Lake Cameahwait and the surrounding campgrounds near Shoshoni, Wyoming sit at approximately 4,800 feet elevation in Wyoming's Wind River Basin. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently reaching the mid-90s and cold winters with significant wind. Many campsites in this region are situated on gravelly or sandy terrain with limited natural shade, particularly at lake-based campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing at daybreak: Lake Cameahwait provides solid fishing opportunities, particularly in early morning hours. "It's always nice to camp near a pretty lake. This is mostly a day use area so it gets pretty busy during the days - especially on the weekends," notes camper Kelda C.
Train watching: Boysen State Park Campground offers unique railroad viewing opportunities. "Beautiful views, big old train going through the tunnel of a mountain. Wild little spot," writes Megan B. The train experience is particularly memorable for children, as another camper notes: "Kids love the train that runs thru the canyon."
Wildlife observation: Camping near the Wind River provides excellent wildlife viewing. "Plenty of wildlife to watch come down to river in the evening or early mornings," reports Mickey J. from Boysen State Park. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best viewing opportunities when animals come to the water.
What campers like
Quiet off-peak camping: Some visitors appreciate the solitude available during shoulder seasons. "We were here in early November. Pretty much had the whole of the reservoir campgrounds to ourselves," notes Robert B. about Brannon Campground.
Water-based recreation: The reservoir provides multiple water activities. "Clear water and a beautiful backdrop make this a great lake for skiing or just dropping anchor and chilling. Lots of islands to play on in this lake," writes Preston Y. about Boysen State Park.
Dark skies for stargazing: Limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. "Low light pollution, makes for beautiful star-gazing at night," mentions one camper about Boysen State Park campgrounds. Sites farther from highways offer the darkest skies.
What you should know
Seasonal bugs: Insects can be problematic throughout summer months. "There were a lot of bugs/flies on our September evening," reports Michael R. about Lake Cameahwait. Another camper at Upper Wind River campground notes: "My son got stung and the neighboring site also got stung, all in a 20 minute span. They were everywhere."
Limited services: Prepare to be self-sufficient when visiting these dog friendly campgrounds near Shoshoni. "Camping with pets at these locations requires preparation as services are limited," with one camper at Lake Cameahwait advising: "There is no potable water available but the lake was crystal clear and I used it to wash up."
Day-use traffic: Several campgrounds primarily function as day-use areas, affecting site availability and noise. "This is mostly a day use area so it gets pretty busy during the days - especially on weekends," notes one camper at Lake Cameahwait. "I didn't see any signs about camping. Nothing forbidding it or explaining the camping rules."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lower Wind River Campground provides family-friendly amenities. "Campground has a park for kids," notes eli R., who extended their stay from 2 to 4 nights. Several of the pet-friendly campgrounds near Shoshoni include play areas.
Swimming opportunities: Lake access points provide cooling options during summer heat. "The lake itself is accessed about a half mile down the road. Clear water and a beautiful backdrop make this a great lake," reports one camper.
Educational wildlife viewing: Mornings provide animal sightings suitable for children. "Plenty of wildlife to watch come down to river in the evening or early mornings," notes one camper. Another visitor at Brannon campground mentions seeing "a momma turkey and 8 fledglings walk up to and under my trailer!"
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Wind River RV Park in nearby Riverton provides full services for those needing hookups. "Gravel site required minimal leveling. There are some shade trees. Not much to look at aesthetically, but had what we needed for a one night stay," notes Lori T.
Site selection challenges: Many campgrounds have unusual layouts requiring careful navigation. "A lot of strangely laid out sites, some ridiculously close to one another and unlevel," cautions Bill R. about Upper Wind River Campground. Another visitor mentions: "My 30 footer wouldn't begin to fit since the pull off the road is shared between 54 and 55. I've never seen a CG where a pull through is split into 2-3 'sites'."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "At the end of a long dirt road, you will find this diamond in the rough," reports a camper about one pet-friendly campground near Shoshoni. Lake access roads may include both paved and unpaved sections depending on the specific area.
