Equestrian camping options near Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming center around designated facilities and dispersed sites within the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Located at elevations between 5,800-7,000 feet, the area experiences cool nights even during summer months, with temperatures dropping into the 40s after sunset. The camping season typically runs from mid-June through September, with most facilities closing after Labor Day due to snowfall at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing at mountain lakes: Cottonwood Lake near Cottonwood Group Campsite offers productive trout fishing. "The lake is spectacular! It is the prettiest shade of teal. There is a boat dock at the far end of the lake. The lake has brown and cutthroat trout. They were jumping like crazy in the evening and the fly fishing was excellent!"
Stream fishing for trout: Fall Creek dispersed camping area provides good access to smaller waterways. "This place is nice and easy to get to. There is good trout fishing in the small creek or you can go chase the bruisers in the snake river a few miles away."
Hiking mountain trails: The area surrounding Star Valley Ranch connects to multiple trail systems. At Moose Creek Trailhead, "Trailhead draws a lot of visitors during the day. Just the stars and roaring creek. Beautiful back there."
What campers like
Small, quiet campgrounds: Campers appreciate the less crowded forest sites. "This is about Cottonwood Campground, not just the group site. It's pretty small, about 16 sites. I enjoyed staying here."
Proximity to alpine lakes: The distance to water features drives many camping choices. At Palisades Creek Campground, one reviewer noted their "spot was right next to the roaring Palisades Creek, and a short walk to restrooms. Only 15 bucks a night."
Dispersed camping with privacy: For those seeking space between sites, areas like Spring Creek Trailhead offer more isolation. "Great dispersed camping area. Appears to be used by a lot of hunters. There is a nice big picnic table at one site and a few spots with campfire rings and meat poles."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many equestrian camping areas require travel on rough forest roads. At Cottonwood Lake, "The road is mostly one lane, though a little wider in some spots, so if you are towing, hope you don't encounter someone coming the other direction. There are some potholes all along the road, so if you're towing, it's slow going."
Bear safety requirements: The area has active bear populations requiring proper food storage. At Moose Creek Trailhead Dispersed Area, campers warn to "Be cautious of bears as we arrived and found large bear droppings. The site did have Fire pit set up and a bear box too."
Seasonal challenges: Weather changes rapidly in mountain environments. At Hobble Creek, "Camp is located near the trailhead to Lake Alice. You need to cross Hobble Creek to get to the campground, which can be very high in early summer. Usually roads are not passable until almost July."
Tips for camping with families
Easy fishing access: Families with children benefit from sites near calm water. At Sage Hen Flats Campground, "Great place to camp right by the river. Good fishing and my kids loved floating the river. Need to bring canopy or have awning for shade."
Space for activities: Choose horse campgrounds that offer room to spread out. "There are 2 separate forks, one for equestrians and the other allows off-road vehicles. The campground is quite nice back in the trees."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The areas around Star Valley Ranch support diverse wildlife. "This campground is recommended if you are interested in the following: horseback riding, fly fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking, ORV, wildlife viewing. Something for everyone!"
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Many horse campgrounds near Star Valley Ranch have limitations for larger RVs. At Hobble Creek, a camper with a travel trailer reported, "I had no problems pulling my 26' TT into here, but I don't know if I would attempt to bring anything in much larger than that."
Limited hookups: Most equestrian camping areas offer few services. "It is dry camping so bring lots of water to keep hydrated."
Generators and noise considerations: Power options vary by location. When camping at Phillips Bench Trailhead, a reviewer noted, "Right next to highway, but not a lot of traffic or road noise, could change seasonally. The creek water sound is nice but the highway noise is loud so be aware, although the noise almost stops completely by 9/10pm."
