Dispersed Camping near Star Valley Ranch, WY

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    Dispersed camping near Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming clusters primarily around the Greys River Corridor, with several primitive sites located along forest service roads and riverbanks. The majority of free camping occurs on Bridger-Teton National Forest land, with additional options near the Salt River public access and reservoir areas. Campers seeking solitude can find pull-off spots along forest roads, particularly in the Grey's River area and near Cliff Creek. Most sites are primitive with no amenities, accommodating both tent and RV camping, though vehicle size restrictions apply in certain areas.

    Access roads throughout the region require careful navigation, with several reviewers noting rough conditions on Forest Road 10023 and other unpaved routes. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching more remote sites, especially after rain or during early spring snowmelt. Camping is permitted for up to 5 days in some areas, with local law enforcement strictly monitoring stay limits. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with most sites allowing campfires when restrictions aren't in effect. No drinking water, toilets, or trash services are available except at Salt River public access, where basic vault toilets exist.

    The Greys River Corridor provides scenic riverside camping with opportunities for kayaking and hiking trails nearby. Sites near Melvin Brewing offer the unusual combination of reservoir-side primitive camping with a brewery within walking distance, creating a popular spot for boondockers. Campers should be aware of potential shooting activity near Grey's River on Forest Road 10023, where multiple reviews mention proximity to what appears to be an informal shooting range. "Tight area with several campers adjacent to a reservoir and huge hills of gravel at the entrance to the brewery." At the Reservoir Dispersed area, campers should note water level fluctuations: "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."

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    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Star Valley Ranch (45)

      1. Reservoir Disperse Camping near Melvin Brewing

      4.4(17)13mi from Star Valley RanchRVs

      "Our first time boondocking in a camper van and we may be spoiled for life! Had a spot right on the water, with an brewery 100 yards away."

      "Lots of space available for dispersed camping . Beautiful views and great location in town but still away from all road noise. ATT and Verizon service good ."

      2. Salt river public access

      2.0(2)1mi from Star Valley Ranch

      3. Greys River Corridor

      5.0(2)12mi from Star Valley Ranch

      "If this is Grey’s River Dispersed Camping then this is where we were trying to stay. Some free spots along river, kind of on long bumpy gravel road. Didn’t end up staying."

      "However there is better dispersed camping along this road."

      4. Grey's River on Forest Road 10023

      3.0(3)12mi from Star Valley RanchRVs, Tents

      5. Snake River Alpine Dispersed Camping

      3.7(6)17mi from Star Valley RanchRVs, Tents

      "Number of dispersed sites along the waters edge. The spots are spread out nicely. Leading up to the water is a bit muddy but overall great place. Not much shade."

      "We pulled off the road and were a little confused on where the camp sites were but drove around a little and found the best spot! Close to the water and the ground was nice and flat for our tent."

      6. Bridge Dispersed

      4.0(1)11mi from Star Valley Ranch

      "Two dispersed camping sites. No access to the river but there is a nice view of the canyon and you can walk down to the day use area and use the bathroom and river access."

      7. Lynx Creek

      3.0(1)10mi from Star Valley Ranch

      8. Grey River Dispersed Camp

      3.0(1)11mi from Star Valley RanchRVs, Tents

      9. Palisades Reservoir

      4.6(7)22mi from Star Valley Ranch

      "Ultimate lake camping; bring your boat for wakeboarding, tubing, or just relaxing. Even human powered vehicles can be enjoyed; especially close to shore. So much to explore!"

      "I wouldn't call it a campground in the traditional sense, but certainly dispersed. A large area (not in the middle of the reservoir, as the pin suggests) with an expanse of spots to choose from."

      10. Dispersed camping along Cliff Creek in Bridger-Teton National Forest

      4.8(20)29mi from Star Valley Ranch

      "We stopped in this part of the National Forest on our way to Yellowstone by way of Jackson Hole, WY. The access is off of HWY 191."

      "Most are near the river. Some are very large and flat. We saw quite a few 5th wheelers parked in the first few miles where the road is flat and suitable for a sedan."

