Camping options near Smoot, Wyoming span from dispersed sites along Reservoir Road to established campgrounds in Caribou and Targhee National Forests at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-80°F with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. The Star Valley region offers both primitive camping and yurt accommodations within driving distance of natural hot springs and mountain recreation.
What to do
Fishing at local reservoirs: Viva Naughton Reservoir provides excellent fishing opportunities with primitive campsites along the shoreline. According to one camper, "The fly fishing is excellent below the dam, which is about a 3/4 mile drive from the campground. The area is very popular with boaters and anglers alike."
Hiking mountain trails: Willow Flat Campground offers access to several hiking trails, including one to the headwaters. A visitor notes, "The hike to the headwaters is a must and if you're feeling up to it you can hike over the mountain to Bloomington Lake. There's also tons of UTV/ATV trails nearby."
Hot springs soaking: Maple Grove Hot Springs provides natural thermal pools with camping access. A camper shares, "Camping gets you access to the hot springs from check in until 4pm the next day. There's running water in the bathhouse with a toilet and shower. There's yoga classes included in the price as well."
Wildflower viewing: Spring and early summer bring wildflowers to the mountain meadows. One camper at Willow Flat noted, "The wildflowers are beautiful but once it hits late June they are usually gone."
What campers like
Creekside camping: Many campsites in the area offer water proximity. At Willow Flat, a camper described their experience: "Site 53 was by far the best in the camp. Large fire pit, at the back of the campground, the creek was 10 ft from our tent. Trail for hiking right there and the cleanest bathrooms!"
Dispersed lakeside options: Reservoir Disperse Camping near Melvin Brewing provides free waterfront camping. A camper reported, "We easily found a spot right next to the water! It was quiet and peaceful. Right next to a dog friendly brewery that made for a good meal and lovely to watch the sunset!"
Forest shade: Pine tree cover provides relief from summer heat. At Emigration Campground, a visitor noted, "Just a one night stay on our way headed north but wish we could have stayed longer… lots of sites that really have a lot of privacy and back right up to the forest."
Wildlife viewing: The area's diverse ecosystems support various wildlife. One camper at Willow Flat mentioned, "Saw a moose! The water was freezing, but clean and refreshing."
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Reservoir water levels can fluctuate significantly. At Reservoir Disperse Camping, a camper warned: "Main issue—can't really tell how far the reservoir tide will come up. We set our chairs up by a fire pit before dinner and came back to them in a few inches of water."
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires traveling rough roads. One visitor to McCoy Creek Campground reported: "Road in was fair, rough at times, but doable in our low-clearance rig. Nice views from our spot, but the river was dry due to the on-going drought."
Limited amenities: Most dispersed camping areas lack facilities. A Reservoir Disperse camper noted, "This spot is strange its 2 minutes off the highway but its right out front of a brewery restaurant and seems to be on a disc golf course. A single beat up wooden picnic table is out here with a few stone fire rings."
Weather variability: Mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer. A camper at Montpelier Creek KOA observed, "This KOA is close to the mouth of Montpelier Canyon and therefore can be hot in the summer. It does however lie right next to the creek!"
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Children enjoy playing in the shallow streams. A visitor at Willow Flat shared, "My boys could have stayed two weeks fishing the creek! Lots of trout."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. A Montpelier Creek KOA camper mentioned, "A little bonus was the kids playground complete with swings and other toys."
Yurt camping options: For families seeking more comfort than tent camping near Smoot, Wyoming, yurt accommodations provide a good alternative. At Pine Bar Campground, a visitor noted, "6 spots arranged in a circle vault toilets trail behind with a bridge over the creek not very much traffic 8$ a night."
Dust awareness: Some campgrounds can become dusty in late summer. A Willow Flat camper advised, "The only con is that it can get very dusty, especially come July and August when it doesn't rain as much."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. At Emigration Campground, one camper advised, "I wouldn't take big rigs in here because most of the sites aren't long enough."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited but available at select locations. At Flat Creek RV Park and Cabins, a visitor noted, "Quaint place with full hookups and amenities. The men's bathroom was quite dirty but the owners were friendly and the wifi worked well."
Overnight stays: Some locations work better for quick stops. A Reservoir Disperse camper shared, "Seems like a great get off the road and sleep spot but wouldn't want to hang out here as a destination. Zero shade. Verizon 5g 3 bars."
Length restrictions: Check campground limitations before arrival. At Montpelier Creek KOA, one RVer reported, "Boasts some creek side sites. Sites are very close together, water pressure is not great. Lot of roadside noise. The creek has a nice flow. Site was pretty level, great cell service through Verizon."
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