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Best Dispersed Camping near Ten Sleep, WY

57 Reviews

The Bighorn Mountains near Ten Sleep, Wyoming offer numerous dispersed camping areas with excellent high-elevation options. Castle Gardens, a free BLM site about 5 miles off Highway 16, provides four sites with shade structures, picnic tables, grills, fire pits, and a vault toilet. The gravel access road has occasional washboarding but remains accessible for most vehicles including those with trailers. Canyon Creek Road and Forest Road 131 offer true primitive camping at approximately 9,500 feet elevation, with Canyon Creek featuring multiple pull-offs along a well-maintained dirt road. Crazy Woman Canyon Road provides riverside camping in a scenic canyon setting.

Most dispersed sites maintain a 14-day stay limit and require visitors to pack out all trash. Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier, with many areas having limited or no coverage. Water access depends on proximity to creeks and streams, though no treated water is available. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months. A recent visitor noted: "The specific location given is about 4.5 miles in from Highway 16, and there are numerous areas to set up your camper on the way in. The farther you go, the more private it is." Several areas offer excellent star-gazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, while the higher elevation sites provide relief from summer heat.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ten Sleep, Wyoming (15)

    1. Castle Gardens

    4 Reviews
    Ten Sleep, WY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 775-6256

    "This is an amazing free BLM campground. It’s about 5 miles off of Hwy 16, gravel with occasional washboarding, but overall doable for most vehicles."

    "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."

    2. Crazy Woman Canyon Road - dispersed camping

    17 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    29 miles
    +1 (307) 674-2600

    "No restrooms and no trash"

    "This is a one of those secret locations that you look for, the one you don't want to give away but show all your friends pictures of it."

    3. Canyon Creek Dispersed

    1 Review
    Ten Sleep, WY
    18 miles

    "https://youtu.be/ztjOGUjNkfo](https://youtu.be/ztjOGUjNkfo)

    Useful Information: Location: Canyon Creek Dispersed, Ten Sleep, Wyoming 

    GPS Coordinates(Canyon Creek Dispersed): 44.160758,-107.128481 "

    4. Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    23 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    35 miles

    "I stumbled on Grouse Mountain Dispersed Camping last Fall and made sure I visited again upon return this Summer."

    "This is about as easy and convenient as dispersed camping gets. Plenty of room for big rigs, but also good for tents."

    5. Circle Road Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Saddlestring, WY
    30 miles
    Website

    "Turn onto Circle Park Road and the dispersed camping spots start about a half-mile down an easy dirt road."

    "Weekend was busy with traffic down the dirt road but weekdays we had it all to ourselves. 2 people had parked their trailers there and never showed up, so I don't know what that was about."

    6. Canyon Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 674-2600

    "The dirt roads are well maintained, but still a fair amount of rock, so slower speeds are safer. The entire Bighorn NF area is saturated with dispersed camping."

    "Don’t think we found the exact spot this individual stayed at as we came up on a pay campground known as doyle, but if you drive past it and over a cow guard there is a place to park your car and more"

    7. Forest Road 131

    1 Review
    Buffalo, WY
    25 miles

    "The sites are pretty spaced out and some of them are actually really nicely tucked in the pine trees."

    8. Elgin Park Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    31 miles
    Website

    "However, while we were there the National Forest staff came in several times and started tagging these RVs and most of them were removed within a week or so.  2."

    "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."

    9. Outlaw Cave Campground

    6 Reviews
    Ten Sleep, WY
    40 miles
    +1 (307) 684-1100

    "Pay attention to the previous post where he explains the proper way to drive in. Do not cross into private property which is well posted."

    "Walking down to the cave and along the ridges without lot of other people around is certainly a positive."

    10. Pole Creek Road West

    Be the first to review!
    Buffalo, WY
    26 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ten Sleep, WY

50 Photos of 15 Ten Sleep Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ten Sleep, WY

57 Reviews of 15 Ten Sleep Campgrounds

  • Janelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Circle Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot, better for rent or car camping

    We ventured out here in our 26’ bumper pull camper for the night of 6/19. Several trailers and campers looked like they had been posted up there for a while. 

    Pros:

    -Lots of pull off spots accessible for car camping and very small campers

    -Beautiful wildflowers at this time of year-remote and peaceful!

