Best Dispersed Camping near Ten Sleep, WY

Looking for the best campgrounds near Ten Sleep, WY? Ten Sleep is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Ten Sleep, WY. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ten Sleep, Wyoming (15)

    1. Castle Gardens

    3 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."

    "There are restrooms located in the middle of the camp sites. 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."

    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

    Useful Information: Location: Canyon Creek DispersedTen Sleep, Wyoming 

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

    4. Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    20 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    35 miles

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

    "We love dispersed camping but hauling a 25’ airstream makes a lot of sites inaccessible despite our lift and rugged tires! But not here!"

    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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ten Sleep, WY

54 Reviews of 15 Ten Sleep Campgrounds



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.