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    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Star Valley Ranch, WY

    185 Reviews of 45 Star Valley Ranch Campgrounds


    • Nicki S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 17, 2024

      Darby Canyon Dispersed

      Darby

      I have not personally spent the night camping here, but I do work for the Forest Service and wanted to give more information about the Darby Canyon dispersed camping sites. I also had a friend stay here for three nights last September and they had a good time. There are about 10~ sites (I will check and edit when I can) all along the canyon road, some are just right off road and others require a short drive down beaten paths to find the sites. All of these sites (except 2 or so very close to the road) are past the cattle guard. Depending on the time of year, many of these sites may not be accessible. Snow typically stays in the canyon until mid-June and starts collecting in October. The area may also be buggy at the height of the summer (July 2024 had been atrocious). There is limited cell service down most of the road and it completely disappears the closer to the Wind Cave trailhead you get. This area has a 14 day stay limit, meaning that once 14 days (13 nights) have been reached you must move at least 5 miles away to continue camping on forest service land and cannot return to this canyon to camp for 30 days. This is in a bear food storage enforced area and any bear attractants (food, pet food, soaps, sunscreen, etc.) are required to be stored properly in a locked hard sided vehicle or other bear resistant containers. Fires are allowed but must be put out dead (cold to the touch) before leaving a campsite. This canyon is regularly patrolled by Forest Service staff and ranger law enforcement officers, especially on the weekends, to keep up with the food storage and fires out dead orders. Hope this helps weary travelers that are deterred by low-rated reviews.

    • Katherine B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 26, 2018

      Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping

      Solitude but close to town

      Great option if the Curtis Canyon campground is full, or if you would prefer something a little more remote. High clearance vehicles recommended - forest road 30440 is in pretty rough shape. Town of Jackson is fairly close.

      Same great views you'd expect anywhere near the Tetons; trailhead to Goodwin Lake is close by. Full Teton view is better at the trailhead, but its not far. Dispersed sites are spread out with plenty of space; although no one stayed in the site next to us on this rainy evening in June.

      To get there, continue past the Curtis Canyon campground in Bridger-Teton National Forest (behind the Elk refuge) as if you were heading to the trail head. You'll start to see marked sites along the extremely rutted forest road. I would not attempt very muddy conditions.

    • T
      Jul. 6, 2022

      Salt River Pass

      Pretty

      It’s a pretty spot, but we were unfortunately unable to stay here because a couple was already there and they asked us to leave because they wanted the spot to themselves - which we understood.

      They also blocked the road that goes pass the site with their truck so we weren’t able to drive any further to see if there was anywhere else in the area, but upon looking at satellite view of the coordinates, the road seems to go on a bit further so if you have the chance to drive through there may be more potential sites.

      The road is a bit rough and you definitely need a high clearance vehicle to drive through.

      Tons of wildflowers and trees everywhere. A very private spot right off the highway.

      We ended up staying at Allred Flat campground just a mile or so up there road. It’s $10 a night - $5 if you have a pass - and in my opinion was even prettier than this site.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 24, 2024

      Grey's River 10138L Dispersed

      Wonderful Riverside Dispersed Campsite

      Coordinates: 42.78898,-110.68746. Free. Camped here Sept 17, 2024. One of several dispersed campsites along Greys River Road (Forest Road 10138). Large dispersed site, set back from forest road; no concerns with dust coming into the site from passing vehicles. Should comfortably accommodate 3 or 4 rigs. Clean rock fire ring. Mostly level, dirt surface. Easy access from forest road. Open site surrounded by trees. Next to Grey's River; easy access for bank fishing. There is a set of trees that may accommodate hammock camping. Tent camping also possible. Area can get muddy after rain. Solar recharging possible in middle of afternoon. No T-Mobile nor AT&T cell service. Loved this spot.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 23, 2025

      Salt River Pass

      Do not go here

      The suggestion that you need a high clearance vehicle is an understatement. The service road is incredibly rocky with one side a sheer drop. Went down with our campervan and barely made it down and back up in one piece. Looks like a nice spot but the other entrance was blocked so you’d have to get out via the same horrendous route in. Avoid.

    • TF The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 13, 2025

      Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping

      Nice spots, flies are insane

      Busy area, but had no issue finding a spot on a weekday before 3pm. Road of course gets busy early the morning and late at night. Some spots have a view and good cell coverage, others not so much. These spots are beyond the developed campground and reserved host site. I think people are over dramatic about the road, but can see why people would skip this for that alone.

      The flies were super annoying even on a cool, breezy day. Maybe they just liked my bug spray, I'm not sure. But with the current fire ban, I spent most of my time at these sites indoors.

    • kristi M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 31, 2025

      Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping

      Site 5

      4wd, high clearance vehicle needed to get to sites 5 and 6. Quiet and open sky, but site 5 does not have a view of the Tetons.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 20, 2023

      Reservoir Disperse Camping near Melvin Brewing

      Unbelievable boondocking and brews!

