Best Campgrounds near Saratoga, WY

The Saratoga area of Wyoming features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options along the North Platte River and nearby lakes. Saratoga Lake Campground, managed by the city, provides basic amenities with electric hookups ($15/night) and non-electric sites ($10/night) arranged in two tiers on gravel pads. Several dispersed camping areas including Foote Public Access and Sanger Access offer free alternatives with minimal facilities but greater privacy. For RV travelers, Deer Haven RV Park at the entrance to Saratoga provides full hookups during its May to October season, while tent campers can find sites at Ryan Park in the Medicine Bow National Forest, approximately 20 miles east of town.

Weather conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in this high plains region. Strong winds are common throughout the year, with campers noting the need for secure tent stakes and wind barriers. As one visitor observed, "It gets windy here so be prepared." Summer temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between hot days and cool nights, while early summer and fall may bring unexpected snow even at lower elevations. Most dispersed sites have dirt access roads that become difficult after rain. Cell service varies widely, with AT&T reported as strong at Saratoga Lake but limited or nonexistent at more remote locations like Sanger Access Area.

Proximity to water defines many camping experiences in the region. The North Platte River, known for blue ribbon trout fishing, flows near several campgrounds and public access points. Campers consistently mention Saratoga's free Hobo Hot Springs as a highlight, with one reviewer noting it's "only an 8-minute drive away" from lakeside camping. Wildlife viewing opportunities include waterfowl at Saratoga Lake and pronghorn in the surrounding sagebrush country. Most sites offer minimal shade and limited privacy, though the expansive views compensate for these drawbacks. Vault toilets are standard at most locations, with showers available only in town or at private campgrounds. Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months, particularly near water sources.

Best Camping Sites Near Saratoga, Wyoming (110)

    1. Saratoga Lake Campground

    22 Reviews
    Saratoga, WY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 326-8335

    "Just north of Saratoga, Wy. Is Saratoga lake, and the aptly named Saratoga Lake Campground."

    "This campground has a sandy beach, mountain views, prairie nearby, and wildlife. Simple but nice camping, mostly RVs/campers and people with boats."

    2. Foote Public Access Area Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Saratoga, WY
    4 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Got here around 3pm only 2 other people. Only a few spots are larger for 5th wheels etc. road was pretty bumpy coming down, you pass a few farms and a lot of private property which can be confusing."

    3. Deer Haven RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Saratoga, WY
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (307) 326-8746

    $45 - $65 / night

    "Nice Rv park at the entrance of Saratoga"

    "Easy walking distance into town for bars and restaurants. Best to call to reserve, request Riverside if you want to be on the river."

    4. Sanger Access Area, Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Saratoga, WY
    5 miles

    "We stayed here for a night with our dog while passing through Wyoming. The area is BEAUTIFUL. Lots of wildlife and scenic views. Bathrooms were clean and conveniently scattered throughout the sites."

    "About 3 miles off the beaten path , through the T&A Ranch. We will return."

    5. North Platte River Treasure Island - Public Access Area

    3 Reviews
    Encampment, WY
    9 miles
    Website

    "Clearly marked directing you to the location. Bumpy dirt road until you reach the lot. It’s a parking lot camping location. Clearly marked camping area designated (5 days max)."

    "There is a bridge with a 12ton limit per vehicle. more allowed if you are towing. peaceful and quiet at night with a very nice trail and bridge over the river ."

    6. Sanger Public Access Area on North Platte River

    3 Reviews
    Saratoga, WY
    9 miles

    "There was a couple different spots, mine was away from some of the seemingly main spots. Beautiful riverside"

    "Beautiful location on the North Platte River."

    8. Encampment River Campground — Bureau Of Land Management

    7 Reviews
    Encampment, WY
    19 miles
    +1 (307) 328-4200

    "Short walk to his/hers vault toilets in day use area. Trash cans nearby. Site was level & accommodated my van. Area for setting up tent. Hammock camping possible."

    "There is a nice trail along the river that obviously was made by anglers, but you can go for some ways before it petters out."

