Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Rock River? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Rock River. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Rock River, Wyoming's most popular destinations.
Scout
Near freeway, relatively secluded. Good camp site, some areas RV friendly. Tent sites hard to come by at night
Guide
State parks were full so we stopped over in Laramie. Originally planned on a tent site but once we saw how open the tent space was, we decided to grab a dog friendly cabin instead. It was cozy with air conditioning and a mini fridge. Kind of a weird location between a neighborhood and hotels.. but it did the trick. Nice community fire pit for us to relax next to in the evening. Staff were friendly and helpful and bathrooms were clean.
Guide
What a great campground. Very rustic with each site having its own fore ring and table. There were plenty of flat areas for trailers but I would argue that all sites are perfect for tent camping. It appears to be a great place for those who are into mountain biking as I felt I was the odd man out since nearly everyone had one and was riding. I really enjoyed the peace and quiet and view of the stars!
I would most certainly visit this campground again. Close to the I-80 which makes it convenient.
Scout
The Bow River area has some beautiful scenery with rivers, trees, meadows, wild flowers, and wildlife. The forest service road into the campground is in great shape, and although it's a little rocky, there are no pot holes or rutted terrain. We made reservations for 3 nights, but only stayed 2, primarily because of a serious mosquito infestation. But that's nature and if you want to be in it, you have to be prepared for nature's unexpected turns. Just beware and prepared if you're visiting in June.
The forest along the dirt roads are obviously big logging areas with clearcut swaths (no selective cutting) and grounds littered with slash. These areas are unsightly and make you wonder what kind of forest service management is being observed. It appears to be about satisfying a lumber industry instead of preserving the health and beauty of our national forests.
What we weren't prepared for was the obvious neglect of the campground itself with seemingly little to no supervision or maintenance. We reserved and paid in advance for two campground sites at Bow River for ourselves and another couple. We arrived to find no posting of any reserved signs at either site. Luckily, there were few people there when we arrived so our sites were open and available to us. We're still wondering what we could have done if our sites had already been occupied by other campers.
We also quickly discovered that no water could be collected from the handpump. Thankfully, we brought some water with us, but our friends had none so we had to be very frugal about our use of the little water we shared. We also gave one kettle of water to 4 young men who arrived with no water at all. They were forced to leave the next morning because of it. I still have not been able to find anything on rec.gov warning people that the campground has no drinking water available. This is irresponsible and, at the very least, creates an inconvenience/hardship for those who are paying to stay there. There is an assumption that the information being provided and the services being sold are accurate. People arriving at this campground have traveled at least 19 miles on a dirt road with no facilities to get there. Are they just supposed to leave again and travel that same distance out if they have no water with them?
Finally, the bathrooms were quite run down and dirty. The pits themselves seemed as though they had been cleaned out, but the doors were rotting and the floors were littered with paper and covered with dirt.
We never saw any campground host, supervisor, manager, or employee of any kind. We did meet one man who circled the campground once, told us he was the campground host, and said he was looking at the sites for the first time. He was camped somewhere else and was told that his job was to drive to Bow River to colect any registration envelopes that might be in the iron collection box that was old and partially hidden behind some bushes, making it hard to locate. There also was no sign on the box.
The website claims "Open for 2024 Season!," "Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking."
The bottom line is that this campground is sadly neglected. Too bad the forest service isn't paying attention.
Traveler
This spot does not have tent pads, si you can place your tent wherever you like. We stayed next to a small creek. The water was moving right along. We were close enough we could here it from our tent. While we were there the water wasn't really deep, but it was crystal clear. we had a short walk to the vault toilets.
Scout
Such a great way to escape into a picturesque Wyoming. The drive from Laramie, closest populated area, into the Snowy Range and a windy road back into the campground was awesome.
Guide
Beautiful area of Wyoming. The campground is clean and remote, but busy. There was a lot of beetle kill removal work going on when I was there, but I think that has slowed down some. Nice trails close by and the lake is lovely.
Traveler
The wind was consistently 25mph+ the whole weekend, but the hiking and alpine lakes just off the campground were great. Camp sites were well taken care of and each had a level tent spot and ample parking.
GuideClose to the highway and the University of Wyoming.. Clean restroom facilities, friendly staff, and nice camp store. Only negatives were the campsites were a bit small, though we were on the end of an aisle and we only had a pop up) and the WiFi signal was pretty weak.
Guide
Before I moved from Wyoming, I spent most weekends there from the time the snow melted. I things have changed some but my family still spends all summer and fall up there. There are no services but it's a wonderful place to stay.
Scout
this was our second choice for a camp site, our 1st was the bridge upstream, and it was so grown up with weed there was no place to put a tent
LegendGood place to stop for the night on the way to someplace else. Pretty easy after-hours check-in. Tent area was empty. For $34 a night I would expect a picnic table. Close to the highway for easy access but also steady low roar of trucks. Clean and well maintained.
