Dispersed camping near Story, Wyoming offers free primitive sites at higher elevations ranging from 7,000 to 9,500 feet. Summer nights typically drop into the 40s even during peak season, with daytime temperatures remaining relatively cool compared to lower elevations. The surrounding Bighorn National Forest contains numerous roads with pull-offs and established fire rings where campers can set up without designated facilities.
What to do
Hiking from trailheads: Several dispersed camping areas are located near hiking trails. At Elgin Park Trailhead, campers note that "if you drive for a bit you can find yourself a nice little private out of the way camping spot to set up tent" away from the busier areas.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The meadow areas offer chances to see large mammals. At Meadow Camp on Forest Road 231, one camper reported, "During the evening, we saw a large herd of Elk on the forest perimeter," making it worthwhile to camp near the forest edge.
Photography sites: Canyon areas provide dramatic landscapes. When visiting Crazy Woman Canyon Road, campers can explore "towering canyon walls that make you feel so small" with opportunities to photograph "large boulders stacked upon each other to make up the canyon walls."
What campers like
Solitude on weekdays: Many areas become busy on weekends but empty mid-week. As one camper at Forest Road 131 noted, "Tons and tons of spaces. No Verizon service. The sites are pretty spaced out and some of them are actually really nicely tucked in the pine trees."
Temperature relief: Higher elevations provide escape from summer heat. One camper at Canyon Creek Road Dispersed Camping shared, "Elevation of this area is about 9500', so temps are cool and comfortable even in August."
Established sites with fire rings: Many dispersed areas contain stone rings. At Circle Road Dispersed Camping, campers find that "Lots have stone fire rings" and there are options to camp "in the woods or out in the open" depending on your preference for solar access.
What you should know
Stay limits and ranger patrols: Forest Service personnel actively monitor camping areas. At Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403, rangers enforce regulations: "The limit is 2 weeks, and Ranger request that you move about 5 miles, if you want to stay longer."
Weekend traffic increases: Many areas experience higher use Friday through Sunday. One camper noted Elgin Park Trailhead "is a haven for SxS and ATV traffic on the weekend so it can get loud and very dusty."
Road conditions vary: Access roads require caution after weather events. At Crazy Woman Canyon Road, campers advise to "Hesitate travel on this road after a heavy rain, as any kind of washout or slick conditions could make travel hazardous."
Free-range cattle presence: Cattle graze throughout many camping areas. At Elgin Park Trailhead, campers warn "Hundreds of free-range cattle, so if you are not comfortable with them walking in and through your campsite you may want to pick another location."
Tips for camping with families
Choose meadow locations for kid-friendly exploration: Open areas provide space for children to play. At Grouse Mountain Basecamp, one family noted, "Very open and many spots. We enjoyed this spot. Very open and many spots."
Scout quieter spots away from main roads: More secluded locations offer better family camping. A camper at Elgin Park Trailhead advised, "At first it looks like a very busy camping area, but if you drive for a bit you can find yourself a nice little private out of the way camping spot to set up tent."
Check temperature forecasts: Prepare for cold nights year-round. Even at Grouse Mountain Basecamp, campers report "The temperature got down to 45° which is perfect for me for sleeping," but this may be too cold for unprepared children.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility varies by rig size: Some areas limit larger vehicles. At Crazy Woman Canyon Road, RVers warn "The road is one lane with a few wide spots to pass oncoming vehicles. It starts off flat but drops steeply and continues the downward angle. I would not be comfortable taking a heavy load this way."
Level sites are available in open areas: Many meadow locations accommodate RVs better than canyon roads. At Grouse Mountain Basecamp, RVers note "We love dispersed camping but hauling a 25' airstream makes a lot of sites inaccessible despite our lift and rugged tires! But not here! It's a level, smooth, dirt road where you pull off the side anywhere you choose."
Road surface considerations: Forest roads require slow travel for RVs. According to Canyon Creek Dispersed campers, "be advised you may want to scout the road the further you get into the camping area as it can be a bit rough (with water crossing at one point)."
