Dispersed camping near Thermopolis, Wyoming offers several backcountry options with varying terrain across elevations from 4,500 to 8,000 feet. These public lands experience significant temperature fluctuations, with summer days reaching 90°F while dropping to 50°F at night. Most dispersed sites require visitors to be fully self-sufficient with limited or no facilities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ocean Lake Lindholm provides excellent fishing access with a boat ramp and shoreline fishing spots. A camper noted the "lake teaming with birdlife, and saw fish jumping" during their stay.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Ocean Lake Lindholm offer prime wildlife spotting times. "Were the only ones here, so perfect to turn on some music, or sit in the quiet and listen to birds and elk," reports one visitor who enjoyed the solitude.
Rock formation exploration: The unique geological formations at Castle Gardens provide excellent hiking and photography opportunities. One visitor mentioned getting caught in "a light shower with lightening and thunder. So beautiful to see! Even saw lightening strike the ground."
What campers like
Elevated camping: Lower Sunshine Reservoir provides ridge-top camping with consistent breezes. A camper noted, "Most of the spots are on a ridge above the reservoir, but there is a way to drive below the ridge and camp. The vault toilet is on the water level, so a walk up after use!"
Privacy between sites: The layout at Castle Gardens enhances seclusion between campsites. One camper described site #2: "has a long driveway leading to the site, so you feel even more secluded, even though the entire campground is pretty secluded."
Cell service: Lower Sunshine Reservoir offers surprisingly good connectivity for those needing to stay connected. According to one review, there's "Strong connection with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Starlink."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Castle Gardens requires traveling on unpaved routes that can be challenging but manageable. A visitor reported: "It's about 5 miles off of Hwy 16, gravel with occasional washboarding, but overall doable for most vehicles."
Site configurations: Lake Cameahwait offers unconventional camping arrangements. One camper explained: "The area is a series of day use parking lots, we drove and found some signage that indicates they are valid for camping, but you are essentially setting up in one of several parking lots."
Seasonal water levels: Lake Cameahwait water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting campsite availability. A visitor observed: "Most of the sites are flooded the pit toilets are good not sure if they are holding back the water as it is controlled."
Tips for camping with families
Bug protection: Insect repellent is essential, particularly at Lake Cameahwait. A camper advised: "Great place to stay if you can work around the mosquitoes. We stayed for a week and a half and it was very quiet and the water is very clear."
Shelter options: Lake Cameahwait provides covered areas that help during inclement weather. A visitor noted there were "sheltered areas with tables and bbq stands which was a nice touch."
Running space: Some areas provide ample space for children to play safely. One family camping at Lake Cameahwait mentioned having "tons of running room for the boys and dog" with their large RV setup.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Bring leveling equipment for Ocean Lake Lindholm. A camper observed the "mostly level sites, but a few levellers wouldn't go amiss."
Site selection: At Castle Gardens, site suitability varies by vehicle type. A reviewer detailed: "Spot #1 is better suited for tent campers, as you park your car along the loop and then walk a little bit up to the camp area... #4 is a pull through. None of the sites were very level."
Access for larger rigs: Some areas of free camping near Thermopolis accommodate larger vehicles despite remote locations. One RVer at Castle Gardens mentioned they were "able to make it with a UHaul trailer" on the gravel access road.
Legend
