Best Dispersed Camping near Riverton, WY

Dispersed camping areas near Riverton, Wyoming are primarily concentrated around scenic lakes and wildlife management areas. Public lands in the region include sites at Lake Cameahwait, Ocean Lake Lindholm, and locations south of Riverton near Lander such as Wild Iris OK Corral and Frye Lake. Most sites are primitive with minimal development and follow standard Bureau of Land Management or Forest Service regulations for dispersed camping. Access to these areas typically requires driving on unpaved roads that connect to major highways such as US-26.

Most access roads leading to camping areas require careful navigation, particularly after rain. Several dispersed sites can accommodate both tents and smaller RVs, though sites are rarely level. Lake Cameahwait allows camping for up to 14 days and has pit toilets but limited other amenities. Many areas lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during summer months when wildfire danger increases. Ocean Lake Lindholm features vault toilets that are generally well-maintained, while areas near Lander have more primitive conditions with few facilities.

The dispersed sites around Riverton provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and water activities. Lake areas attract various bird species and occasionally elk. "Very easy to find. Last 1m of dirt road was a bit rutted, but not bad," noted one visitor to Ocean Lake Lindholm. At Lake Cameahwait, campers should be prepared for fluctuating water levels that may affect site availability. "Most of the sites are flooded," reported a recent visitor during high water periods. Cell service varies by location, with some areas like Ocean Lake Lindholm having surprisingly good coverage, while sites near Frye Lake and Wild Iris typically lack reliable service. Mosquitoes can be prevalent near lakes, particularly during summer months, making insect protection essential for comfortable camping.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Riverton, Wyoming (10)

    1. Lake Cameahwait

    14 Reviews
    Shoshoni, WY
    20 miles
    Website

    "On the west side of Boysen Reservoir near Bonneville, WY, this lovely and free camping area along the shores of this tiny lake, offered us a great place to camp for a few days to wait out the wind and"

    "This was a lovely lakeside camp spot. There are vault toilets on site. The road was paved up to the site but a 10min drive off the highway. There were a lot of bugs/flies on our September evening."

    2. Ocean Lake Lindholm

    3 Reviews
    Riverton, WY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 332-2688

    "Last 1m of dirt road was a bit rutted, but not bad. Were the only ones here, so perfect to turn on some music, or sit in the quiet and listen to birds and elk."

    "Quiet location, only saw a few vehicles while we were here 1 night. Beautiful mountain and lake views."

    3. Wild Iris OK Corral

    11 Reviews
    Lander, WY
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 332-4647

    "Pretty much exactly at coordinates. OK to drive when dry. Plenty of spots going in farther, but would recomend higher clearance and 4WD. Fee to camp is 5 USD."

    "Campsites are dispersed. Some have firepits and tent pads built. All accessible with a 2WD car. Amazing views, but still warm in September. Great climbing location also."

    6. Hugh Otte Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Lander, WY
    31 miles

    "You can park right next to the Cottonwoods and Aspen that run along the river and there is a nicely maintained pit toilet."

    "Beautiful location with a small stream running through it. Access to the back sites were very rocky & rutted but worth the effort. The sites are close to the road but there was little traffic."

    7. Frye Lake - Dispersed Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Lander, WY
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 527-6241

    "If you drive further along FR 300 there are many dispersed free camp areas."

    9. Christina Lake Trailhead Dispersed Sites

    2 Reviews
    Lander, WY
    39 miles

    "These primitive sites around the Christina Lake trailhead are open and made for larger RV's and equine trailers."

    "I went a mile or so up Louse Lake Rd looking for a 1 night site. Lots of small side roads. The ATV folks make lots of noise and dust in the daytime be but it seem to stop at dark."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Riverton, WY

31 Reviews of 10 Riverton Campgrounds


  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2022

    Lake Cameahwait

    Peaceful & Free

    On the west side of Boysen Reservoir near Bonneville, WY, this lovely and free camping area along the shores of this tiny lake, offered us a great place to camp for a few days to wait out the wind and recharge our solar batteries.

    Each campsite area had a covered and wind fenced picnic table and grill, which we used to hide behind during a spicy, early spring wind storm. The pit toilets were the standard Forest Service bathrooms, which were very clean. There were also several group areas, and at least one large covered picnic pavilion further down the road.  Verizon cell phone service was surprisingly great at the campsite.

