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Best Dispersed Camping near Rock Springs, WY

99 Reviews

Primitive camping opportunities exist near Rock Springs, Wyoming on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and around Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Dispersed sites are concentrated along White Mountain Road, Middle Baxter Road, and several locations surrounding Flaming Gorge Reservoir, including Buckboard Cove and Spring Creek Road. These free backcountry sites typically lack designated boundaries but often have existing fire rings indicating previously used camping areas. Many sites offer direct access to Flaming Gorge Reservoir, making them popular for visitors seeking waterfront camping.

Dirt roads leading to dispersed sites around Rock Springs range from moderately maintained to rough with washboard sections, ruts, and occasional washouts. High clearance vehicles are recommended for many areas, particularly after rain when roads can become difficult to navigate. Most camping areas have no amenities - no water, toilets, trash service, or hookups. Fire restrictions frequently apply during dry seasons. According to user reviews, "Fire danger all around so didn't build one. No rocks anywhere to create a fire pit." BLM standard regulations limit stays to 14 days in most dispersed areas before requiring relocation.

The Wyoming side of Flaming Gorge provides more secluded camping compared to the Utah side. "We had an amazing spot right on the water. No other campers on site. The views are spectacular," noted one visitor to Flaming Gorge NRA. Wildlife sightings include pronghorn antelope, deer, and various bird species. Wind can be substantial, particularly at higher elevation sites like White Mountain Road, where campers report excellent views but challenging conditions for tent camping. Cell service varies by location and carrier, with several sites reporting surprisingly good coverage. Summer weather brings mosquitoes, particularly at dusk near the reservoir. The terrain is typically desert-like with limited shade, so campers should prepare accordingly with proper shelter and water supplies.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Rock Springs, Wyoming (17)

    1. White Mountain Road

    12 Reviews
    Green River, WY
    14 miles

    "from the east was pretty easy though bumpy and on a climb it’s more difficult to slow roll, sites are pretty easy to find using different tools but the main area really only has one spot for anything around"

    "Easy dirt road access to many camping spots. Att had great service, very windy and some road noise from the interstate. 10/10 would recommend."

    2. Middle Baxter Road

    6 Reviews
    Rock Springs, WY
    5 miles

    "Several other rigs here and no one is close to each other. Getting over 400mbs on T-Mobile 5g"

    3. Green River Flaming Gorge Dispersed Site

    10 Reviews
    Green River, WY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 352-0256

    "Wide open BLM land."

    "If the White Mountain spots are taken this is a good backup. On the down side there is a lot of glass at this site so stay close to the road. Cool overlook into the town."

    4. Flaming Gorge NRA Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Manila, WY
    34 miles
    Website

    "Very large dispersed camping area. As the starting point we chose Anvil Draw Boat Ramp."

    "We were on the Wyoming side not too far the Buckboard Marina . About a 15 min. drive. We have a 30 ft class A RV and we tow a jeep. We parked at the marina and took the jeep to scout out a site."

    5. Lost Dog FS012 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Green River, WY
    25 miles
    Website

    6. Buckboard Wash - Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Manila, WY
    33 miles
    Website

    "Those are nice dispersed campgrounds.  Although there were quite a few RVs while I was there, I managed to find a spot for myself with a great view on the reservoir.  It seems to be quite popular. "

    "Serene, private, remote yet accessible and mosquitos."

    7. Big Sandy Reservoir Rec Area

    15 Reviews
    Farson, WY
    47 miles
    Website

    "Very windy but it’s Wyoming; about 11am-dusk. Lots of great rockhounding in the area. BLM land; so 14 day limit. Would definitely return."

    "We just drove around the lake to the camping area that was marked right on Google maps. There was about 10 spots with a covered area and picnic table, all near an outhouse."

    8. Little Mountain Dispersed Camp

    3 Reviews
    Dutch John, WY
    35 miles
    +1 (307) 352-0256

    "Closest trees to Rock Springs. I go up here for day trips and over night trips. Elk, Bear, Deer, and cows are around."

    "Great views from the top, but we chose a more sheltered site due to the strong chilly wind. Beautiful sunset and sunrise. There were many good sites along the road in as well."

    9. Spring Creek Road Dispersed - Flaming Gorge

    10 Reviews
    Ashley National Forest, UT
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-1181

    "Easy dirt road, pulled 34 foot toy hauler with no problem. Enough space to turn around at the end of the road. Very quiet at night, perfect for sleeping. Rock fire pits available. Very private."

    "The dirt road in isn’t too bad and is pretty short, there were plenty of sedans driving in so it’s accessible for most vehicles when the ground is dry."