    9. Lazy Acres Campground and Motel

    4 Reviews
    Encampment, WY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 327-5968

    $42 / night

    "Easy highway access,but virtually no cell service with Verizon. The campground provided WiFi was decent. Leroy runs a tight ship at the camp, but it’s worth it."

    10. Ryan Park

    5 Reviews
    Encampment, WY
    19 miles
    Website

    $20 - $125 / night

    "Moose Trail runs around the campground but isn't really marked in some spots. Some sites don't have much shade. When we visited in July the water was padlocked and unusable."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 110 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Saratoga, WY

382 Reviews of 110 Saratoga Campgrounds


  • S
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Red Desert Rose Campground

    Oasis in Wyoming

    This campground is an oasis! The bathrooms are absolutely spotless, beautiful, and actually inviting. The laundry is perfectly clean with all the niceties of home. The new manager is doing an awesome job! We recommend to anyone, including families with children. If you want to stay in or near Rawlins, book this campground!

  • BoGwen J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Oil Road to the Mines Dispersed Site

    Great Boondocking spot

    It’s flat, quiet and peaceful. There was some trash when we arrived so we made sure to leave it cleaner than we found it. Minimal noise from Hwy! A great way to save some cash with tons of space. Bonus saw an antelope this morning about 100 yards from camp.

  • William G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Dugway Campground

    Good place to rest after long drive

    Easy find in day light drove in with class A and toad has water hand pump but has threads for a garden hose you have to supply yourself. pit toilets extra clean with lite at nite. Nice and level sites along the river. Can’t beat this place with a stick for being free access. 5 sites . Stayed 3 nites

  • Chloe S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Deer Haven RV Park

    Small and wonderful

    We stated this campsite for a month, we were having trouble finding somewhere last minute and Jeff got us in for a great price! It's a smaller park which we love, there are quite a few full-time tenants here. It is RIGHT on the north Platte river, so you don't have to go far for fishing or paddle boarding. There are no bathrooms or showers on site so your rig must be fully self-contained, which wasn't a problem for us but thought it was worth mentioning. We would definitely stay here again! Adding it to our list of favorites. It's also only 4 minutes away from hobo Hot springs. And there is a wonderful ice cream shop downtown that makes their own ice cream it's delightful

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    FS RD 103 Dispersed

    Great spot, particularly if you have 4WD

    There are various types of spot to camp along this road. I saw a handful of campers on the main fire road, but then as I drove further down, I saw offshoot that only four-wheel-drive vehicles could get to which is where I went. 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Miller Lake dispersed

    Great for a one nighter

    Beautiful old abandoned campground! There are cows and unfortunately the water near by has some issues with it. However this area is beautiful and I always look forward to camping here

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Western Hills Campground

    Bathroom is worth the price

    A little pricey at $60 but the cleanliness of the bathroom/showers was worth it. The laundry area was great. Yes it's a great big gravel parking lot but it's actually very nice.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Foote Public Access Area Dispersed

    Very small

    Definitely only room for maybe 2

    The app was also showing at least some bars for Verizon but it’s definitely SOS land

    Had to turn around. Looks nice if you’re lucky enough to get a spot

  • James W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Western Hills Campground

    Excellent stop

    The Western Hills Campground was a nice stop on I 80. Rollins is a cute little town with many different services. The campground staff were incredibly nice and our parking spot was level. We had full hook ups, all of which worked well. The showers and restrooms were cleanand we did not use the laundry, but there was one.


Guide to Saratoga

Surrounded by Medicine Bow National Forest and high plains sagebrush country, Saratoga's camping options sit at elevations between 6,800-7,500 feet. The North Platte River corridor offers dispersed sites with rocky riverbanks while protected campgrounds help mitigate persistent winds reaching 30+ mph in open areas. Nighttime temperatures typically drop 30-40 degrees from daytime highs even in summer months.

What to do

Fishing access points: Several campgrounds provide direct North Platte River access for blue-ribbon trout fishing. At Foote Public Access Area Dispersed, "This tiny dispersed site is on the North Platte River with boat access and a few weedy, private sites spread out in this area tucked inside private property," notes one camper who appreciated the seclusion despite mosquitoes. The Sanger Public Access Area features informal riverside campsites perfect for anglers.