      Our first time boondocking in a camper van and we may be spoiled for life! Had a spot right on the water, with an brewery 100 yards away. The people were great, the brews were tasty and the sunset was stunning. 10/10

    • kristi M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 31, 2025

      Darby Canyon Dispersed

      Site 5

      Up the road in Darby Canyon, site 1A sits on the bluff overlooking the Tetons - beautiful! but extremely windy. Very tight space. Moved up to site 5 which required high clearance 4wd and slow driving. Great spot in the middle of the forest.


    Guide to Star Valley Ranch

    Primitive camping near Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming occurs primarily on Bridger-Teton National Forest land, where elevations range from 5,800 to 10,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from June through October, with July and August offering the warmest temperatures for overnight stays. Most dispersed sites lack shade and sit near waterways, requiring careful planning during spring runoff when water levels fluctuate significantly.

    What to do

    Kayaking at reservoir sites: The dispersed camping area near Melvin Brewing provides direct water access for small watercraft. "We could kayak right off from our spot. It was right after 4th of July weekend so we were having a hard time finding spots in other areas," notes Megan D. from Reservoir Disperse Camping near Melvin Brewing.

    Fishing the creeks: Several sites along Cliff Creek offer productive fishing opportunities. "You could easily walk there to get into some fly fishing," explains a reviewer at Dispersed camping along Cliff Creek, where multiple pull-offs provide access to running water.

    Wildlife viewing: The valley supports diverse wildlife populations visible from camping areas. "Wildlife viewing (moose, deer, elk, whooping cranes, etc), bring your binoculars!" recommends Fern from Cliff Creek dispersed area, where open meadows improve spotting opportunities.

    Hiking from camp: Several forest roads connect to hiking trails. "We were able to see lots of kayakers on the river and trails to hike," reports Jamie C. about the Greys River Corridor, where multiple primitive sites provide trailhead access.

    What campers like

    Riverside solitude: Campers appreciate the peaceful waterfront sites. "Quiet and peaceful. Right next to a dog friendly brewery that made for a good meal and lovely to watch the sunset!" shares Megan D. about Reservoir Disperse Camping.

    Mountain views: The surrounding mountain ranges create dramatic backdrops at most sites. "Great serene views of the mountain range with a nice river running nearby good for cooling off on a hot day," notes Zaq O. from Cliff Creek dispersed camping.

    Star visibility: Minimal light pollution allows for exceptional night sky viewing. "I'd almost drive there again from St Louis just to lay under those stars in that picturesque valley," writes BLURDVSN about Cliff Creek camping area.

    Site spacing: Many areas offer good distance between camping spots. "Wonderfully peaceful, all sites right next to the creek, plenty of options and pretty well spaced out from each other," reports Quentin M. about Cliff Creek dispersed camping.

    What you should know

    Water fluctuations: Reservoir water levels change significantly throughout the season. "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," warns Sara N. from Reservoir Disperse Camping.

    Road conditions: Forest service roads require careful navigation. "The road from the brewery is about 100 yards and dirt. Its very bumpy but go slow with some clearance and its 2wd fine," advises johny R. about Reservoir Disperse Camping.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I find dispersed camping in Star Valley Ranch?

    Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Star Valley Ranch. The Grey's River 10138L Dispersed area offers multiple free sites along Greys River Road (Forest Road 10138), with locations set back from the main road to minimize dust and noise. The Greys River corridor has numerous dispersed sites that can accommodate multiple vehicles. Another option is Salt River Pass, which provides beautiful views but requires high clearance vehicles to access safely due to rocky service roads.

    What are the rules for dispersed camping at Star Valley Ranch?

    Dispersed camping in the Star Valley Ranch area follows standard Forest Service regulations. At Darby Canyon Dispersed, there are approximately 10 designated dispersed sites. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Most locations require campers to practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and properly dispose of human waste. Camping is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. Some areas like Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping have specific site limitations (only 16 spots available) and access restrictions that require high-clearance vehicles.

    What amenities are available for dispersed camping near Star Valley Ranch?

    Amenities at dispersed sites near Star Valley Ranch are minimal, as is typical for primitive camping. At Palisades Reservoir, some dispersed areas include vault toilets at the entrances, making this an appealing option for lake recreation. The Reservoir Disperse Camping near Melvin Brewing offers waterfront camping with the unique amenity of a brewery approximately 100 yards away. Most dispersed sites have natural features like fire rings and flat areas for tents, but lack potable water, electricity, or garbage service. The closest facilities and supplies can be found in nearby towns like Driggs and Victor.