Dispersed camping near Riverton, Wyoming offers sites at elevations ranging from 4,900 to 7,500 feet, with significant temperature variations between seasons. Summer highs often reach 90°F while spring and fall nights can drop below freezing. Most dispersed sites in the region require driving on unpaved Forest Service or BLM roads that become challenging during wet conditions.
What to do
Fishing at alpine lakes: Lake Cameahwait provides opportunities for shore fishing throughout summer months. "It's always nice to camp near a pretty lake. This is mostly a day use area so it gets pretty busy during the days - especially on the weekends," notes Kelda C. at Lake Cameahwait.
Wildlife observation: The Riverton area's varied ecosystems support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. At Ocean Lake Lindholm, campers report, "Lake teaming with birdlife, and saw fish jumping. Great dark sky. 2 Vault toilets were clean and no smell." Elk sightings are also common in early mornings.
Rock climbing access: The limestone formations near Lander provide world-class climbing routes. "They have amazing limestone sport routes in a variety of skill levels. The campground is along a severely rutted road, but are level and in the trees along the OK Corral Crag," explains a visitor to Wild Iris OK Corral.
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple hiking routes connect camping areas to scenic viewpoints. Frye Lake area offers moderate hiking trails with views of surrounding mountains. One camper notes, "Some hiking in the area. We had moderate bug activity, but it was very peaceful."
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing. "Great dark sky," reports a camper at Ocean Lake Lindholm, while others mention minimal light pollution throughout the region.
Quiet weekday camping: Many sites remain uncrowded midweek. "Arrived 10:30 on a Wednesday spent a quiet night, awoke to great sunrise over lake," shares Bob D. at Ocean Lake Lindholm.
Multiple lake options: Several water bodies provide scenic camping within the region. "Plenty of room on a great little lake. Had a 34 ft A class and took in on dirt road which covers about 2/3 of lake. The other 1/3 is a 2 lane paved road," notes Andrew P. describing Lake Cameahwait.
Sheltered rest areas: Some sites include sheltered picnic tables for protection from elements. At Lake Cameahwait Dispersed, "There were sheltered areas with tables and bbq stands which was a nice touch," according to Michael R.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most sites have minimal amenities. "I didn't see any signs about camping. Nothing forbidding it or explaining the camping rules. This did make me wonder if camping was allowed. However, no one bothered me in the 2 days I stayed here," reports a Lake Cameahwait camper.
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access roads require careful navigation. "The road is rocky but I made it in a Subaru Wilderness Outback, just have to be careful and there is a point I couldn't go any further," explains James C. at Hugh Otte Camping Area.
Bear safety protocols: Bear activity requires proper food storage in some areas. "Each campsite offers a metal bear boxes to store your food items. There story is, there was a black bear who broke into someone's camper and ate their waffles," warns a visitor at Wild Iris OK Corral.
Insect preparation: Bug activity increases during summer months, particularly near water. "Great place to stay if you can work around the mosquitoes. We stayed for a week and a half and it was very quiet and the water is very clear," advises Wayne H. about Lake Cameahwait.
Tips for camping with families
Day-use areas with swimming: Several locations offer swimming opportunities during warmer months. "The area is not a typical camping area, and feels more like a parking lot to a day-use park," explains Ryan L. about Lake Cameahwait's dual-purpose areas.
Protected camping spots: Sites with natural windbreaks provide better family camping. "Nice camping spots right next to the Cottonwoods and Aspen that run along the river and there is a nicely maintained pit toilet," notes a Hugh Otte Camping Area visitor.
Pack extra water: No reliable potable water exists at most sites. "The nearest water is the nearby State park. Good water there!" advises a camper at Hugh Otte Camping Area.
Vehicle clearance considerations: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. "We were happy our AWD van was lifted with a special shock kit," shares Rebecca B. at Frye Lake - Dispersed Campsites about challenging roads.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Some areas accommodate larger vehicles despite rough roads. "These primitive sites around the Christina Lake trailhead are open and made for larger RV's and equine trailers," notes Glen B. at Christina Lake Trailhead Dispersed Sites.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require leveling equipment. "Mostly level sites, but a few levellers wouldn't go amiss," advises Gregory at Ocean Lake Lindholm.
Parking lot camping options: Some areas offer large, level parking areas. "The area is a series of day use parking lots, we drove and found some signage that indicates they are valid for camping, but you are essentially setting up in one of several parking lots," explains Ryan L. about Lake Cameahwait.
Seasonal water level impacts: Fluctuating water levels affect site availability at lake campgrounds. "There are about 15 spots available for big rigs, Road in from Landers is all paved," reports a Frye Lake camper about reliable access options.