    10. Buckboard Cove Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Manila, WY
    34 miles
    Website

    "We stayed just outside Buckboard Crossing Campground near 41.23339 N, 109.59618 W and had an amazing experience."

    "There are 2 roads each has at least one really nice dispersed camping spot."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Rock Springs, WY

122 Photos of 17 Rock Springs Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rock Springs, WY

99 Reviews of 17 Rock Springs Campgrounds

  • D R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Lost Dog FS012 Dispersed

    dispersed camping

    Forest service (dirt) road leading to Lost Dog day use area in Flaming Gorge. There are places along the road to pull off and boondock, with great sunrise and sunset views and occasional glimpses of the gorge. looks like it might be dicey after heavy rain

  • Kimberly N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    White Mountain Road

    Dispersed with a view. Scout before taking big rigs.

    We stayed at a campground in town for what was going yo be a night and scouted the area out. We are about 60’ truck and fifthwheel. The road up coming from the east was pretty easy though bumpy and on a climb it’s more difficult to slow roll, sites are pretty easy to find using different tools but the main area really only has one spot for anything around 40’ to be able to easily turn around without driving off the packed road. Theres a T-Mobile tower not far off though so if you need internet it’s great service. It’s very very dry up there and they had a fire pickup a couple days after we left. The view is incredible and they have nice firepits but it’s not a Spot you’d want to venture far at night and navigate to. Be careful if you put in your gps coming from the east! It takes you to a dirt road with a 27% grade up and over the mountain! Don’t try to drive down it with a big rig!

  • Sheridan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2020

    Big Sandy Reservoir Rec Area

    Beautiful

    There are many types of camping areas with a variety of ground. This beach area was beautiful. We were greeted with a huge herd of sheep one afternoon. Lots of wildlife. Very windy but it’s Wyoming; about 11am-dusk. Lots of great rockhounding in the area. BLM land; so 14 day limit. Would definitely return.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2025

    Buckboard Cove Dispersed Campsite

    Peaceful waterfront boondocking with great views and space to spread out

    We stayed just outside Buckboard Crossing Campground near 41.23339 N, 109.59618 W and had an amazing experience. For most of the week, we were completely alone it was quiet, peaceful, and right along the water. Finding a level spot close to the lake can be a little tricky, but nothing too challenging. We tow a 19 ft travel trailer and had no issues getting in or out.The dirt roads in can be rough in places definitely a lot of ruts and potholes likely caused by people driving when it's muddy. That said, we saw smaller vehicles make it just fine. While we wouldn't recommend this for oversized rigs unless you're experienced, the main access road to the sites is wide enough, and a large travel trailer did show up a couple days before we left.There were some folks with off-leash dogs, and traffic picked up a bit on Friday and into the weekend with boaters and folks riding around on UTVs, but it never felt crowded. There is some scattered trash around the area left by others, but nothing overwhelming.Just down the road is the established Buckboard Crossing Campground with a boat launch, vault toilet, and what looks like a dump station and spigot, though the water was shut off during our stay. We ended up dumping and refilling at the Maverik in town, which had free services.

  • L
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Jug Hollow Road - Dispersed Camp

    Fabulous views! Grimy campground

    This campground sits right on the shore of Lake Flaming Gorge. The access road is dirt, with ruts and rocks. Tricky when wet. Scout before deciding to go down it. Camp ground has great cell coverage and stone fire rings but nothing else. Not much shade since, there are no trees. Sadly, bushes and thickets have been used as toilets and are downright gross! Wind off the lake can be furious. Try to find a spot further in, especially if you are tent camping. Generators tear through the silence of the night. Bring ear plugs! Hiking is great right out of the campground. Not sure if I’d come back. Although views and sun set are spectacular, everything else looks is not.

  • Wild Berries B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2024

    Flaming Gorge NRA Dispersed

    Short or long stay, take a pic

    Very large dispersed camping area. As the starting point we chose Anvil Draw Boat Ramp. From here many roads bifurcate and you can select many other dirt roads - where to go and where to stay, by the water or on top of the hill with 360 views (google maps shows them pretty accurately). We stayed 5 nights - the longest so far and it wasn’t planned that way. But then the weather, surrounding areas and things to do made us stay longer - without any regrets. We had couple of days very strong winds. But others were hot and sunny to pull our inflatable kayak and paddle around. The waters were calm. Another day we explored to the other side of the gorge (Utah - gorge overviews, Red canyon, geological Sheep Creek Canyon Loop). There are many mosquitoes but as mentioned, they strangely don’t bite and are appearing in intervals and random places - behind protection of the wind and mostly at sunsets. Plenty of cows, pronghorn antelopes, variety of birds. Overall very quiet place with occasional sound of boat passing in the waters. Not much shade or trees around. Perfect view place to recharge and move on to next destination.

