Several free dispersed camping options surround Powell, Wyoming on BLM land, with Cody BLM Dispersed offering the most accessible sites at approximately 30 miles west. The terrain consists mainly of open grasslands with panoramic valley views and minimal shelter from wind. Most sites accommodate both tents and RVs, including larger rigs with adequate clearance.
Access roads are generally navigable for standard vehicles in dry conditions, though some sections become challenging after rain. No amenities are available—no water, toilets, or trash service—requiring visitors to pack in and pack out all supplies. A recent camper noted, "Sites were clean and definitely worth a look. Road is rough in just a couple of spots, but we saw vans and a large Class C make it up here no problem." Additional dispersed campsites can be found at Hogan Reservoir BLM Campground (40 miles northwest) and Sheep Mountain BLM (45 miles west), both offering similar primitive conditions but with more seclusion.
"This was a great base camp near Cody, Wyoming however, it does get extremely windy here. It’s a good location about an hour from the East entrance to Yellowstone National Park."
"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."
"There are some additional locations to park higher on the hill but the road to get there is a little more rough. I've seen smaller camper vans but we couldn't haul our big rig up there."
"Just a plot of land, when I showed up there was already a camper van. Next to the water, Stars were amazing!"
"The dispersed sites are very rough and not well maintained. However, the views are some of the best we have ever seen in Wyoming."
"Completely off the beaten path. The road in is actually quite easy and the area has many 4x4 trails to explore, although the campground should be easily accessible in 2wd."
"If you keep driving past Silver run for anybody in a motorhome or hauling a camper, there are several pull-ups on the right and a few on the left that are BLM land."
"My husband’s dream has been to find a camp sight next to a creek and we found one."
"Lovely spot near a river. Lots of space. Road was a bit rough in the back."
"This site is located halfway between Porcupine Falls Trailhead and Bucking Mule Trailhead. Fire ring, great view, private. Pit toilets located at Bucking Mule 1.2 miles away."
"Some are easy to get to while others require high clearance vehicles."
GuideThere are several spots to camp but they are larger spots so other could come in and camp quite close. It overlooks the water and is off a bumpy dirt road. The ground is quite uneven so lower trailers could bottom out on the way up the road. It is extremely quiet but cell service for Verizon is poor.
GuideThis isn’t BLM and by law you can’t camp here because it’s national park and within the 3000 +feet high water area boundary
GuideStayed there for a night after going to the Cody rodeo on our way to Yellowstone, good place to stop, road is a bit rough but manageable. Nice views, pretty terrain.
ScoutNice quiet spot. Stayed here in a 24 ft class c. Went to the top of the road. I did drag the bottom once, so take it slow. ( My fault didn't notice the bump in rd was so high,I should have gone in at it a little differently). Has about 6 camping spots.No cell service. Used starlink.
LegendFirst stop on our way west after visiting family in SD. Big storm rolling through as we left Cody, passing the reservoir but was done before we reached the site. We set up camp and watched the last of the lightning and listened to the rumble. We camped at the trailhead. A couple of vehicles came in early to hike but didn’t disturb us. We awoke to a herd of cows with calves cleaning up the parking lot. They moved on quickly and didn’t seem concerned that we might have interrupted their breakfast. Great views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains.
ScoutStayed a night before entering Yellowstone. Had a tent - the ground is rocky, so couldnt use stakes, but enough rocks around to ground the tent using rocks. Peaceful and quiet, great views on the lake.
TravelerMy husband’s dream has been to find a camp sight next to a creek and we found one. This park enjoys hikers and the dispersed sites are right off the road so there is some traffic from hikers, bikers, and UTV’s but since it’s pretty rugged, it wasn’t an issue.
GuideWe stayed one night. Got here late and left early. Quiet area, trails behind where we camped. Free but the state park is across the drive and charges 32 a night, for basically the same spot. Not much to report this time around as we didn't stay long.
GuideIf you keep driving past Silver run for anybody in a motorhome or hauling a camper, there are several pull-ups on the right and a few on the left that are BLM land. Easy access but I’m assuming any Class A wouldn’t be an option. We stayed up West Fork Road( continue past Silver run and take the next left) You’ll see several options to pull off( mostly on the right) There is a Federal CG caked Basin Campground that is at the base of a mountain and has a swift brook/river along its border for any fishermen. Site 7 and the two before it have the best water access. A few miles up the road is Cascade campground which is more rough to get to ( dirt road) and no bathrooms. We had an America The Beautiful pass and stayed for $10 a night at Basin. No hookups but very peaceful with nice hosts. Great place to stay if you’re looking to drive the Beartooth Highway. We rented a Polaris Slingshot in town to do this and it was amazing. There is no way we’d take our 22’ MH on the Beartooth. We saw people towing small campers but it’s full of twist backs with no shoulder. With that being said, I wouldn’t miss it!
