Yurt camping near Riverton, Wyoming places visitors in the heart of Wyoming's high desert at elevations around 5,000-6,000 feet. The area receives only about 10 inches of annual precipitation, creating a stark landscape where temperatures can vary dramatically—summer days reaching 90°F can drop to 50°F at night. The Wind River Range dominates the western horizon, providing a dramatic backdrop for campers exploring this region.
What to do
Mountain biking access: 15 minutes from downtown. Worthen Meadow Campground offers direct access to several trails including Upper Brewers trail which starts at the main parking lot. "It's great biking with beautiful views the entire ride, although very rocky. In July the wild flowers were still blooming strong!" notes camper Carrie C. about the trail conditions.
Fishing options: Year-round opportunities. Ocean Lake provides unique fishing experiences where visitors can watch "a lot of jumping fish" according to Abby M. The lake supports various fish species, while more serious anglers might prefer the Popo Agie River near Sinks Canyon State Park, which one camper described as "challenging but rewarding."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk optimal. The diverse ecosystems support numerous wildlife viewing opportunities. At Ocean Lake, one camper mentioned, "Seagulls fly over like at the ocean" while another visitor to the area observed "momma turkey and 8 fledglings" walking through their campsite, demonstrating the variety of birds present throughout the region.
What campers like
Affordable yurt camping: $40 per night plus park fee. The yurt system at Sinks Campground provides economical alternatives to traditional camping. "There are 4 yurts that sleep up to 6, and one very large yurt that sleeps 12. Picnic tables, pit toilet, fire ring, trash bin nearby," explains Sarah N., who particularly enjoys winter stays when "no other soul is there."
Hot springs access: $10 day use fee. Fountain of Youth RV Park features a "1600 sq ft natural mineral hot springs pool" that Nancy C. describes as "Heaven!" The mineral pools provide relaxation after long days exploring, with day-use options available even for non-campers.
Sound of rushing water: Natural white noise. Many campsites along the Popo Agie River benefit from the constant sound of water. Charles C. at Sawmill Campground noted "The crashing waters helped me sleep well all night" though he mentioned "it kept my wife awake for the same reason," highlighting how individual preferences can vary.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature swings. The high desert climate means significant temperature variations. At Worthen Meadow Campground, evening temperatures can drop rapidly even in summer. "We spent one night surviving a massive thunderstorm," reported Jessica M. about her stay at Ocean Lake, emphasizing the importance of weather readiness.
Water safety concerns: Check current conditions. Ocean Lake has periodic algae issues that may affect water activities. "There were signs up saying that the algae in the water could be toxic," reported Katie J., noting that "the sign was posted on the bathrooms, not near the boat launch," so visitors should actively check current conditions.
Reservation requirements: May-September system. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak season. "Reservation is mandatory in summer" notes Marion S. about Sawmill Campground, adding that costs for non-residents run "$28 for a night." This contrasts with off-season when most sites operate on first-come, first-served basis.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options. Popo Agie Campground receives praise from families for its recreation options. Elizabeth S. shares, "I took my 4 teens and 3 dogs tent camping here last summer and it was the best of the best...The nature trail was fun." Similarly, Sawmill Campground features a large group area with "a very nice playground for the kids."
Site selection strategy: Consider noise factors. When booking yurt accommodations with children, site location matters. At Sawmill Campground, "Spot 25, 26, 27 and 28 are directly next to the playground," notes Marion S., which can be convenient for families but potentially noisy for those seeking quiet.
Wildlife education opportunities: Morning observations. Early risers have better wildlife viewing chances. One family at Ocean Lake reported, "We woke to a glassy lake and a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains," noting they heard "crickets, ducks, and loons outside your tent" which creates natural learning opportunities for children.
Tips from RVers
Level site challenges: Bring adequate equipment. Many sites require leveling assistance. At Sleeping Bear RV Park, one camper noted their site "was almost level, we just needed one link on the left side" suggesting minimal adjustment needed, but preparation remains important.
Spacing considerations: Research site layouts. Sleeping Bear RV Park & Campground receives mixed reviews about site spacing. "Sites are very close on all sides," reports Buz S., while another camper mentions "Sites were pretty close together, though not so close that awnings touched," providing context about the proximity to expect.
Wind protection strategies: Retract awnings when away. The Wind River Basin experiences significant wind events. One camper noted, "We even lost power for a few hours one evening because of the wind gusts," suggesting that RVers should secure loose items and retract awnings when leaving their site, particularly during afternoon hours when winds typically increase.
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