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Best Dispersed Camping near Shoshone National Forest

231 Reviews

Dispersed camping in Shoshone National Forest offers primitive, free camping opportunities throughout Wyoming's rugged wilderness. Popular sites include Upper Teton View Dispersed, Brooks Lake Southeast Camping, and Spread Creek Dispersed Campground. These areas feature designated sites with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. According to reviews, some sites require persistence to locate, with one camper noting, "The sites are down such a long road that I almost didn't believe they really existed, but I'm glad I persisted in driving all the way to the coordinates!"

Most dispersed sites in this region lack basic amenities such as drinking water, electrical hookups, or sanitary facilities. Visitors must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry periods. Several campers report that many sites include primitive fire rings where fires are permitted when conditions allow. Bear safety is essential throughout the region, as this is active grizzly country. Proper food storage in bear-proof containers or vehicles is mandatory.

Road conditions vary significantly across the forest. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote sites, particularly after rain when dirt roads become muddy and difficult to navigate. Many campsites fill quickly during peak season (June-September), especially those with Teton views. Campers consistently recommend arriving before noon to secure a spot. Mosquitoes are abundant during summer months, making insect repellent essential equipment. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, with some campers reporting temperatures as low as 29°F in July. The standard stay limit at most sites is 5-14 days, though enforcement varies by location.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Shoshone National Forest (44)

    1. Spread Creek Dispersed Campground

    55 Reviews
    Queens, WY
    43 miles
    Website

    "Nice Dispersed Camping. Doesn’t have Grand views of the Tetons but has nice grassy level areas and spots by the creek."

    "There are 14 campsites dispersed down a four mile long gravel road. Part of the National Forest. Great views of the Tetons from several sites."

    2. Upper Teton View Dispersed

    59 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    46 miles
    Website

    "With that said the upper road to the main camping area was closed off by the forest service at the lower parking area / pit toilet. The view made it worth the trip up."

    "There’s beautiful views of the Teton mountains as people say, the roads are a bit rough and inclined but that’s everywhere in the west really:) no four wheel drive needed at all."

    3. Brooks Lake Southeast Camping

    2 Reviews
    Dubois, WY
    23 miles

    "Three dispersed spots. Spot on the end has the best view. No verizon service. Accessible by Van and pickup. Not sure if a low clearance car would make it down the entrance, but probably would."

    4. Bridger-Teton National Forest

    18 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    37 miles
    Website

    "I decided to just drive down a Forest Service Road and ended up on FS 30165 in a valley with wonderful views of the Tetons. There was even a creek a short walk away where I could filter water."

    "I stayed in the Bridger Teton National Forest off Buffalo Valley Road to be close to the Moran entrance of Grand Teton National Park. There was a large pullout that had a couple of 'sites' below."

    5. East Fork Road Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Dubois, WY
    31 miles

    "Cool spot up a dirt road on the way towards the Spence Trial Lawyers' College. We were on a loop by ourselves with a bathroom nearby, kinda surprising since it was dispersed."

    "They will take you to someone's private property.

    After discovering that the given coordinates were incorrect we drove up the road a while more. We reached a fork and veered right."

    6. Sheep Mountain BLM

    11 Reviews
    Wapiti, WY
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 775-6256

    "There are some additional locations to park higher on the hill but the road to get there is a little more rough. I've seen smaller camper vans but we couldn't haul our big rig up there."

    "Just a plot of land, when I showed up there was already a camper van. Next to the water, Stars were amazing!"

    7. Buffalo Valley Designated Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 739-5500

    "The dirt road isn't tooo bad, certainly easier to navigate if you have a high clearance vehicle but manageable for my boyfriends Subaru Legacy."

    "Beautiful crystal clear river running right next to the site."

    8. Moran Vista on Forest Road 30290

    14 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    44 miles

    "Great spot, close to the park. I didn’t drive all the way to the coordinates just stopped at a spot by the road. Pretty peaceful, gravel road."

    "We tried to access other dispersed camping locations in the Tetons first, but the roads were difficult to travel on with our RV. This was perfect."

    9. Buffalo Valley Campsites 4-7

    6 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    37 miles

    "Road coming in was fine, you'll go past a ranch on the left and see the camp trailhead on the right."

    "I

    For some reason campsites 1-3 aren’t showing up for me but 4-7 are close enough to garner a review of this spot: the camp sites are perfect for free camping for less than a 10 minutes drive away from"

    10. Pacific Creek (FR 30090) Designated Dispersed Campsite

    7 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    39 miles
    Website

    "Right next to a wonderful stream.  Bring bug spray and you'll be fine. No water, no toilet of any kind."