Guide
Tons of downed trees for firewood (check if fires are allowed when you visit). Excellent small trout stream runs next to the campground that has some nice brown’s. The hike up to the lake is nice. Pit toilets only, but easy access off the main highway. Flat sites, secluded sites. Something for RV’s and tents. Suitable for cars, trucks and RV’s up to ~25’ I’d say.
Scout
Right off of the highway, this small forest road 705F has a bunch of small pullouts with some fire rings and parking spots for small campers and clearings for tents. AT&T has 4 bars LTE, and there are a bunch of burnable logs around. Only downside is some road noise, but very easy to access with only views of nature
Legend
I tried to camp here but was snowed out: the campground had not opened yet. However I was able to check it out by car. All the usual items were present: vault toilet, picnic tables, fire pits. It looked like there was a dedicated host site. There was some great hiking nearby. You won't have phone service here, just saying. I can't wait to come back and actually pitch my tent here next summer.
Traveler
We were up at Brooklyn Lake over the holiday weekend. The campground was closed but apparently in Wyoming a campground becomes dispersed if it’s not officially open. We had to walk our things in to our site as the gate was down but it was worth it. We got a site just above the lake and it was quiet and very beautiful. Bring bug spray as the mosquitos are very bad. There were three trail heads at the campground all with multiple hike options which was really nice to have access to some beautiful hikes without getting into the car. The toilets were even open despite the campground being closed.
GuideThis 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. When nobody is here it’s wonderful - right next to a creek, dogs can run around, and it is so very quiet and secluded. If I’m ever in Wyoming I’ll head back to this little spot.
There’s also a boat ramp, and I imagine if you fish, the creek would be a nice little spot to fish.
ScoutThis wooded campground has a very narrow season. Gravel roads (starting at Albany) were snowed in 4 miles out in late May 2019, While there are gendered vault toilets (TP stocked), bring your own water for cooking and cleaning. This fact alone makes it better for RVs than tent campers like us. There are loads of sites, well spaced with fire rings and picnic tables. We got rain and small hail on the 3rd weekend in July and it got to 40 F or below overnight. Deer, chipmunks, and a bald eagle were spotted. There were mosquitoes. There is a boat ramp into the reservoir. Heavily ATV traffic. Dog friendly but must be on leash. Gunfire noted early and late across reservoir. With proper prior planning, you will probably have a pleasant experience.
GuideThis spot was a very pleasant surprise and quite frankly didn’t think this part of Wyoming would be so pretty! The sites are very well spaced so once you’re parked, you feel completely alone. There was a decent amount of road traffic but that wasn’t bothersome to us. We found a lot of good walking/hiking nearby with the closest being the medicine bow picnic area that we walked to from our site. We drove down nearly to the end of the road and are really glad we did because the sites were really nice. Cell crevice wasn’t great on t-mobile. Loved how close to the highway this spot was but how far away it felt. The gravel road was one of the most well maintained we’ve been on. Great easy access with trailers of just about any size. Would return!
GuideThis was my first experience in this area of SE Wyoming, but it did not disappoint. My boyfriend pulled off here on a cross country drive via I-80. We enjoyed our drives to and fro the site.
We visited in the end of the September, just days before the sites were closing for the season. It was the windiest of evenings, so we rushed through dinner and hopped right into the bed of the truck for bed. So... why was this camping experience so great? We were treated to a gorgeous sunset and once the sun went down, the clearest skies that we've seen in a while. We bundled up and stargazed and felt so lucky to have detoured to this spot.
There are pit toilets and water nearby. We did not have time to explore, but there looked to be a lot of neat trails near the campground. We ran into some free-range cattle while exploring nearby Libby Lake. The campground was very busy for late September, but all other campers were kind and like-minded.
Guide
This campsite was a great surprise. The campground was really well maintained and tidy. The sites were all well groomed. Newish composite picnic tables. Fire rings and grills all in good shape. A fair amount of beetle kill in the area but still decently wooded to not seem barren. The campground host was really nice and made regular rounds on each loop. Roads getting here are easy.
We have a 25’ trailer and there were only a couple of spots that’s would have been a challenge for us. Many pull-thru spots. Most trailers in the campground but a few hardy souls in tents. Clean toilets.
Late June is a great time to visit. Lots of wildflowers and hummingbirds. Love the Indian Paintbrush. A creek runs along the north edge of the campground.
Historic value too. This is the site of a POW camp from the 30s/40s.
