Dispersed camping locations near Shoshone National Forest provide free camping on public lands across elevations ranging from 4,600 to 13,000 feet. Temperature extremes are common throughout the region, with campers reporting overnight lows below freezing even in July at higher elevations. Road access varies seasonally with spring snowmelt creating muddy conditions and washboard roads requiring high-clearance vehicles in many locations.
What to do
Fishing access: Buffalo Valley Campsites 4-7 provide direct river access for anglers. One camper notes, "There is a trail that I assume goes down to the river. It is a pretty good sized site." Another visitor observed, "It's a popular fishing spot and you will see a lot of fisherman parking their car by your campsite."
Wildlife viewing: Buffalo Valley Designated Dispersed Camping offers excellent opportunities to observe local wildlife. A camper reports, "There was a beaver that hung out with us alongside the river bed and we heard a bunch of cows in the morning!" Another states, "Elk come out along river almost every evening and it's a short drive to park entrance."
Mountain hiking: Access to hiking trails is available from several dispersed sites. At Sheep Mountain BLM, a visitor notes, "The sheep mountain hiking trailhead is right here and lots of off-roading trails for single and double track." Allow extra time for trail access as "the road to get there is a little rough but made it fine towing our 38ft 5th wheel."
What campers like
Mountain views: Upper Teton View Dispersed offers panoramic vistas of the Tetons. A camper emphasizes, "Views are amazing and probably none better in the Tetons when camping for free." Another visitor explains, "There is a small parking area at the base of the hill, then a rough gravel road leads up to the top."
River sounds: Camping near flowing water creates a peaceful atmosphere. At Pacific Creek Designated Dispersed Campsite, campers appreciate the natural soundscape: "Camped along the stream, very pretty. There is a bear box and fire ring at the site." Another camper confirms, "Great access to and views of the river and it's nice and secluded."
Star visibility: Moran Vista on Forest Road 30290 provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. A visitor describes the area as having "perfect view of setting sun over mount Teton." The open terrain at many dispersed sites creates ideal conditions for stargazing away from light pollution.
What you should know
Arrival timing: Most dispersed sites fill quickly during peak season. A camper at Upper Teton View advises, "It does fill up so get there early, we arrived about 12pm and had our pick of spots." Some campers report success with later arrivals: "I got to the site at 6pm (admittedly) a lil late but all the spots were filled up. Thankfully was able to get in with someone."
Insects: Mosquitoes are a consistent issue throughout summer months. A camper at Brooks Lake Southeast Camping reports, "Mosquitoes were bad but bearable." Another camper states more directly, "Bring bug spray and you'll be fine. No water, no toilet of any kind."
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. At Buffalo Valley sites, "Zero verizon service after you get off the main road." Meanwhile, Sheep Mountain BLM offers better connectivity: "Cell service, ATT was good. I will say I had thunderstorms which helped block the sun and cool down the area since I was here in July."
Tips for camping with families
Bear safety: Most dispersed sites require proper food storage. At Pacific Creek, "Bear boxes are provided, which is why I sought this site out." Campers should verify which sites include bear boxes: "Site 3 does not have a bear box so keep that in mind if you stay there."
Road navigation: Access roads can challenge family vehicles. A visitor to Pacific Creek warns, "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." Another camper adds, "The road is long and washboard."
Weather preparation: Spread Creek Dispersed Campground experiences significant temperature fluctuations. A visitor explains, "On our walk out this morning, we noticed a family of deer munching in the field; this is a very lovely spot." Families should pack layered clothing as nights remain cool throughout summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Larger rigs require careful planning when choosing dispersed sites. A Sheep Mountain BLM camper advises, "We were able to haul our 45-ft fifth wheel and find level ground. There are some additional locations to park higher on the hill but the road to get there is a little more rough."
Turning radius: Buffalo Valley campsites present challenges for larger vehicles. An RVer cautions, "If you're pulling something or drive anything bigger than a midsize SUV, you might have a nightmare of a time turning around. I had barely enough room to a multi-point turn in my 4runner, I can't imagine what it would be like if I was pulling a trailer."
Leveling considerations: Most sites require careful positioning to level an RV. At Pacific Creek, one camper notes, "We decided to pull our 29' travel trailer only partway into the space to find the most level spot. But we still had some 4 acres all to ourselves!" Using terrain features helps avoid the need for extensive leveling blocks.