    "Plan ahead for this one, because you'll drive for what feels like forever. I have terrible shocks in my bus, so the gravel roads were slow going for me."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Shoshone National Forest

226 Photos of 44 Shoshone National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Shoshone National Forest

231 Reviews of 44 Shoshone National Forest Campgrounds

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2023

    Glacier Trailhead Campsites in Fitzpatrick Wilderness Area

    glad i stopped here

    The sites are down such a long road that I almost didn't believe they really existed, but I'm glad I persisted in driving all the way to the coordinates! Beautiful dispersed campsites right next to Whiskey Creek and some well-maintained hiking trails in the national forest and wilderness area. Wish i could stay longer. Also, I saw a bighorn sheep!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2024

    Upper Teton View Dispersed

    Awesome view

    We spent one night mid May here on the way to Yellowstone. The view was awesome. With that said the upper road to the main camping area was closed off by the forest service at the lower parking area / pit toilet. The view made it worth the trip up. Not sure when the road will open up to the main dispersed site. Be aware that there is only enough room for about 20 campers / vans in the lower area. There is room for about another 15 cars and tent camping. Arrive early! Plenty of hiking and well worth it if you get a spot!

  • Morgan Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2020

    East Fork Road Dispersed

    Quiet and out of the way

    Full disclosure, I'm not 100% on the long/latt I have provided here. I am doing this after our visit and think this is the correct spot. 

    Cool spot up a dirt road on the way towards the Spence Trial Lawyers' College. We were on a loop by ourselves with a bathroom nearby, kinda surprising since it was dispersed. Just a 100 yards or so from a beautiful river. We never saw another person. 

    Leave no trace.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Gros Ventre Road Dispersed

    Beautiful riverside camping

    We camped here in a 4x4 Sprinter van in early July and it was one of the best dispersed sites we’ve ever experienced. It took about 45min driving East from Antelope Flats Road to reach the site. The service road out to the turnoff is very easy, a 2WD crossover could make it in clear conditions. I wouldn’t be comfortable taking the turnoff itself down to the river without high clearance and 4WD as it’s steep and uneven.

    There were two clearly defined camping spots with primitive fire rings, each directly on the banks of the river with views of the cliff side opposite the river.

    Zero service and amenities but a wonderful experience. We got there at about 6pm on a Friday and the other site was filled.

  • Austin R.
    Aug. 31, 2017

    Bridger-Teton National Forest

    Ranger Review: Klymit Insulated Static V in Bridger-Teton National Forest

    Campground Review

    Alright. I was planning on staying in Grand Teton National Park, but since it was the Thursday before the 2017 Solar Eclipse the Park was full. And I am glad it was. I decided to just drive down a Forest Service Road and ended up on FS 30165 in a valley with wonderful views of the Tetons. There was even a creek a short walk away where I could filter water. The site I picked out was around 8 miles (20 min) from the main paved road into the park and around 50 min from the Visitor Center. Since it is in bear country you need to make sure you have a bear proof cooler or store everything in your car. While I was there the NFS had placed a fire ban due to the sheer number of campers in the area for the eclipse, I believe that fires are allowed otherwise.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - over the summer I tested the Insulated Static V from Klymit.

    I put this pad through the ringer for sure. I used it no less than once per week during June, July, and the first half of August. It still looks good as new. This pad is incredibly comfortable for all types of sleeping positions. At an R-value of 4.4, it packs down to just slightly bigger than a Nalgene water bottle and weighs only 25 oz. The bag that it comes with is slightly oversized, which means that you can actually get it back in the bag with little issues every time even if your roll is slightly sloppy. It also comes with a patch kit so you can fix it in the field should an issue arise, not that I have ever needed it.

    I can also attest to Klymit's customer service as well. Prior to getting the Insulated Static V, I owned one of the original Static V pads. That pad survived from 2012-2016 until the valve developed a slight leak. I contacted Klymit to check out their warranty. They told me pads are covered under a lifetime warranty and after shipping it back to them I received a brand new pad within 2-3 weeks if I'm remembering correctly. So not only are the products great, but they stand behind them too!

  • Steve & Ashley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Little Sunlight Camping Area

    Incredible Mountain Valley

    This site about 12 miles up sunset road along a very rough washboard dirt/gravel rod. The road was extremely dusty in the summer and almost forced us to turn back. The dispersed sites are very rough and not well maintained. However, the views are some of the best we have ever seen in Wyoming. The sunset in the valley seemed to go on forever and provided light up until 10 pm. You will need 4 wheel drive or high clearance to access the best sites next to the river. If you are willing to endure the drive and don’t mind rough dispersed camping, the beauty of the site more than makes up for it. No facilities here just a stone fire ring. The site is known for grizzly bears. So you need to be an experienced camper to enjoy this area or take precautions.

  • Renee G.
    Sep. 12, 2022

    East Fork Road Dispersed

    Multiple campsites off this road

    Don't follow the direction from the given long/lat. They will take you to someone's private property.

    After discovering that the given coordinates were incorrect we drove up the road a while more. We reached a fork and veered right. Shortly after we saw a campsite to the left (about 9 miles off the highway). This particular spot wasn't very private as it was immediately off the road, but there were bear boxes, restrooms, and a creek nearby.

