Tent camping near Pinedale, Wyoming offers backcountry experiences in the Wind River and Wyoming mountain ranges at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 40°F overnight to 80°F daytime, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. Road conditions vary seasonally with spring melt creating challenging access to higher elevation sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Big Sandy Reservoir provides excellent fishing access for tent campers. "Great fishing at the reservoir!" according to keera B., who enjoyed Big Sandy Reservoir during a brief overnight stay.
Wildlife viewing: The surrounding wilderness areas support diverse wildlife populations including deer, elk, and numerous bird species. At Fisherman Creek Road, Witek C. reported, "Nobody passed our campsite that whole evening, aside from a deer," highlighting the peaceful setting conducive to wildlife observation.
Hiking trails: Access numerous trail systems directly from camping areas for day hikes or extended backpacking trips. Carrie C. noted about Spring Creek Trailhead, "The Spring Creek Falls trailhead has a river crossing at the 2 mile mark, sign states it is 5 miles to the falls... Wyoming Peak was a wonderful hike, highly recommend!"
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Many dispersed camping areas near Pinedale offer significant distance between sites. Donald B. described Fisherman Creek Road as having "lots of large sites with fire pits and turnarounds. I went 2-3 miles to find an isolated site."
Ease of access: Despite the remote feeling, several camping areas remain accessible without specialized vehicles. Tee C. shared about Fisherman Creek Road: "There were many available campsites and it's not far from the main road at all. I had a bar of service via Verizon. Really had the place to ourselves."
Mountain views: The surrounding ranges provide dramatic backdrops for many camping areas. At Bull Lake, despite requiring permits, campers enjoy scenic mountain vistas. One visitor to Big Sandy Reservoir reported, "The view of the Wind River range at sunset is gorgeous. Not too many campers."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some areas require specific permissions or passes. Robert T. warns about Bull Lake: "Be aware, you MUST have a reservation pass to camp here. I was told that you can get into serious trouble if you don't have one. Enquire at Lander or Dubois about getting a pass."
Insect activity: Mosquitoes are prevalent near water sources, particularly during early summer. Witek C. advised about Fisherman Creek Road: "The only downside was the crazy amount of mosquitoes. Bring bug spray!"
Road conditions: Access to many camping areas requires navigating unpaved roads of varying quality. One camper at Half Moon WMA - Pole Creek Campground noted: "It's a rough drive in down the last road. I recommend high clearance, 4WD even better. The main road in is improved gravel and easy, but there are hairpin turns on the hill."
Wildlife considerations: Proper food storage is essential in bear country. Beyond large mammals, some areas have rodent issues. Kevin K. reported from Big Sandy Reservoir: "It's a nice enough lake, if you like mice! I caught 11 in 2 nights."
Tips for camping with families
Proximity to services: For families needing occasional access to supplies, some camping areas offer nearby services. Angie S. mentioned about Fisherman Creek Road: "About 5 miles west of Rim Station with an RV park and a little country store. Dump and fill station available there if needed. Owner is very kind!"
Quiet periods: Most dispersed camping areas maintain informal quiet hours. Dakota H. observed at Fisherman Creek Road that "It was quiet from 7 PM to 7 AM," making it suitable for families needing regular sleep schedules.
Water sources: Access to creeks and lakes varies by location. Glen B. shared about Bull Lake: "Following the road up then crossing the dam got us on the side of the lake where we made camp, it was early summer so the water was pretty low and gave us access to sites that would otherwise be underwater."
Tips from RVers
Maneuverability considerations: Many forest roads have limited turnaround areas for larger vehicles. Witek C. found at Fisherman Creek Road: "The spot was large enough to turn around and easily maneuver the trailer."
Seasonal timing: Fall camping offers fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Renee T. reported from Big Sandy Reservoir: "We dispersed by boat launch. By ourselves on a Wednesday after labor day. Construction at east and west campgrounds. 5g cell T-Mobile."
Hookup alternatives: While no hookups exist at these primitive sites, some nearby facilities offer services. Angie S. noted about camping near Fisherman Creek Road: "Dump and fill station available there if needed" at the nearby Rim Station RV park.
Legend
