Medicine Bow National Forest offers several dispersed camping options near Rock River, Wyoming. White Rock Canyon features pullout sites along a 5-mile dirt road from the highway, with both wooded and open areas. Forest Service roads 318, 330C, and 103 provide additional primitive camping opportunities. Most sites have existing fire rings but no facilities or services.
Road conditions vary significantly across locations. Forest Road 318 requires 4WD and decent clearance, with one camper noting it has "standing water and mud with deep ruts" but provides good access to Snowy Range trails. White Rock Canyon Road has washboard sections and steep portions that can challenge larger vehicles. A recent review mentioned, "The road has washboard and is quite steep in places. The biggest issue was finding a place to turn around." Cell service is spotty throughout the area, with Verizon generally providing better coverage than other carriers. Most sites permit a 16-day stay limit and are open seasonally, becoming inaccessible during winter months.
"Nice isolated spot in the National Forest, 5 mi from the main highway. Nice view with few fire rings. No one was around."
"There are sites all along the road left and right all the way back in here, and every one of them is relatively secluded and equally beautiful."
"There are no trees for shade. You may be the only one there as it takes a bit to get there. The road is good except if it rains or is wet. Very peaceful place as you may be the only one there."
"Great place to boondock for a few days. We stayed here for a week in our 20 foot skoolie. Short drive into the Medicine Bow National forest and you’re here."
"The reading getting up here is bumpy and a little washed out but nothing to worry about you can get to the first area with just a normal car no issues. 4 bars verizon cell. No bathrooms or amenities."
"4WD and decent clearance is a must. The road is in rough shape and sections had standing water and mud with deep ruts."
"The road is very bumpy so take your time driving on it. 4WD is a must."
"Coordinates are accurate to camp location spot, it is right off the highway, giving you easy access. I recommend getting there early because minimal site locations."
"There are a lot dispersed camping sites, you just need to get there early enough. You need to find a spot with a defined access road to it and a built fire ring. Generator use is allowed."
"We found a great spot right next to the river on forest road 330C near North Fork Campground. The area was fairly busy on Labor Day weekend but we were basically isolated in this spot."
"Stayed one night at the coordinates of camper 1 . Had a great time with my dog, very close to medicine bow, and awesome views of the river."
"Good Verizon service, was able to work remote. Got pretty windy but it was nice on the hot days. Idk if I’d swim in the water. There was a pit toilet. Good view of the mountains."
"We arrived around sunset for a quick night on our road trip heading West. There were some bugs out but nothing crazy. Peaceful sounds of birds and waterfowl."
"Great camping spot within Medicine Bow National Forest. Some of this area requires a $5 day fee which can be paid online or using an envelop system with cash."
"Very few other boondockers, and well dispersed. Very quiet with minimal traffic."
"This is a primitive camping spot with 3 to maybe 5 sites if you are pushing it. Free, with pit toilet. Close to the N Platte, probably good fishing much of the year."
"This place is down a long dirt ride through private property so be kind and mind the hours. When you get to the end, take the right fork and you’ll find two, rather close together, camping areas."
TravelerLooking for a place between Laramie and Steamboat Springs and came upon this little gem. We drove in at sunset and set up Camp quickly. There was just one other car in the parking area. Big Sky gave way to big stars! Sunset was spectacular!! Super flat in the lake was low, but just what we needed for the evening.
GuideGood spot. Not crowded. Good hiking . Great geology.
GuideSeveral flat spots a short ways down the road suitable for most rigs. The road is bumpy but very passable for our 32ft RV. The spots with the best views are up the hill. Both sides of the road offer quite a few fairly level spots well spaced out for privacy. The left side offers the best sunset views overlooking Laramie. We saw several mule deer.
ScoutPlace is relatively small only roughly 8 spots. Can hear the highway from our spot. It does have pretty scenery
GuideThere’s an upper and lower area. I was able to get an upper spot with a view of the valley next to a fire pit. There’s no services here.
GuideAbsolutely fantastic spot! Stayed 10 nights and the sunrises and sunsets were epic. A decent amount of flies, so had to put some strips up, but no mosquitoes or mice here which was a blessing. Temps were temperate and there was lots of wind and this time of year some rain and hail as well.
GuideWe really loved the open space, hiking trails, easy access with our small 17' trailer, and we had a spot beside Eagle Rock, which we were able to climb for spectacular views. We had a moose come by our camp one morning and rainbows on a few nights after soft rains. It is DRY though! There is a free water site close to the interstate. It was only 20 minutes to town. Lots to see in the area, especially if you make the trek up to Mirror Lake on the opposite side of Laramie.
ScoutThis appears to be an abandoned campground. There is some dried up cow poop on the ground, but I didn’t see any cows and there’s no smell. It looks like the place was ravaged with forest fires, in years past, but there’s a lot of new growth. It’s extremely quiet and peaceful. It’s not much to look at, but it’s easy to get to and it’s very quiet. Also, the elevation is around 9,000 feet, so the temps are pretty comfortable in the heat of the summer. I ended up staying two nights and would stay here again.
LegendVery near the Summit rest area and Abraham Lincoln Memorial, which has garbage receptacles and potable water, along with clean bathrooms. Area can get crowded but there are literally hundreds of spots to camp at and any size we can make it up here!
Medicine Bow National Forest contains multiple primitive camping areas near Rock River, Wyoming at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet. The forest's transition zones between grasslands and dense woodland create microclimates that impact camping conditions throughout the year. Most dispersed sites require campers to pack out trash and bring water supplies.
Fishing opportunities: Several primitive sites offer access to fishing waters. At Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping, campers can find "a lovely creek that runs along" the more secluded sites according to one visitor. The Foote Public Access Area provides riverside camping where "I saw a mink and an eagle while there," notes a recent camper.