    Also at this site was an informational sign that showed where all the campsites were off this road (photo included).

  • A
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Spread Creek Dispersed Campground

    nice spots

    Nice Dispersed Camping. Doesn’t have Grand views of the Tetons but has nice grassy level areas and spots by the creek. If you run stuck there are big grassy sites in the back that could easily accommodate multiple campsites. Some rough road but you’ll be fine with an SUV/truck. Bring bug spray!

  • Laura The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Buffalo Valley Designated Dispersed Camping

    Amazing views, heavy on bug spray!

    I stayed here on 07/02/2023; seriously, bring buy spray. There are soooooo many mosquitoes, but overall, it was very peaceful and serene. There are about 6 campsites that I was able to see. Of course, the earlier the better so you can claim your campsite since it first come, first served. The dirt road isn't tooo bad, certainly easier to navigate if you have a high clearance vehicle but manageable for my boyfriends Subaru Legacy. There was a beaver that hung out with us alongside the river bed and we heard a bunch of cows in the morning! I would love to go back again!!

Guide to Shoshone National Forest

Dispersed camping near Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming offers a unique opportunity to 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 beauty.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Shoshone National Forest

  • The Brooks Lake Southeast Camping area features three dispersed spots, with the one at the end boasting breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • At Bridger-Teton National Forest, campers can enjoy incredible vistas and the chance to see wildlife, making it a prime location for photography and nature observation.
  • The Flagstaff Road Dispersed area is known for its stunning sunsets over the Tetons, providing a picturesque backdrop for evening campfires.

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The Wood River Campground offers easy access to nearby hiking trails, perfect for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the region.
  • Campers at Buffalo Valley Campsites 4-7 can enjoy proximity to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, making it an ideal base for day trips to these iconic locations.
  • The East Fork Road Dispersed area is a great spot for fishing enthusiasts, with nearby rivers teeming with trout.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming

  • Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in areas like Bridger-Teton National Forest, where they can be particularly aggressive during the summer months.
  • Many dispersed camping spots, such as Buffalo Valley Dispersed Camping, lack amenities like restrooms and trash disposal, so plan to pack out what you bring in.
  • Always check road conditions before heading to areas like Forest Road 30160, as some routes may require a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD for access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Shoshone National Forest?

Shoshone National Forest offers spectacular dispersed camping opportunities. Glacier Trailhead Campsites in Fitzpatrick Wilderness Area features beautiful spots next to Whiskey Creek with access to well-maintained hiking trails, though the access road is lengthy. Little Sunlight Camping Area offers some of Wyoming's most breathtaking views, located about 12 miles up Sunset Road. Be prepared for rough, washboard dirt roads and minimal site maintenance. Other excellent options include East Fork Road areas and spots along Green River Lakes Road. The best sites typically feature proximity to water, scenic views, and trail access, though most require traveling on unpaved forest roads that may demand high-clearance vehicles.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Shoshone National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Shoshone National Forest follows standard Forest Service regulations. Camping is typically limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Bridger-Teton National Forest areas (which border Shoshone) exemplify these policies. Camp at least 100-200 feet from any water source to protect riparian areas. Campfires are permitted but may be restricted during high fire danger periods—always check current fire restrictions before your trip. Practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, bury human waste 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, and use existing fire rings when possible. Some roads close seasonally, particularly in winter and early spring. Motorized vehicles must stay on designated roads and are not permitted to create new tracks or campsites.

Is there free dispersed camping near Jackson, Wyoming in Shoshone National Forest?

While Shoshone National Forest is primarily east of Yellowstone (not adjacent to Jackson), there are excellent free dispersed camping options near Jackson on neighboring national forest lands. Upper Teton View Dispersed offers spectacular views though access roads may close seasonally. Spread Creek Dispersed Campground provides nice level areas and creek-side spots within reasonable driving distance from Jackson. Other options include Gros Ventre Road areas (approximately 45 minutes east of Antelope Flats Road) and Shadow Mountain. These sites are primarily on Bridger-Teton National Forest land rather than Shoshone. For actual Shoshone National Forest camping, you'll need to travel further east, as it's located on the eastern side of Yellowstone National Park.

What amenities are available at Shoshone National Forest dispersed camping sites?

Dispersed camping in Shoshone National Forest is primitive with minimal amenities. East Fork Road Dispersed has some areas with basic vault toilets nearby, but most sites lack facilities. Buffalo Valley Designated Dispersed Camping offers about six designated campsites with natural settings but no developed facilities. Generally, dispersed sites throughout the forest do not provide drinking water, electrical hookups, trash service, or shower facilities. Campers should prepare to bring all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal bags. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent. Some areas have fire rings from previous campers, but you should be prepared to practice proper Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you bring in.

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