The Crippled Spider Campground provides the only dedicated equestrian facilities near Riverton, Wyoming, featuring horse corrals for overnight camping guests. The property accommodates all camping styles with tent sites, RV hookups including 30/50-amp service, and cabin options. Located on private property with access to adjacent BLM land, the campground offers both electric and water hookups along with sanitary dump service for extended stays. Trailer parking is available with room for horse vehicles of various sizes. The campground maintains picnic tables at each site and permits campfires with firewood available on-site. Recent visitors note the friendly property owner maintains clean facilities despite the absence of permanent restroom structures.
Direct access to riding trails begins from the campground property with connections to public lands for day rides. Bull Lake, approximately 32 miles northwest of Riverton, offers primitive horse camping opportunities on Wind River Reservation land where riders can access shoreline trails and open terrain. A reservation pass is required for camping at Bull Lake, with permits strictly enforced by local authorities. The area provides good fishing opportunities alongside equestrian access. For riders seeking established trails, Sinks Canyon Campground near Lander accommodates horses with access to multiple trailheads directly from the campground. The campground sits alongside a river with primitive facilities including vault toilets but no hookups. Trail riders can access both hiking and mountain biking routes suitable for horse traffic from this location.
"We had to park a little ways away from where our site was, but it was so sweet and tucked away next to the rushing river we loved it!"
"The river ran right outside our window. Follow the road into Shoshone National Forest for some spectacular views of the valley."
from $10 / night
from $25 - $40 / night
"Peaceful lakeside spot – stayed here for one night while passing through the area. Loved the sunrise over the lake and the privacy of the sites."
"Lots of walking trails nearby."
"Nestled in the beautiful landscape near Thermopolis, Wyoming, this ranch offers a truly unique camping experience that caters to adventurers, families, and solo travelers alike."
from $25 - $100 / night
ScoutPretty busy little campground as it's the only one of the 3 on this road that is first-come-first-serve, at least when I went. Believe it was $15 or $20. Vault toilet, right on the river, and lots of trails. Overflow parking if it's full or if you have a large trailer, though there are trailer-friendly sites. Site neighbor was friendly, so shoutout to her. Definitely worth stopping here if you're staying in the Lander area.
ScoutVault toilet, first-come-first-serve and self-pay ($20), lots of hiking trails nearby. River right next to the sites which is pretty cool. There is an overflow parking lot as well if the spots are taken up as there are only about a dozen. Plenty of room around the sites in the main loop if you have a small RV. Sites have fire pits, tent areas, and picnic tables. Had a cool site neighbor when I went, so shoutout to her. Definitely a good spot to stop if you're in the area, especially if you don't have reservations since those are required at the nearby campgrounds.
GuideBeautiful lake for kayaking and fishing, the sites are a little bit tight for larger RVs and the road is rough getting in here but manageable. Neighborhood noise with generators is kind of obnoxious, otherwise I give five stars.
LegendBeautiful lake! We enjoyed paddle boarding and watching fish jump. Lots of trees to hitch up the hammock, too. Sites were relatively close together. Pit toilets were well maintained. Upper Brewers trail 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!
TravelerWe recently stayed at Crippled Spider Ranch, and it exceeded all my expectations. Nestled in the beautiful landscape near Thermopolis, Wyoming, this ranch offers a truly unique camping experience that caters to adventurers, families, and solo travelers alike.
Campsites & Amenities: The ranch has 71 spacious spots, including full and partial hookups for RVs, and plenty of space for dry camping. The sites are well-maintained, and the full hookups provide everything you need for a comfortable stay. For those looking for an extended stay, they even offer 15% off for bookings over 7 days!
Activities & Attractions: One of the best parts of Crippled Spider Ranch is the variety of activities on-site and nearby. There’s something for everyone—whether it’s hiking on the BLM land that borders the property, petting zoo visits for the kids, or even learning to ranch and milk cows! The property is also a great base for rock hounding and exploring Wyoming’s natural beauty. You can even hunt (seasonal) or target shoot, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
For those interested in history, the ranch is near the historic Oregon Trail, and there are great opportunities for treasure hunters like metal detecting and exploring old ghost towns.
Staff & Hospitality: The hospitality here is second to none! The staff are friendly, welcoming, and go above and beyond to make sure your stay is enjoyable. You’ll feel like family from the moment you arrive. They even offer fresh, free-range eggs from their chickens and have a fun “catch-and-cook” option if you’re into farm-to-table experiences.
Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Focus: Crippled Spider Ranch also takes pride in its sustainable practices, from responsible livestock management to preserving the surrounding wilderness. This ranch is a great choice for eco-conscious travelers who want to enjoy nature responsibly.
Overall Experience: Crippled Spider Ranch is the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and Wyoming charm. Whether you’re a family looking for a weekend getaway or a solo adventurer seeking peace and quiet in the great outdoors, this place is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be back for more!
Tip: Be sure to book early for special events, and don’t forget to check out the nearby mineral hot springs in Thermopolis!