Hot springs soaking: The Hobo Hot Springs in Saratoga remains free and open 24 hours. From Saratoga Lake Campground, "We drove into town to find the bath house (free hot spring, freaking awesome!)... went back to the bath house (again, FREE!!) and drove about 10 minutes to the beginning of the snowy range access." Many campers mention the hot springs as their primary reason for visiting the area.

Wildlife viewing: Early morning offers prime wildlife opportunities around campgrounds. "Great bird watching and pronghorn sightings," reports a visitor to Saratoga Lake Campground. Another camper at North Platte River Treasure Island mentioned, "We heard cows all night and morning, which I rather enjoyed," while observing various waterfowl along the river corridor.

What campers like

Beach access at Saratoga Lake: The sandy shoreline at Saratoga Lake provides unusual mountain lake swimming. A camper noted, "To me, it seems as though a sandy beach on a lake and mountains can't possibly go together....I was so wrong! This place was cool!" Another visitor observed, "The water is beautiful, the swimming is great, and the lake is big."

River proximity for hammock camping: Many riverside sites have mature cottonwood trees ideal for hammocks. At Encampment River Campground, "Most sites also had nice trees for hammocks. A few sites enable you to have some privacy with nice understory in-between sites." Another review noted, "Each site has a picnic table, a fire pit, and a drive way that can squeeze 2 cars and trailers if they aren't huge."

Budget-friendly options: Most dispersed sites are free, while established campgrounds remain affordable. Saratoga Lake Campground charges "$10/night without hookups and $15 for electric sites." One reviewer appreciated that "Freshwater can be filled at the gas station in town for free. They are super nice and make sure to purchase something from there at least once during the trip."

What you should know

Access road conditions: Many dispersed sites require driving on unpaved roads that deteriorate in wet conditions. A visitor to Foote Public Access noted, "Since you have to drive over private property to get here, be mindful of speed on the dirt access road and clean up after yourself." Another camper at Lazy Acres Campground and Motel appreciated its "Easy highway access, but virtually no cell service with Verizon."

Mosquito preparation: Insect repellent is essential for camping near water sources. "Bring your bug spray, mosquitoes are relentless. Our poor dogs were getting bit all over," warned one camper at Foote Public Access. Another noted, "Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months, particularly near water sources."

Fire regulations: Fire restrictions frequently change based on conditions. At Encampment River, campers should "watch for signs prohibiting fires when its dry." One camper advised, "There is a nice trail along the river that obviously was made by anglers, but you can go for some ways before it petters out."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Saratoga Lake offers recreational facilities for children. "Even has a playground for kids just make sure they have their tetanus shots!" noted one reviewer, suggesting maintenance might be minimal but usable.

Swimming options: Multiple locations provide safe water access for supervised children. "We had the first site on the left and the river was our backyard," shared a camper at Encampment River Campground, though they cautioned that "the river is COLD and fast, though not deep near the campground."

Ryan Park considerations: Ryan Park offers cooler temperatures at higher elevation. "Extremely peaceful other than some occasional road noise but the sound of running water usually drowns that out," wrote one camper. Another visitor noted, "Moose Trail runs around the campground but isn't really marked in some spots."

Tips from RVers

RV size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Deer Haven RV Park, "Only one tent allowed per RV site, cash only. Easy walking distance into town for bars and restaurants." For riverside camping, "We are in a 24' Class C and dirt road and steep approach were not a problem" at Encampment River Campground.

Hookup availability: Full-service options exist but are limited. "Excellent small campground. Everything from full hookups to grassy tent spots. Bathroom with showers. Laundry facilities," noted a camper about Lazy Acres Campground, which operates seasonally from mid-May through September.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Saratoga, WY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Saratoga, WY offers a wide range of camping options, with 110 campgrounds and RV parks near Saratoga, WY and 26 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Saratoga, WY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Saratoga, WY is Saratoga Lake Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Saratoga, WY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Saratoga, WY.

What parks are near Saratoga, WY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Saratoga, WY that allow camping, notably Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG and Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland.