Dispersed camping opportunities around Shoshoni, Wyoming provide access to the Wind River Basin at elevations ranging from 4,300 to 6,000 feet. The semi-arid climate features hot summer days with cooler nights, making spring and fall camping particularly pleasant. Wind can be significant across open areas, especially in afternoons when gusts frequently exceed 20 mph.
What to do
Fly fishing access points: Upper Wind River Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities along the Wind River. A visitor noted, "We wade fished, but if you float you need a permit to float through Wind River Indian Reservation."
Hiking trails with wildlife viewing: Sinks Campground offers multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. "There are many good hikes in summer and a few trails to XC ski or snowshoe in the winter," reports one camper who stayed in the yurts during winter months.
Dinosaur discovery: Visit the dinosaur museum in Thermopolis, just north of Shoshoni. Campers staying at Eagle RV Park mention, "It is close to the mineral hot springs, though, and the Dinosaur museum is amazing."
Swimming in mineral waters: Fountain of Youth RV Park provides access to natural hot springs. A camper reported, "The highlight are the mineral hot spring swimming pools (included). All around great site, highly recommend."
What campers like
Waterfront campsites: Sites at Ocean Lake offer direct water access. One visitor described, "We drove out to the Long point campground on the little peninsula out in the water so you had views 360. There were multiple picnic tables with shelters and two clean vault toilets that were well stocked."
Protected picnic areas: Multiple campgrounds provide sheltered picnic tables to protect against wind and sun. "Each spot had a building with a picnic table and a grill. It was very peaceful," reported a visitor to Ocean Lake.
Wildlife viewing: The rivers and lakes attract diverse wildlife. "Had a momma turkey and 8 fledglings walk up to and under my trailer!" noted one camper at Upper Wind River Campground.
Yurt accommodations: Popo Agie Campground offers comfortable yurt options for those seeking shelter with amenities. "I stayed in one of the yurts and loved it!" shared one visitor about yurt camping in Shoshoni, Wyoming area.
What you should know
Wind conditions: The Wind River Basin lives up to its name. A camper at Ocean Lake warned, "Because you are on flat land in every direction, the wind can get pretty brutal and sandblast the tent."
Water quality concerns: Some water bodies have seasonal algae issues. At Ocean Lake, "There were signs up saying that the algae in the water could be toxic (the sign was posted on the bathrooms, not near the boat launch, so I'm lucky I saw it when I did)."
Train noise: Upper Wind River Campground has railroad tracks nearby. A camper noted, "The 2x trains a day were NOT that loud and were gone in about 3 minutes. Road noise from the highway is moderate but most city folk won't notice it."
Reservation requirements: Many state park campgrounds require reservations during peak season. A camper at Sawmill Campground stated, "Reservation is mandatory in summer. Costs: $28 for a night as non-resident."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sawmill Campground offers designated family-friendly areas. "This campground has a large group area with a very nice playground for the kids," mentions one visitor.
Shallow water areas: Some locations along Ocean Lake provide safer water access for children. Look for the protected coves along the western shore where depth increases gradually.
Bear-safe food storage: Sinks Canyon provides bear boxes at campsites. A camper noted, "Each site has the usual picnic table, fire pit, and bear box; but the concerns were less about bears and more about moose."
Educational opportunities: Sleeping Bear RV Park provides convenient access to educational activities. "We even lost power for a few hours one evening because of the wind gusts, but it wasn't too dusty so we could keep our windows open some of the time to let fresh air in."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Upper Wind River sites may require adjustments. "Our site was almost level, we just needed one link on the left side. Lots of shade, along with a nice picnic table and fire pit," shared a visitor at Sleeping Bear RV Park.
Pull-through configurations: Be aware of shared access at some campgrounds. "I've never seen a CG where a pull through is split into 2-3 'sites'," warned one RVer at Upper Wind River Campground.
Water access points: Campgrounds provide varying levels of water service. "No dump station (there's one at park HQ down the road south) but there are several water hydrants through the park," noted a camper at Upper Wind River Campground.