TravelerOur site was amazing right by the river. Good hiking and mtb trails right nearby. Busy road with paving going on. Toilet was lesser well maintained.
TravelerFriendly owner, water, no restrooms.
ScoutThe fishing is great up there. Just make sure u have your rez pass, cuz they'll hassle you about it when they're drunk and in a pack...
GuideGreat alternative to Popo Agie state park just a mile up the road. We have a 24 ft class C and there were multiple sites that accommodated us. 2 trail heads in the campground and a bridge over the waterway, which is accessible.
Campgrounds near Riverton, Wyoming offer diverse overnight experiences across varied terrain at elevations ranging from 4,900 to 8,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from late May through September, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime hours. Winter access becomes limited by snow accumulation at higher elevation sites, particularly those above 7,000 feet in the Wind River Mountain foothills.
Mountain biking access: Worthen Meadow Campground provides direct trail access with the Upper Brewers trail starting from the main parking area. "Upper Brewers trail 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 Carrie C.
Fishing opportunities: Bull Lake, located north of Riverton along a dirt access road, offers productive shore fishing. "The fishing is great up there. Just make sure u have your rez pass, cuz they'll hassle you about it when they're drunk and in a pack," advises Anthony M. The lake requires a Wind River Reservation fishing license and camping permit.
Trail exploration: Sinks Canyon Campground provides convenient trail access without requiring vehicle relocation. "2 trail heads in the campground and a bridge over the waterway, which is accessible," reports Gail S. The campground serves as an alternative to Popo Agie State Park with hiking routes suitable for various skill levels.
Lakeside camping: Worthen Meadow Campground sits along a mountain lake with sites offering water views. "Beautiful lake for kayaking and fishing, the sites are a little bit tight for larger RVs and the road is rough getting in here but manageable," writes Jay M. Paddleboarding opportunities exist with ample fish activity visible from shore.
River proximity: Sinks Canyon offers waterfront sites with continuous natural soundscapes. "Our site was amazing right by the river. Good hiking and mtb trails right nearby. Busy road with paving going on. Toilet was lesser well maintained," according to David M. The flowing water provides both ambiance and recreational access.
Solitude options: Bull Lake provides dispersed camping with minimal facilities but significant privacy. "Following the road up then crossing the dam got us on the side of the lake where we made camp, it was early summer so the water was pretty low and gave us access to sites that would otherwise be underwater," explains Glen B., noting the fluctuating water levels create seasonal site availability.
Permit requirements: Bull Lake strictly enforces Wind River Reservation permits for camping. "Be aware, you MUST have a reservation pass to camp here. I was told that you can get into serious trouble if you don't have one. Enquire at Lander or Dubois about getting a pass," warns Robert T. Authorities actively check compliance during peak season.
Road conditions: Access to higher elevation campgrounds requires careful vehicle selection. Worthen Meadow Campground visitors recommend appropriate transportation: "Seated high above Sinks Canyon (which also os awesome!) it is nestled along the shores of an alpine lake. Quiet, peaceful, and just breathtaking. Be sure to bring a sturdy car/truck!" emphasizes Paul N.
Limited facilities: Most horse campgrounds near Riverton, Wyoming operate with minimal amenities. The Crippled Spider Campground operates with "Friendly owner, water, no restrooms," according to Marie G., making advance preparation essential for overnight stays.
Water recreation: Worthen Meadow Lake provides family-friendly paddling opportunities. "Peaceful lakeside spot – stayed here for one night while passing through the area. Loved the sunrise over the lake and the privacy of the sites," Jessica N. reports, noting the lake offers a calm surface suitable for beginners.
Site selection: First-come campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Pretty busy little campground as it's the only one of the 3 on this road that is first-come-first-serve, at least when I went. Believe it was $15 or $20," mentions Liam F. about Sinks Canyon, suggesting early arrival for families needing specific site configurations.
Preparation essentials: Minimal services require bringing supplies. "It is a dirt road and prone to mud holes... Firewood is easily found, but there is not much for stores so be prepared and take in what you will need," Glen B. advises about Bull Lake, emphasizing the importance of bringing sufficient food, water and supplies.
Size limitations: Many campgrounds have restricted vehicle access. Worthen Meadow receives caution from reviewers regarding larger vehicles: "Beautiful lake for kayaking and fishing, the sites are a little bit tight for larger RVs and the road is rough getting in here but manageable," Jay M. reports, suggesting careful assessment before attempting access with larger units.
Alternative locations: When equestrian facilities are needed, specialized campgrounds offer necessary infrastructure. Western Skies RV and Equine Park provides designated spaces for horse owners near Riverton with hookup access and waste disposal services, complementing The Crippled Spider Campground's equestrian facilities.
Generator considerations: Noise management affects campground experience. "Neighborhood noise with generators is kind of obnoxious, otherwise I give five stars," notes Jay M. about Worthen Meadow, highlighting the importance of respecting quiet hours at campgrounds without electrical hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Riverton, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Riverton, WY is Sinks Canyon Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Riverton, WY?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Riverton, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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