    Hiking, biking, fishing and paddling are all available right from camp, and the Boysen Reservoir is a short skip down the road for a longer water experience. The nearby town of Bonneville doesn’t have much more than a Post Office and gas station convenience store so come prepared or you'll need to drive about an hour for supplies.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lake Cameahwait

    Lakeside spot bit of a drive from highway

    This was a lovely lakeside camp spot. There are vault toilets on site. The road was paved up to the site but a 10min drive off the highway. There were a lot of bugs/flies on our September evening. There were sheltered areas with tables and bbq stands which was a nice touch.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Frye Lake - Dispersed Campsites

    Coordinates Not Frye Lake CG—Very Rough Road

    There is a dispersed camping area east of Frye Lake CG off Louis Lake Rd on Forest Road 3001L. 

    This road has maybe half a dozen camping spots along an incredibly rocky road. We were happy our AWD van was lifted with a special shock kit. At the end of the road, there is a sort of flat field. 

    There is no lake access via car, but you can walk up to the top of the dam. 

    So if you want free camping, this works. But it isn’t as the review below describes.

  • Katharina J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Wild Iris OK Corral

    Lovely Spot

    Stayed at the first space (with bear bic) when entering the Camping area. Pretty much exactly at coordinates. OK to drive when dry. Plenty of spots going in farther, but would recomend higher clearance and 4WD. Fee to camp is 5 USD. Did not see anyone else over night, just some climbers leaving around sunset.

  • Addy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Lake Cameahwait

    Quiet and Easy for a Van

    This was a cute little spot! We arrived early evening on a Thursday and it was empty. Good lake access and view of sunset. The GPS location from the app takes you to 4 spots, one ADA, but there are a couple more around the lake. Well maintained pit toilet. The two spots closest to the lake were flooded so watch out for that. Good service for Verizon. Make sure your GPS is taking Bass Lake Rd in from 26. Ours found a "shortcut" down the gravel ranching roads. Not sure why the info here says showers and hook ups, we did not see that. Not sure a tent camper would enjoy this spot.

  • TheThemacgurl
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Frye Lake - Dispersed Campsites

    Frye Lake campground

    Cost is $5 but has fire rings and Outhouse. Views are amazing, There are about 15 spots available for big rigs, Road in from Landers is all paved. No cell service. If you drive further along FR 300 there are many dispersed free camp areas.

  • l
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Lake Cameahwait

    Perfect free spot

    4 shaded structures right along a beautiful lake with a perfect view of the mountains. no trouble getting in - paved roads. pit toilets & ADA accessible parking spot with ramp down to the water

  • Kelda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Lake Cameahwait

    Gorgeous Lakeside Camping

    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. 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. It's easy to get to, and you can camp right by the lake if water levels are low enough. Be prepared for mosquitoes and families with lots of kiddos.

    GPS: 43.2949385, -108.2433068

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2025

    Lake Cameahwait

    Quiet, nice area.

    We camped here for one night in May. The area is not a typical camping area, and feels more like a parking lot to a day-use park. We weren’t sure if this was actually a valid camping area; however, we drove a little ways up the road and eventually came to a sign indicating that the lots were valid for camping up to 14 days.

    Lots of bugs, but quiet and nice place to stay for a night or two.


Guide to Riverton

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available in Riverton?

Yes, free camping is available in the Riverton area. Lake Cameahwait offers free camping along the shores of a beautiful lake with mountain views. This dispersed camping area is located on the west side of Boysen Reservoir near Bonneville and provides several spots for camping without fees. The area has paved road access and is suitable for larger RVs. While some areas along FR 300 near Frye Lake - Dispersed Campsites also offer free dispersed camping opportunities if you drive further along the forest road, though some sites closer to the lake may have a small fee.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Riverton?

Dispersed camping regulations in Riverton vary by location. At Hugh Otte Camping Area, camping is permitted along the river near Cottonwoods and Aspen trees, but vehicle access may be limited by road conditions. Some areas like Ocean Lake Lindholm allow free camping with minimal restrictions, though you should always pack out what you pack in. For dispersed sites, typical regulations include limits on stay duration (usually 14 days), requirements to camp in established sites only, maintaining distance from water sources (typically 100-200 feet), and proper waste disposal. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, so check local ranger district information before your trip.

What amenities are available at Riverton dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping areas around Riverton offer basic amenities despite their remote nature. Frye Lake - Dispersed Campsites provides fire rings and outhouses for a $5 fee, with spectacular views and approximately 15 spots suitable for larger rigs. The road from Landers is paved, though some forest roads can be rocky. At Lake Cameahwait, campers will find covered picnic tables with wind fencing, pit toilets (including ADA-accessible facilities), and direct lake access. Most dispersed areas don't offer potable water, hookups, or garbage service, so come prepared to be self-sufficient. Cell service is typically limited or nonexistent, particularly in mountain camping areas.