    -main dirt was mostly manageable with our camper, some potholes and mud though 

    Cons:-

    very rainy, hence lots of mud, when we went

    -most of the campsites seemed to be washed out right now and unaccessible with our camper

    -no accessible turnarounds with the camper until Circle Pond Campground at the end of the road

    -bugs were really bad

    -no Verizon cell signal

    -single lane dirt road just had a couple sporadic pull offs to allow for passing vehicles from other direction

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Canyon Creek Dispersed

    Canyon Creek Dispersed

    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 as it can be a bit rough (with water crossing at one point).  

    We overview the camping options as well as the amenities available in the area in our video review! 

    https://youtu.be/ztjOGUjNkfo

    Useful Information: Location: Canyon Creek Dispersed, Ten Sleep, Wyoming 

    GPS Coordinates(Canyon Creek Dispersed): 44.160758,-107.128481 

    Maximum Stay: 14 Days 

    Dump/Water(Cenex): https://maps.app.goo.gl/b44MFQ4ne9h3DpE2A 

    Leigh Creek Dump/Water: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SfJmMrKekzLyTKFNA

  • Milo D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2025

    Circle Road Dispersed Camping

    Awesome views with lots of space!

    Turn onto Circle Park Road and the dispersed camping spots start about a half-mile down an easy dirt road. The road is about 3 miles long and ends at either a campground or a trailhead parking area depending on which way you go. The campground is paid, but the entire access road (Circle Park) is dispersed. Multiple off-shoots of various dirt roads, most accessible with 2wd, some requiring more.

    About a mile from the entrance is where the "established" dispersed sites start, you'll easily tell by the gate entrance. It was open, but does appear to close occasionally. The first fork you come to you can go left which will require 4wd, or you can continue right on the road. About another mile or so you'll reach the second fork. If you go right the dispersed camping ends and the entrance to the campground begins. If you go left it ends at a trailhead, but has some great dispersed spots before that. No matter what vehicle you drive there are multiple spots for you to enjoy.

    A decent amount of traffic due to the campground, I saw about a dozen vehicles an hour on average until the sun set. Cell phone reception is hit-or-miss depending on your location and carrier, Verizon had 0-1 bar of 4g where I stayed. There is water available at the campground if you absolutely need it, though I would slip a couple dollars in the self-pay box as a thanks if you do use it.

    Lots of awesome established and rough trails depending on what you're looking for. Lots of birds, and there's a couple of fox families living in the rock formations.

    It can be a bit noisy depending on where you stay, but the mountain views during sunset are absolutely stunning. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.

  • Lords C.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    Wide Open Spaces

    I stumbled on Grouse Mountain Dispersed Camping last Fall and made sure I visited again upon return this Summer.

    Great little town of Buffalo is down the mountain, the views are amazing and spots are spaced out very well here.

    It's on my 'starred' list on my Google maps of best places to boondock. Only downside here is there is no shade, the access road gets a little busy with campers and a private camp down below. All in all? Top tier Boondocking spot from my view.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    Easy boondocking with plenty of space

    This is about as easy and convenient as dispersed camping gets. Plenty of room for big rigs, but also good for tents. It’s a dirt road off a paved highway (which is convenient to the route to Yellowstone). Just pull off the dirt road into the field to camp. There’s a gate before the road turns south, but right before the gate it’s a cleared space to turn around if you don’t want to turn around in the field. The only con is that there’s a significant amount of cow pies.

  • R
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Canyon Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, Free and Relief from the Heat of Summer

    The specific location given is about 4.5 miles in from hwy 16, and there are numerous areas to set up your camper on the way in. 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. The entire Bighorn NF area is saturated with dispersed camping.

    The limit is 2 weeks, and Ranger request that you move about 5 miles, if you want to stay longer. There are locals who come to ride their dirt bikes and ATV's in the area, more so on the weekends, but has not been too much of a nuisance. There is plenty of deadwood in the areas to gather as firewood, and Canyon Creek has a brisk stream of water flowing. Satellite images show it dry.

    Elevation of this area is about 9500', so temps are cool and comfortable even in August.

    Very dark and clear night sky is great for star gazing. And there is a park dump/fresh water station a very short distance away. Not sure about other cell services, but Zero T-mobile signal, but I had just purchased the Starlink system before heading this way and I'm getting high-speed internet and Wi-Fi calling, in the middle of nowhere! This is my favorite boondocking area so far. Note, this area is suitable for most Big Rigs

  • Connor M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2024

    Crazy Woman Canyon Road - dispersed camping

    Best kept secret, beautiful bolders, fast moving river

    This is a one of those secret locations that you look for, the one you don't want to give away but show all your friends pictures of it. If this was a fishing spot you wouldn't tell other anglers about it. If it was a special hunting location you would keep your lips sealed.

