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Best Dispersed Camping near Thermopolis, WY

16 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Thermopolis, Wyoming includes several primitive sites on public lands, with Lake Cameahwait and Castle Gardens offering the most established free camping options. Lake Cameahwait, located west of Boysen Reservoir near Shoshoni, features multiple lakeside camping areas with covered picnic tables and vault toilets. Castle Gardens, situated on BLM land about 5 miles off Highway 16, provides four designated primitive sites with shade structures, picnic tables, and fire pits. Ocean Lake Lindholm and Lower Sunshine Reservoir also permit dispersed camping with minimal facilities.

Access to these remote sites varies considerably across locations. Lake Cameahwait can be reached via paved roads, though some areas around the lake may flood during high water periods. Castle Gardens requires travel on gravel roads with occasional washboarding but remains accessible to most vehicles. Many visitors note the roads are generally well-maintained despite being unpaved. Most areas enforce a 14-day camping limit. Cell service is inconsistent but often available at higher elevations. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during summer months. None of these areas provide drinking water, and most lack trash service, requiring campers to pack out all waste.

These backcountry camping areas offer exceptional solitude and natural beauty. Lake Cameahwait provides mountain views and clear water for fishing and paddling, though visitors should prepare for mosquitoes during warmer months. Castle Gardens delivers particularly scenic camping with unique rock formations and excellent stargazing opportunities. A visitor described it as "an amazing, beautiful, peaceful, quiet place" with sites that feel "even more secluded, even though the entire campground is pretty secluded." Ocean Lake Lindholm features abundant wildlife viewing, with one camper noting the lake was "teaming with birdlife, and saw fish jumping. Great dark sky." Lower Sunshine Reservoir provides elevated camping spots with panoramic views and consistent breezes that help during hot summer days.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Thermopolis, Wyoming (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Thermopolis, WY

10 Photos of 8 Thermopolis Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Thermopolis, WY

16 Reviews of 8 Thermopolis Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2022

    Lake Cameahwait

    Peaceful & Free

    On the west side of Boysen Reservoir near Bonneville, WY, this lovely and free camping area along the shores of this tiny lake, offered us a great place to camp for a few days to wait out the wind and recharge our solar batteries.

    Each campsite area had a covered and wind fenced picnic table and grill, which we used to hide behind during a spicy, early spring wind storm. The pit toilets were the standard Forest Service bathrooms, which were very clean. There were also several group areas, and at least one large covered picnic pavilion further down the road.  Verizon cell phone service was surprisingly great at the campsite.

    Hiking, biking, fishing and paddling are all available right from camp, and the Boysen Reservoir is a short skip down the road for a longer water experience. The nearby town of Bonneville doesn’t have much more than a Post Office and gas station convenience store so come prepared or you'll need to drive about an hour for supplies.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lake Cameahwait

    Lakeside spot bit of a drive from highway

    This was a lovely lakeside camp spot. There are vault toilets on site. The road was paved up to the site but a 10min drive off the highway. There were a lot of bugs/flies on our September evening. There were sheltered areas with tables and bbq stands which was a nice touch.

  • Addy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Lake Cameahwait

    Quiet and Easy for a Van

    This was a cute little spot! We arrived early evening on a Thursday and it was empty. Good lake access and view of sunset. The GPS location from the app takes you to 4 spots, one ADA, but there are a couple more around the lake. Well maintained pit toilet. The two spots closest to the lake were flooded so watch out for that. Good service for Verizon. Make sure your GPS is taking Bass Lake Rd in from 26. Ours found a "shortcut" down the gravel ranching roads. Not sure why the info here says showers and hook ups, we did not see that. Not sure a tent camper would enjoy this spot.