  • Alex P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2020

    Northeast Utah BLM Land

    Easy access and free!

    Pretty area, flat spot not far off the main road. It’s the second right onto a dirt road, off the 191 south. Great for a night, lots of space in the pullout for two cars. Lots of cow poop as you’d usually see from a spot like this, but we never mind. Careful of some small hidden cacti scattered about. Further down the road was the reservoir, we didn’t go down but it looked pretty!

  • Michelle L.
    Aug. 23, 2023

    Spring Creek Road Dispersed - Flaming Gorge

    Quiet and Dark by the Lake

    Easy dirt road, pulled 34 foot toy hauler with no problem. Enough space to turn around at the end of the road. Very quiet at night, perfect for sleeping. Rock fire pits available. Very private. Slow internet with T-Mobile.

  • Wyatt J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2020

    Northeast Utah BLM Land

    Beautiful surroundings, Easy Access

    Not too far down the road off the highway, this spot was easy to access for my 35 ft trailer and extended cab truck. Only took an inch and a half or so of leveling to get level on my driver side. There's a few places you could put a trailer here. Just down the road from the reservoir. It was pretty hazy the night we were here, but it made for a beautiful sunset.

    We had good TMobile and Verizon service here... Which shocked us!

Guide to Rock Springs

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Rock Springs, Wyoming, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and scenic views.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Rock Springs, Wyoming

  • When visiting White Mountain Road, be prepared for windy conditions, as many campers have noted the breezy atmosphere can be quite strong.
  • Make sure to bring your own water and firewood, as sites like Middle Baxter Road do not offer these amenities, but allow for campfires.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife while camping at Buckboard Cove Dispersed Campsite, where sightings of antelope and deer are common.

Scenic views and outdoor activities while free camping near Rock Springs

  • Enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets at Upper Marsh Creek, where the serene environment offers a perfect backdrop for photography.
  • For those interested in off-roading, Green River Flaming Gorge Dispersed Site provides access to OHV trails and stunning views from elevated locations.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to water at Flaming Gorge NRA Dispersed, where you can cast a line and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Wildlife watching for dispersed campers

  • Campers at Little Mountain Dispersed Camp often report sightings of elk, deer, and even bears, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
  • The area around Lost Dog FS012 Dispersed offers occasional glimpses of wild horses, adding to the unique experience of camping in this region.
  • Birdwatchers will find plenty to observe at Buckboard Wash - Dispersed, where a variety of bird species can be spotted throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping near Rock Springs, Wyoming?

The Rock Springs area offers several excellent free camping options. Big Sandy Reservoir Rec Area provides beautiful beach areas with diverse terrain for camping and great rockhounding opportunities. It's on BLM land with a 14-day stay limit. Another option is White Mountain Road, which features easy dirt road access to numerous camping spots atop a small mountain with great views. Additional free camping can be found along the shores of Flaming Gorge at various dispersed sites, on BLM land off Highway 191, and in the areas surrounding Green River. Most sites offer basic amenities like fire rings but no hookups or facilities, so come prepared for self-sufficient camping.

Do I need permits for boondocking or dispersed camping in Rock Springs area?

No permits are typically required for boondocking or dispersed camping in the Rock Springs area. Most dispersed camping in this region occurs on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land which follows the standard 14-day stay limit. Areas like Northeast Utah BLM Land and Flaming Gorge NRA Dispersed operate under these guidelines. While permits aren't needed, it's important to practice Leave No Trace principles and follow any posted rules. Some areas may have seasonal restrictions or closures due to wildlife management or weather conditions. Always check for fire restrictions during dry periods, as they're commonly implemented throughout Wyoming's public lands in summer months.

What dispersed camping options are available around Rock Springs?

The Rock Springs area offers diverse dispersed camping opportunities. Spring Creek Road Dispersed - Flaming Gorge features easy dirt road access suitable for larger RVs with grassy spots and established fire rings. Buckboard Cove Dispersed Campsite provides waterfront camping along Flaming Gorge Reservoir with spectacular views. Other options include Lost Dog FS012 in Flaming Gorge with great sunrise/sunset views, Jug Hollow Road with lakeside camping, and Little Mountain Dispersed Camp. Many sites offer varying levels of privacy, and some feature cell coverage. Access roads can be rutted and rocky, so scouting ahead is recommended, especially for larger rigs. Most areas have primitive amenities like fire rings but no services, so come prepared with all necessary supplies.

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