    Crazy woman canyon gets it's name from a few different legends, but that's not the point of this gem. The tranquility, peace, towering canyon walls that make you feel so small, the freedom of the outdoors and back country quietness, that's what this place should be known for.

    We saw wildlife, we relaxed with the sound of the river, this was an unforgettable experience.

    Keep in mind there are no facilities here, no toilets, no potable water, no showers, you need to pack in and pack out. This is true back-country camping. The roads are narrow and traffic goes both ways, we had to pass another truck and were just inches from the edge with rushing water below. But this is Wyoming, this is the wild west, one of the great frontiers of the American expansion.

    Come here, it's worth it.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2022

    Circle Road Dispersed Camping

    Easy in and out

    Stayed down this road in an open meadow for a few days. Weekend was busy with traffic down the dirt road but weekdays we had it all to ourselves. 2 people had parked their trailers there and never showed up, so I don't know what that was about. If you go here, please only park or drive in designated areas. Several vehicles went off road which is not allowed and forces the Rangers to limit camping spots. Saw plenty of big rigs, but this is a dirt road and is suited to smaller trialers. Site was not very level, so be prepared for that.

Guide to Ten Sleep

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ten Sleep, Wyoming, where the stunning landscapes of the Bighorn National Forest offer a perfect escape into nature. With numerous options available, campers can enjoy the tranquility and freedom that comes with camping in the wild.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Canyon Creek Road Dispersed Camping area provides breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite among nature lovers.
  • Located about 4.5 miles from Highway 16, this spot allows for a more private camping experience as you venture deeper into the forest.
  • With a brisk stream flowing nearby and plenty of deadwood for fires, this location is ideal for those looking to unwind in a serene setting.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Castle Gardens

  • The Castle Gardens area features four secluded sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.
  • Accessible via a gravel road, this spot is known for its beautiful surroundings and peaceful ambiance, making it a hidden gem for campers.
  • While there is a vault toilet available, campers should be prepared to pack out their trash, ensuring the area remains pristine for future visitors.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Ten Sleep, Wyoming

  • When visiting Forest Road 131, expect plenty of spaced-out sites nestled among the pine trees, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.
  • Be aware that cell service can be spotty in these areas, so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • For those with larger rigs, Canyon Creek Dispersed offers ample space, but it's wise to scout the road conditions as they can vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Ten Sleep, Wyoming?

The Bighorn Mountains around Ten Sleep offer numerous dispersed camping options. Circle Road Dispersed Camping provides multiple spots beginning about half a mile down an easy dirt road, with sites continuing for approximately 3 miles. For more remote options, Canyon Creek Dispersed offers breathtaking views at 9,000 ft elevation and can accommodate rigs of all sizes, though the road gets rougher as you progress deeper into the area. Other options include Forest Road 131 and Pole Creek Road West. When seeking dispersed sites, look for established pull-offs with fire rings, and remember that most locations in the Bighorn National Forest are accessible via dirt roads that branch off Highway 16.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Ten Sleep area?

Dispersed camping in the Ten Sleep area follows standard BLM and National Forest regulations. At Castle Gardens, a free BLM campground about 5 miles off Highway 16, camping is permitted without fees. At Crazy Woman Canyon Road, you'll find no restrooms or trash facilities, so pack out all waste. Most dispersed sites in the region require campers to stay within 300 feet of designated roads, use existing fire rings when having campfires, and limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, properly store food to avoid wildlife encounters, and check for seasonal fire restrictions before your trip, as these can change based on conditions.

When is the best season for dispersed camping in Ten Sleep, Wyoming?

Late spring through early fall (late May to mid-October) is ideal for dispersed camping near Ten Sleep. June brings beautiful wildflowers at Outlaw Cave Campground, though prepare for a 6-mile off-road trail requiring AWD/4WD vehicles. Summer offers the most reliable weather and accessibility, with Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403 providing well-spaced sites and stunning views. Be aware that higher elevation sites like Canyon Creek Dispersed (9,000 ft) may experience snow as early as September. Many forest roads become impassable with snow in winter and muddy during spring thaw. Always check road conditions before departing, as weather in the Bighorns can change rapidly at any time of year.

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