Dispersed camping near Riverton, Wyoming offers primitive locations on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) terrain and the Wind River Reservation. The terrain ranges from sagebrush plains at 4,900 feet elevation to pine-covered foothills reaching 8,000+ feet in surrounding mountains. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F during day with night temperatures dropping to 45-55°F, while spring and fall bring variable conditions requiring preparation for sudden weather shifts.
What to do
Fishing at Bull Lake: Bull Lake provides shoreline fishing opportunities with a Wind River Reservation fishing license. According to a visitor, "The fishing from shore was good with both Flyrods and baitcast. You will need a Wind River Reservation fishing license and permit to camp and fish here." Bull Lake
Hiking to Popo Agie Falls: Camp at Hugh Otte Camping Area for easy access to local trails. A camper reports, "This campground is closest to the Popo Aggie Falls, only about a 10 minute walk to the trailhead. I biked the trail early the next morning. It is a difficult bike trail, beyond my skill level with very rocky terrain. It is popular with hikers and trail runners." Hugh Otte Camping Area
Mountain biking events: The Lander area hosts seasonal mountain biking events near camping areas. One camper mentioned, "Just so happened to also be the Jurassic Classic Mountain Bike Festival too! Bonus!" Check local event calendars when planning your trip.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Hugh Otte Camping Area offers sites alongside moving water. A camper noted, "Getting down by the river it gets rough. We have a 4 wheel drive truck and it was easy for us. Area is small but no reservations needed. Beautiful views of the mountains and the river. It was very quiet."
Easy waterfront access: Pilot Butte Reservoir Spillway Campground provides water proximity. A visitor observed, "The campground is very small, and I assume mostly used by locals. The sing says it is ran by the Bureau of Land Reclamation, U.S. Department of Interior." Pilot Butte Reservoir Spillway Campground
Off-season solitude: Many camping areas near Riverton become less crowded during spring and fall months, though weather can be unpredictable. Bull Lake camping areas expand during low water seasons, as one camper explained: "it was early summer so the water was pretty low and gave us access to sites that would otherwise be underwater."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Wind River Reservation areas require proper documentation. A Bull Lake visitor warns, "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." Bull Lake
Road conditions: Many camping areas have rough access roads. A Hugh Otte camper reported, "The roads in the campground are quite rocky and rutted in some areas. Some were not comfortably passable with my small SUV."
Seasonal access changes: Bull Lake road conditions vary by season: "The road is not bad, but can be tricky depending on the time of year and weather. It is a dirt road and prone to mud holes."
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds have minimal or no amenities. At Pilot Butte, "There is a vault toilet, a covered picnic, and a metal fire ring. There's also a small dumpster as you drive in."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategies: Choose protected sites when possible, especially with children. A camper at Hugh Otte noted: "I pulled into the campground on a Friday night around 9:30. All the good spots with trees where occupied. Campsites are identified by a rock fire ring. That's all they have to identify sites. I camped in a field."
Space considerations: Small campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Pilot Butte, "If pushed you could probably fit 5 car/truck campers, but better with no more than 2. Not much room for anything but a small trailer." Pilot Butte Reservoir Spillway Campground
Cultural awareness: When camping on reservation land with children, use the opportunity for education about respect for tribal lands. Some campers report encountering enforcement: "Just make sure u have your rez pass, cuz they'll hassle you about it when they're drunk and in a pack..."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are necessary for accessing many of the best tent camping near Riverton, Wyoming. A camper at Hugh Otte Camping Area advised, "Coordinates are accurate to site location. Getting into the first few spots the road is ok, getting down by the river it gets rough." Hugh Otte Camping Area
Supply planning: Remote campsites require bringing all supplies. A Bull Lake visitor suggested, "Firewood is easily found, but there is not much for stores so be prepared and take in what you will need."
Environmental stewardship: Pack-out policies apply at most dispersed sites. As one camper recommended, "Make sure to pickup a trash and leave it better than you found it."