  • l
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Lake Cameahwait

    Perfect free spot

    4 shaded structures right along a beautiful lake with a perfect view of the mountains. no trouble getting in - paved roads. pit toilets & ADA accessible parking spot with ramp down to the water

  • Kelda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Lake Cameahwait

    Gorgeous Lakeside Camping

    It's always nice to camp near a pretty lake. This is mostly a day use area so it gets pretty busy during the days - especially on the weekends. I didn't see any signs about camping. Nothing forbidding it or explaining the camping rules. This did make me wonder if camping was allowed. However, no one bothered me in the 2 days I stayed here. It's easy to get to, and you can camp right by the lake if water levels are low enough. Be prepared for mosquitoes and families with lots of kiddos.

    GPS: 43.2949385, -108.2433068

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2025

    Lake Cameahwait

    Quiet, nice area.

    We camped here for one night in May. The area is not a typical camping area, and feels more like a parking lot to a day-use park. We weren’t sure if this was actually a valid camping area; however, we drove a little ways up the road and eventually came to a sign indicating that the lots were valid for camping up to 14 days.

    Lots of bugs, but quiet and nice place to stay for a night or two.

  • Michael U.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2025

    Lake Cameahwait

    Good road. 8+ spots

    2 locations with pit toilets along shoreline. Pretty buggy but great views.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2019

    Lake Cameahwait

    Get spot 10 miles off 20/26

    Plenty of room on a great little lake. Had a 34 ft A class and took in on dirt road which covers about 2/3 of lake. The other 1/3 is a 2 lane paved road. Amazing back drop views of the mountains behind us and tons of running room for the boys and dog

  • Carrie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2017

    Lake Cameahwait

    Mostly set up for day camping

    Small lake popular with fishermen. There were a few paddle sport users present. It is very hot in July and there are provided shade structures. You can see the Boysen Reservoir from the road on the north side of the lake, they are very close.  There are several pit toilets available around the perimeter of the lake.

Guide to Thermopolis

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Thermopolis, Wyoming, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy stunning landscapes, serene lakes, and the freedom to explore the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Thermopolis, Wyoming

  • Bring your own firewood, as many spots like Lake Cameahwait do not provide it, but allow campfires for a cozy evening under the stars.

Enjoy fishing and wildlife watching while free camping near Thermopolis

  • The tranquil waters at Ocean Lake Lindholm are perfect for fishing enthusiasts, with abundant birdlife and the chance to spot elk nearby.

Dispersed campers should check out Castle Gardens

  • Castle Gardens offers a peaceful retreat with shaded structures and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a quiet getaway amidst nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping spots near Thermopolis, Wyoming?

The Thermopolis area offers several free camping options on public lands. Castle Gardens is an excellent free BLM campground located about 5 miles off Highway 16 on a gravel road that's generally accessible for most vehicles. Another popular option is Lower Sunshine Reservoir, which provides free camping approximately 45 minutes south of Cody. Most spots are situated on a ridge above the reservoir, though you can also drive below the ridge to camp. The area features vault toilets and offers beautiful views with enough space for various vehicle types, including Class A RVs.

Are there any seasonal restrictions for free camping in the Thermopolis area?

Free camping around Thermopolis typically follows seasonal patterns based on weather conditions rather than strict regulatory restrictions. Ocean Lake Lindholm and similar sites are generally accessible from late spring through early fall, with summer being the peak season. Winter camping is limited due to snow and freezing temperatures, while spring access may be affected by mud and potential flooding. Lake Cameahwait occasionally experiences flooding in certain sites, particularly during high water periods. Always check road conditions before traveling, as dirt access roads can become rutted or impassable during wet weather.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Thermopolis?

Dispersed camping sites around Thermopolis offer basic amenities with variations between locations. At Lake Cameahwait Dispersed, you'll find covered picnic areas with wind fences, pit toilets that are generally well-maintained, and shaded structures right along the lake. Some sites include ADA accessible parking with ramps to the water. Similarly, Sand Mesa Wildlife Management on Bass Lake provides basic facilities for visitors. Most dispersed sites in the region don't offer potable water, electric hookups, or dump stations, so come prepared with your own supplies. Cell service varies by location, with stronger signals typically available at higher elevations.

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