Dispersed camping opportunities near Powell, Wyoming extend into the surrounding public lands, with sites located at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet. The area experiences dramatic seasonal changes, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F while winter brings snowfall and freezing conditions. Camping options include both developed campgrounds with amenities and remote locations with minimal facilities but greater solitude.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several campgrounds provide direct access to fishing. At Buffalo Bill State Park, campers can enjoy the reservoir, though one visitor notes the fishing is "not great fishing" but the compensating factor is there are "great sites to look at along the way." The park offers both dry and hook-up sites starting at $17.
Wildlife viewing: The Cody BLM Dispersed area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. One camper shared: "We saw some prong horns on the way in too!" Another visitor noted, "July 1 was dry and there were herds of deer and a small pack of coyotes wailing in the distance at night."
Stargazing opportunities: The remote locations provide exceptional night sky viewing. At Cody BLM Dispersed, a camper reported: "We got a great spot with amazing views of the sunset. It was very quiet at night. There is a highway to the north, but the hills block most of the noise." The lack of light pollution makes these areas perfect for astronomy enthusiasts.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: The Lovell Camper Park offers free camping with donation-based payment. One reviewer explained: "It's hard to believe that a town creates a free campground for anybody to use. This is well laid out with RV and tent sites. Water, restrooms and showers are all available." Another noted it's "nestled between a local play park and a ballpark and residential homes."
Scenic mountain views: Buffalo Bill State Park offers dramatic landscapes. A camper described it as having "a beautiful Mountain View on both sides, and easy access to firewood for a small donation." Another visitor mentioned the "great views of reservoir and mountains."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards of cleanliness. At Buffalo Bluff RV Park, a visitor shared: "Clean and very nice bathrooms with showers. Like home. Internet is good. Away from noisy interstates." Another reviewer at Lovell Camper Park praised the "showers and bathrooms as clean as home."
What you should know
Weather conditions: The area experiences extreme conditions, particularly wind. At Deaver Reservoir, one camper warned: "Also, very, very windy up here. Not recommended for tents." Understanding seasonal weather patterns helps in planning appropriate camping gear.
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have specific restrictions. At Billings Village RV Park, a camper noted: "Only hiccup was how low to the ground the electric was—we had to bend the cord to connect." Another mentioned it's "tightly-spaced without so much as a place for more than one camper to park while checking in."
Noise factors: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or trains. A visitor at Absaroka Bay RV remarked: "Very clean friendly spot with full hook ups. Not much green space at all but it was great for our overnight spot before heading into Yellowstone. Quite a bit of road noise, even through the night."
Legend
