Soda Lake reported, "We were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site. Also, there were no OTA channels to be had with our fixed omni antenna."
Vehicle size limitations: Not all primitive camping areas accommodate larger rigs. At South Boulder Lake Camp Site, one visitor cautions, "the road in is narrow and lumpy and I would not haul in a TT or RV."
