Best Dispersed Camping near Story, WY
The Bighorn Mountains surrounding Story, Wyoming feature predominantly dispersed camping options on national forest land, with sites ranging from open meadows to riverside locations. Circle Road Dispersed Camping and Crazy Woman Canyon Road provide free primitive camping with varying degrees of accessibility. Grouse Mountain Basecamp offers level sites in open fields at approximately 7,000 feet elevation, while Canyon Creek Dispersed sites sit at higher elevations around 9,000 feet. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, though vehicle size restrictions apply in steeper areas like Crazy Woman Canyon, where narrow roads limit larger rigs.
Road conditions vary significantly across the region, with many sites accessible via dirt roads that deteriorate after rain or snow. According to camper reports, "The farther you go, the more private it is. The dirt roads are well maintained, but still a fair amount of rock, so slower speeds are safer." Most dispersed sites enforce a 14-day stay limit, with rangers actively patrolling popular areas. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with Verizon coverage described as "hit-or-miss depending on your location." Summer temperatures remain relatively cool due to higher elevations, with nighttime temperatures dropping to the 40s even in summer months.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank high among camper experiences, with moose sightings common in meadow areas and fox families residing in rock formations. Rushing creeks and rivers provide natural white noise at canyon sites, while open meadow locations offer panoramic mountain views. Weekend traffic increases with ATV and dirt bike activity, particularly at Elgin Park Trailhead, which campers note "can get loud and very dusty" on weekends. Free-range cattle occasionally wander through campsites in open areas. Established fire rings exist at many sites, though some locations prohibit fires during dry periods. Campers consistently praise the stargazing opportunities, with one noting the "very dark and clear night sky is great for star gazing."