Dispersed camping near Ten Sleep, Wyoming provides access to camping sites at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 9,500 feet throughout the Bighorn Mountains. Temperature variations between locations can exceed 20°F, with higher-elevation sites staying 10-15°F cooler during summer months. Forest roads become accessible to standard vehicles typically from late May through early October, depending on snowfall patterns.
What to do
Hiking from Elgin Park Trailhead: Access multiple trail networks directly from Elgin Park Trailhead dispersed camping area. "Great location where you can camp in the trees or on the meadow. Vault toilet available once you drive a ways in on Elgin Park Road. Plenty of deadfall to use as firewood."
Wildlife viewing at Circle Road: Early mornings offer prime moose watching opportunities. "We spent time looking for moose, but never saw one until one triggered my security camera. I guess I needed to just get up early and sit on my porch." The open meadow setting attracts diverse wildlife throughout summer months.
Stargazing from higher elevations: The Bighorns offer exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Grouse Mountain Basecamp provides optimal conditions for astronomy. "Truly one of the most magical campgrounds I've ever been to. At night we had a gorgeous sunset and woke up in a cloud!"
Canyon exploration and photography: Dramatic rock formations provide photographic opportunities throughout the area. "This is Wyoming, this is the wild west, one of the great frontiers of the American expansion. Come here, it's worth it."
What campers like
Temperature relief from summer heat: High-elevation camping areas maintain comfortable temperatures even during peak summer months. Canyon Creek Dispersed sites sit at approximately 9,000 feet, creating natural air conditioning. "The breathtaking Bighorn Mountains at 9000 ft elevation, good for rigs of all sizes but be advised you may want to scout the road the further you get into the camping area."
Spacing between campsites: Most dispersed areas offer substantial privacy between established sites. "Tons and tons of spaces. The sites are pretty spaced out and some of them are actually really nicely tucked in the pine trees."
Rock formations and wildflowers: The landscape combines rocky terrain with seasonal wildflower displays. "Wildflowers were beautiful. Very easy to find, we arrived pretty late and it was simple to locate and park. Super pretty spot when we woke up, beautiful sunrise and very meadow like."
Availability on weekdays: Significantly lower occupancy Sunday through Thursday, particularly at more remote sites. Circle Road Dispersed Camping offers numerous options. "Weekend was busy with traffic down the dirt road but weekdays we had it all to ourselves."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Some dispersed camping access roads deteriorate rapidly after leaving main highways. "The road was dirt but it was easy to navigate but take it slow and be careful as there are a couple of rough spots. Hesitate travel on this road after a heavy rain, as any kind of washout or slick conditions could make travel hazardous."
Limited turnarounds for larger vehicles: Several forest roads lack adequate turning space for longer rigs. "No accessible turnarounds with the camper until Circle Pond Campground at the end of the road."
Weekend traffic patterns: Expect increased ATV and dirt bike activity Saturday through Sunday. "This place is a haven for SxS and ATV traffic on the weekend so it can get loud and very dusty."
Water availability changes seasonally: Spring and early summer offer more reliable water sources than late summer. "Canyon Creek has a brisk stream of water flowing. Satellite images show it dry."
Camping duration limits: Standard 14-day stay maximums apply throughout the area. "The limit is 2 weeks, and Ranger request that you move about 5 miles, if you want to stay longer."
Tips for camping with families
Best toilet facilities: Some dispersed areas include maintained vault toilets. Castle Gardens offers the most developed facilities among free sites. "Four campsites with shade structures, tables, grills, fire rings, and a vault toilet. Pack in, pack out. Good cell service. Beautiful views and rock formations."
Child-friendly water access: Identify safe stream access points for play. "The water is great white noise too. Camping right next to the creek, listen to water and birds humming, perfect white noise to sleep with."
Backup plans for weather changes: Mountain weather shifts rapidly throughout summer. "One of the nights we got caught in a light shower with lightening and thunder. So beautiful to see! Even saw lightening strike the ground."
Wildlife education opportunities: Use wildlife encounters as learning moments. "We saw wildlife, we relaxed with the sound of the river, this was an unforgettable experience."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most dispersed sites. Forest Road 131 offers some more level options for smaller rigs. "Site was not very level, so be prepared for that."
Water and dump station locations: Plan water management before arrival. "I found water and a dump site in Buffalo at the Cenex gas station. It was free."
High-clearance considerations: Several roads require additional ground clearance. "Good for rigs of all sizes but 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)."
Internet access points: Limited connectivity exists at specific locations. "There is only one place in all the area that has cell coverage and turns out we camped on that hill without knowing it so we had traffic all day with people parking in and around our campers to use their phones."