Wildlife viewing: The varied terrain supports diverse wildlife watching opportunities. Near East Fork Wagonhound Creek, "Clear skies made for unreal star gazing!" reports one camper. At Twin Buttes Reservoir, visitors noted excellent bird watching potential: "We saw a family of eagles, a golden eagle, and many shore birds and water fowl."
Hiking access: Many dispersed sites serve as gateways to trail systems. Forest Road 318 sites are valued for their proximity to hiking trails, with one camper noting the "Location was a plus - this is within 15 minutes of lots of hikes in the Snowy Range." Another reviewer mentioned that "Super close to everything on top of Snowy range."
Secluded spots: Campers consistently praise the solitude available in dispersed camping areas. At Forest Service Road 330C, one reviewer found "a great spot right next to the river" where "we were basically isolated in this spot." Another mentioned, "We did explore the area a little and found numerous dispersed camping spots in/around the area."
Natural features: The varied landscape offers different camping experiences. White Rock Canyon Dispersed Site receives high marks for its "Beautiful patches of wildflowers, the wooded slopes, and soft green grass. All made for an idyllic stop." Another camper noted, "There are sites all along the road left and right all the way back in here, and every one of them is relatively secluded and equally beautiful."
Accessibility: Most areas provide reasonable access without requiring extensive gear. At Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping, visitors appreciate that it's "close to rest stop, tucked off next to highway but relatively quiet." Another reviewer mentioned, "Easy access, close to highway, this small forest road 705F has a bunch of small pullouts with some fire rings."
Road conditions: Access varies significantly by season and location. For FS RD 103 Dispersed, "If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, I highly recommend searching for one of those off shoots for the privacy and nice camping spot." Another reviewer warned, "If you are going when there is still a lot of snow melt (through late June) I would recommend 4x4 the further back you go."
Cell coverage: Service varies by carrier and location. At Laramie Overlook, one camper reported "4 bars verizon cell" while at Twin Buttes Reservoir, a visitor noted, "If you face back to town you can get okay not great verizon signal. If you gave the water the signal is very poor."
Weather considerations: The high-elevation environment experiences extreme weather fluctuations. At Twin Buttes, a camper warned it's "A nice place in the summer but brutal past October. The wind absolutely ravages this place. Your van or RV will rock." Another noted, "We were here start of October and probably wouldn't come much later in the year unless you're prepared for below freezing weather."
Site selection: Choose areas with space for children to explore safely. White Rock Canyon offers "huge area for camping in groups if you continue down road make left." Another camper noted, "Nice dispersed campground with few fire rings. No one was around."
Bug preparation: Several sites report significant insect activity. At Foote Public Access, one camper advised, "Bring bug spray, mosquitoes are relentless. Our poor dogs were getting bit all over." However, another camper had "no issues with mosquitoes" at the same location, suggesting seasonal variation.
Bathroom access: Most primitive sites near Rock River lack facilities. A visitor to Twin Buttes Reservoir advised, "no toilet paper in toilets so bring your own!" For convenient access, consider staying near the "trailhead non flush toilets" mentioned by a Pole Mountain visitor.
Levelness challenges: Many sites require stabilization equipment. At Twin Buttes Reservoir Public Access Area, a camper with a "33' 5th wheel" noted, "Be careful, though. The soil is very clay - so slippery when wet." At White Rock Canyon, an RVer warned, "No sites are level so bring your legos."
Size limitations: Large rigs face significant challenges at most sites. East Fork Wagonhound Creek accommodated one visitor with a "38' TT" though they noted the "road was a bit rough" and "ground isn't level, so make sure you have levelers." For larger rigs, Foote Public Access has "Only a few spots are larger for 5th wheels."
Turnaround space: Limited maneuvering room creates difficulties for larger vehicles. A camper at Pole Mountain mentioned the sites have "a bunch of small pullouts with some fire rings and parking spots for small campers," indicating size restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp for free at Rock River dispersed camping?
Yes, dispersed camping in the Rock River area of Wyoming is free. Sites like Forest Service Road 330C offer no-fee camping opportunities with drive-in access. Similarly, Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping provides free boondocking options. Most dispersed camping in this region follows typical National Forest guidelines allowing stays up to 14 days in a 30-day period. Since these are primitive sites, come prepared with all necessary supplies including water, and practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. While free, some areas may have seasonal restrictions, so check current Forest Service notices before planning your trip.
Where is Rock River dispersed camping located in Wyoming?
Rock River dispersed camping is located in southeastern Wyoming, primarily within the Medicine Bow National Forest. The area is accessible via Highway 30, with several entry points to dispersed camping zones. Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping is situated a short drive into the Medicine Bow National Forest, offering convenient access for visitors. Foote Public Access Area Dispersed provides camping along the North Platte River, accessed via a dirt road through private property. These locations are within reasonable driving distance of Laramie and Cheyenne, making them popular weekend destinations for locals and travelers passing through Wyoming.
Are campfires allowed at Rock River dispersed camping areas?
Campfires are generally allowed at Rock River dispersed camping areas, but with important restrictions that vary by season and conditions. At Sanger Access Area, Dispersed Camping, campers can typically have fires in established fire rings. Similarly, Government Gully Rd - Dispersed usually permits campfires when fire danger is low. However, seasonal fire bans are common during dry summer months. Always check current fire restrictions with the Medicine Bow National Forest office before your trip. When fires are permitted, use established fire rings, keep fires small, have water nearby for extinguishing, never leave fires unattended, and ensure they are completely out before leaving your campsite.
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