Ranger
We stayed 2 nights here in site 4. There were only 3 other sites occupied our 1st night (Sunday night.) Our site didn’t have a great spot for a tent but luckily we sleep on a platform in our 4Runner. Our picnic table was in rough shape but the fire ring was good. Some sites are back/pull in and some are pull through which looked to be big enough for campers. Most sites are out in the open with no shade or privacy while the ones on the outer edge have some small trees - more for separation from neighbors than shade or hammocking (we were sad about that, we had brought our hammocks.) The 2 bathrooms looked to be recently constructed and were clean. There are nice views of the hills around and close to a lot of national forest trails. Overall I would recommend.
Scout
Not the best campground we’ve ever been to, but seemed pretty quiet with only 3 other spots taken while we were there. Fairly close together if you’ve got neighbors but also some walk in sites for tents which were a little further down from the main sites. Small creek closeby on the trial about 2 mins from the campground so we were able to wash off. There was a spigot in the campground but you pump it, it came out yellow at the beginning so make sure you pump it well before using - we boiled it when it became clearer anyway just to be sure. Would not recommend getting to this campsite from the south roads/ unpaved if you have anything less than a 4WD. We nearly didn’t make it to tell the tale with our 2WD. Dirt & paved roads from the north were better but still keep in mind they’re dirt/ gravel.
ScoutPike pole has mostly small spaces. Large enough for a tent or a single car. Great for one or two people. There are a couple places that could accommodate a few more. Most seemed to have fire pits. One or two had picnic tables. They are very run down. There is one toilet (unmaintained) at the trail head nearby. If coming from the Encampment side you must find a route that takes you around the A BAR A ranch. Two routes bring you through the property--it is gated and locked at the 512Y access. Only FR 512 will get you there. Be cautious of the switch backs going down into the canyon. Bighorn sheep wander the hillside and pop up on the road, on coming traffic (rare) are difficult to negotiate, there is no guardrail so presume the shoulder is "soft". Dispersed camping in the area outside of the campground has much more space for larger groups and campers.
Scout
Pickaroon is ideal for the tent and small rugged RVs but is used mostly for day use fishing. Tight switchbacks on the final decent into the campground will be a challenge for anything 20+. 4 wheel drive a must if it’s wet.
Most traffic is day use fishermen and is the end of the forest road. Fishing can be good, but the volume of traffic means lots of pressure. The outhouse is old and in need of significant repair (doors won’t close fully) and is under serviced (bring your own tp). No water. Fire rings are old and picnic tables are well used and could use repair.
This seems like an awesome, off the beaten path location to get away - but it seems everyone agrees. I’ve been twice mid week in 2019 and on weekends. All campgrounds were occupied each time. Also, lots of RVs are brought down and left vacant during the week, and the owners just go down on the weekends. Lots of abuse (left for more than 14 days and vacant for more than 24 hours) of Forest service rules by those who frequent Pickaroon.
Legend
We found a set of campsites in the "Upper Blaire" climbing area.
**How to get there from US-30 **
*Refer map provided in campground website link
Approaching from the south: Take exit 329 for Vedauwoo Rd --> Turn left onto Vedauwoo Glen Rd --> Turn right onto Old US Hwy 30 E --> Drive 2.7 miles --> Turn right onto Blair-Wallis Rd / Forest Rd 705 --> Drive 3 miles --> Sharp right on Forest Rd 707 --> Drive 0.7 miles --> Turn right onto Forest Rd 707A then a few hundred feet turn right again onto Forest Rd 707AF --> drive to the end of the road a few hundred feet more and park.
**Approaching from the north: **Take exit 323 for WY-210 toward Happy Jack Rd --> Turn left onto WY-210 E / Happy Jack Rd then shortly thereafter turn left again to stay on WY-210 E --> Drive for 6 miles --> Turn right onto Headquarters Rd / Forest Rd 707 --> In 0.3 miles turn right to stay on 707 --> drive 2.7 mi --> Turn left onto Forest Rd 707A --> Turn right in a few hundred feet onto Forest Rd 707AF--> drive to the end of the road a few hundred feet more and park.
These sites are primitive and have a nice secluded feeling. You cannot see or hear the highway from here. There was spotty cell service (we have T-mobile). There are no facilities here, but if you would like to access picnic tables or a vault toilet, the Blair Picnic Area is not far away: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbr/recarea/?recid=22894. Make sure to pack plenty of water, you can fill up at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial rest area.
If you want to do some rock climbing in the area, these sites are very convenient.
Some words of caution:
Traveler
Peaceful and quiet area, but with few amenities. Closest real town an hour plus out.
Saw big fishing jumping but we were unsuccessful fishing from the shore due to algae. Definitely need a boat later in the season. Some pitch vault toilets available at the shore line (could use more attention and cleaning).
Tent camping near Rock River, Wyoming offers a serene escape into nature, with various options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rock River, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rock River, WY is Wheatland Reservoir #3 with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Rock River, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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