Dispersed camping near Powell, Wyoming offers several options in Bureau of Land Management territories beyond what's found at Cody BLM Dispersed. These free camping areas sit at elevations between 4,500-7,000 feet in high desert terrain that experiences significant temperature fluctuations. Summer daytime temperatures often reach 90°F while dropping to 50°F at night, with most sites receiving little to no shade throughout the day.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Sheep Mountain BLM camping area provides excellent pronghorn antelope spotting opportunities. "We saw some prong horns on the way in too! The area we stayed in is flat and quite large with a stone fire pit," notes Laura M. from Sheep Mountain BLM.
Fishing access: Hogan Reservoir BLM Campground offers multiple water-based activities. "The reservoir is perfect for fishing, floating and cooling off after a hike," according to Lia T., who visited in summer.
Stargazing sessions: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "The view made it so worth it plus the darkest nights to see the stars," reports Mariah K. about her experience at Sheep Mountain BLM.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant space between campsites. "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," writes Mariana T. about Cody BLM Dispersed.
Convenience to attractions: Multiple sites provide good access to nearby destinations. "Great stop before heading into Cody or Yellowstone! Nice flat camp spots!" shares Justin R. about Cody BLM Dispersed camping.
River proximity: Some sites offer waterfront camping options. "Lovely spot near a river. Lots of space. Road was a bit rough in the back," notes Nichole D. about Lake Fork Roadside Camp.
Weather considerations: Wind can be significant at many sites, affecting tent camping particularly. "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," explains Lisa D. about camping at Sheep Mountain BLM.
Access road conditions: Roads deteriorate quickly after rain, creating challenging conditions. "The road was extremely dusty in the summer and almost forced us to turn back. The dispersed sites are very rough and not well maintained," warns Steve about Little Sunlight Camping Area.
Limited amenities: Most areas lack basic services. "No water or any other amenities so pack in and pack out. The area was mostly free from litter but there were some bullet casings around which is almost a given in BLM territory," explains Laura M. about Sheep Mountain BLM.
Pack sufficient water: No potable water exists at most sites, requiring complete self-sufficiency. "There is a little noise from the roadway in the morning time. There's a lot of horse poo in the area, be prepared for that," advises HANNON C. about Sheep Mountain BLM.
Choose sites carefully: Some locations offer better family-friendly setups than others. "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," shares Laura M.
Plan for varied temperatures: The high desert environment means significant day-to-night temperature shifts. "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," notes James B. about Big Horn NRC Dispersed SR.
Leveling requirements: The terrain at many sites requires preparation for uneven ground. "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. about Sheep Mountain BLM.
Size restrictions: While many areas accommodate larger rigs, access can be challenging. "The road in is rocky dirt but easily doable in our 26' class C. Any size rig should do fine here. The road splits many times and we just used satellite view to check where the roads lead," suggests Laura M.
Cell reception variability: Connectivity differs significantly between sites. "Verizon cell reception was poor but did work. Starlink had super fast speeds. Sites were clean and definitely worth a look," reports James B. about his stay at Cody BLM Dispersed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Lake Powell?
Several BLM areas offer dispersed camping near Lake Powell. Sheep Mountain BLM provides spacious areas suitable for various camping setups, from large fifth wheels to smaller vans. Many spots offer water views with incredible stargazing opportunities. For those seeking more remote options, Cody BLM Dispersed features multiple plateaus and clearings perfect for camping. Access typically involves dirt or gravel roads of varying conditions, so check current road status before heading out. Most dispersed areas around Lake Powell allow 14-day stays and are free to use, though amenities are minimal to non-existent.
What is the best time of year for dispersed camping at Lake Powell?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant conditions for dispersed camping at Lake Powell, with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Little Sunlight Camping Area can be quite serene the week before Labor Day, with campers reporting having entire areas to themselves. Summer brings intense heat, dusty conditions, and rougher roads that may challenge some vehicles. Winter camping is possible but brings colder temperatures, especially at night. Fall camping provides spectacular views and wildlife viewing opportunities at locations like Hogan Reservoir BLM Campground, though water levels may be lower.
Is a permit required for dispersed camping at Lake Powell?
Most dispersed camping areas around Lake Powell don't require specific camping permits, though you'll need a Lake Powell entrance pass to access Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. For camping within Dispersed/ Backcountry Camping — Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, backcountry permits may be required and are typically free but help rangers track usage. When camping on BLM land like Rock Creek Dispersed, no permits are generally needed, though seasonal fire permits might be required during certain times of year. Always check with the local ranger district or recreation area office for the most current permit requirements before your trip.
What are the rules and regulations for camping on Lake Powell shores?
Dispersed camping at Lake Powell generally follows standard BLM regulations: camp at least 200 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. Big Horn NRC Dispersed SR and similar areas require proper waste management—pack out all trash and use portable toilets or proper burial techniques for human waste. Campfires may be restricted seasonally, particularly during dry periods. Some areas like Cedar Mountain Dispersed may be closed to camping despite appearing on maps, so check for posted signs upon arrival. Always respect wildlife closures and cultural sites, which are common around Lake Powell.
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