Tent campsites near Smoot, Wyoming range from primitive sites on forest service roads to established campgrounds within driving distance. The surrounding Salt River Range offers camping opportunities at elevations between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night even in summer months. Most dispersed camping locations remain inaccessible until late May when mountain snow melts sufficiently to allow vehicle access on unpaved roads.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Fisherman Creek Road, campers can find relatively secluded sites with access to fishing. "Long dirt road with lots of trails leading to nice spots. The road and most of the campsites are fit for large RVs. Most spots have shade and fire rings," notes Dakota H.
Hiking to alpine lakes: The Lake Alice area offers excellent hiking opportunities. The campground requires a relatively short 1.5-mile hike to reach, with additional trails available once there. "If you continue along Poker Creek Trail that follows the east side of the lake, you can visit Mount Isabel which is 5 miles from the start of Lake Alice. Poker Creek Trail will reach LaBarge Creek Road at mile 9."
ATV and motorcycle trails: The network of forest roads surrounding Smoot provides extensive riding opportunities. Fisherman Creek Road in particular sees significant recreational vehicle traffic in summer months. "I came in late July and there were lots of motorcycles and ATVs. It was quiet from 7 PM to 7 AM," reports one visitor.
What campers like
Solitude and wildlife: Cliff Creek Road camping offers exceptional privacy and natural surroundings. "The panoramas were stunning and I also took too many photographs," writes one camper about their experience with family.
Proximity to water features: The camping at Cold Springs Campground attracts visitors for its creek access. "It's her favorite place to go I like to Camp, Creek fish, hunt there. The only down side is the narrow roads," explains Austin H.
Established fire rings: Most tent sites around Smoot feature established fire rings even at dispersed locations. At Fisherman Creek Road, a camper noted: "Lots of large sites with fire pits and turnarounds. I went 2-3 miles to find an isolated site. Many sites had campers parked but no people. Little traffic on the road."
What you should know
Access road conditions: Many camping areas near Smoot require driving on dirt or gravel roads of varying quality. As one camper at Tincup Campground warned, "Google will take you the shorter way which you will be traveling on a very dusty dirt road for 6 miles or more. Sometimes the shorter way isn't the best way."
Insect activity: Mosquitoes can be problematic in this region, particularly in early summer as snowmelt creates standing water. "The only downside was the crazy amount of mosquitoes. Bring bug spray!" advised one Fisherman Creek Road camper.
Limited amenities: Even established campgrounds generally offer minimal facilities. At Tincup Campground, visitors note "there's no amenities or anything" and another mentions "Nice area to visit. Not to far from the Tetons. Just wish there was a little upkeep such a nice spot."
Tips for camping with families
Finding level ground: When camping with families, look for sites with sufficiently flat areas for multiple tents. At Fisherman Creek Road, campers report "finding a large spot about a mile up the road, on the left side. The spot was large enough to turn around and easily maneuver the trailer."
Supply access: The nearest supplies are limited but available. Near Fisherman Creek Road, one camper notes it's "About 5 miles west of Rim Station with an RV park and a little country store. Dump and fill station available there if needed. Owner is very kind!"
Timing your visit: For optimal family camping conditions near Smoot, plan trips between late June and early September. At Bear Lake State Park Campground, which is within driving distance, a visitor noted: "The beach has fine sand and the water depth is super gradual - it'll take 50-60 yards to get waist deep. Crystal clear water."
Tips from RVers
RV-accessible sites: While many forest roads around Smoot can accommodate smaller RVs, larger rigs have limited options. At Fisherman Creek Road, one camper observed "The road and most of the campsites are fit for large RVs."
Level parking challenges: Finding level spots for RVs requires driving further along access roads. One RVer at Fisherman Creek Road recommended: "The road was pretty good, even for our overloaded car and rented trailer."
Turnaround space: When selecting a campsite with an RV, prioritize locations with adequate turning radius. "Found a large spot about a mile up the road, on the left side... The spot was large enough to turn around and easily maneuver the trailer," noted one camper at Fisherman Creek Road.
