Best Tent Camping near Thermopolis, WY

Pros and Cons to the location of this campground: great views of the Wind River and the tunnels, but right next to the highway and not much privacy between sites due to lack of underbrush. The half of the campground closer to the tunnels is walk up only and the lower half of the campground is reservation only. The host was very nice and happy to chat as long as you wanted, which might account for the lack of mowing. While there wasn’t much privacy between sites, they were at least well shaded by the trees (which were also good trees to hang a hammock in). The vault toilets were clean and sites all had picnic tables, fire pits and grills. There are no hookups for RV’s, but there is water available at the spigots scattered around the campground. Warning: it is loud in the day and into the late evening with trucks coming down and going up the canyon. However, if you get a site next to the river it quiets things down a bit.

This campground caught my eye when I was on the way to another Dyrt listing. It wasn'tlisted, so I'madding it now. The campground is very small, and I assume mostly used by locals. The sing says it is ran by the Bureau of Land Reclamation, U.S. Department of Interior.
There is a vault toilet, a covered picnic, and a metal fire ring. There's also a small dumpster as you drive in. There's a paved ADA parking spot next to the toilet, and another near the picnic table.
If pushed you could probably fit 5 car/truck campers, but better with no more than 2. Not much room for anything but a small trailer. The fire ring is full of trash and old residue. The highway is just across fence, so its 5 bit noisy.
Not the best site, but a place to spend the night. The sign says camping up to 10 days.

There are lots of campsites at Boysen State Park. I called the phone number and talked to a nice ranger. She suggested Upper Wind River campsite since we did not have boat and wanted to have a nice tent spot. We camped 1 week before site changed from reservation to FF. We planned on staying 2 nights but it was so relaxing we ended up staying 4. 1 day we went to Marina and swim beach. Another day we went to Thermopolis and checked out Dino museum and hot springs. Last day we just hung around camp and relaxed. Campsite had a park for kids. No showers but plenty of water so we set up privacy tent and we’re able to shower when we wanted. If we were there during peak season I bet it would feel a little crowded but was perfect the time of year we went because there were maybe 10 sites filled out of the 80ish there.

Several campgrounds to choose from at Boysen State Park. We camped at Brannon, site 104. This was a beautiful spot right on one of the Reservoir inlets.

Pros:

• large Reservoir perfect for paddle-boarding and kayaking
• clean vault toilets close by
• great little marina with cute restaurant
• Brannon is one of the north campgrounds, which puts you closer to Wind River Canyon and Thermopolis, Hot Springs State Park
• low light pollution, makes for beautiful star-gazing at night

Cons:

• can be hot and very dry
• super windy
• a little buggy at times

We recently stayed at Crippled Spider Ranch, and it exceeded all my expectations. Nestled in the beautiful landscape near Thermopolis, Wyoming, this ranch offers a truly unique camping experience that caters to adventurers, families, and solo travelers alike.

Campsites & Amenities: The ranch has 71 spacious spots, including full and partial hookups for RVs, and plenty of space for dry camping. The sites are well-maintained, and the full hookups provide everything you need for a comfortable stay. For those looking for an extended stay, they even offer 15% off for bookings over 7 days!

Activities & Attractions: One of the best parts of Crippled Spider Ranch is the variety of activities on-site and nearby. There’s something for everyone—whether it’s hiking on the BLM land that borders the property, petting zoo visits for the kids, or even learning to ranch and milk cows! The property is also a great base for rock hounding and exploring Wyoming’s natural beauty. You can even hunt (seasonal) or target shoot, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

For those interested in history, the ranch is near the historic Oregon Trail, and there are great opportunities for treasure hunters like metal detecting and exploring old ghost towns.

Staff & Hospitality: The hospitality here is second to none! The staff are friendly, welcoming, and go above and beyond to make sure your stay is enjoyable. You’ll feel like family from the moment you arrive. They even offer fresh, free-range eggs from their chickens and have a fun “catch-and-cook” option if you’re into farm-to-table experiences.

Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Focus: Crippled Spider Ranch also takes pride in its sustainable practices, from responsible livestock management to preserving the surrounding wilderness. This ranch is a great choice for eco-conscious travelers who want to enjoy nature responsibly.

Overall Experience: Crippled Spider Ranch is the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and Wyoming charm. Whether you’re a family looking for a weekend getaway or a solo adventurer seeking peace and quiet in the great outdoors, this place is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be back for more!

Tip: Be sure to book early for special events, and don’t forget to check out the nearby mineral hot springs in Thermopolis!

Wind River Canyon Campground is a beautiful spot tucked along the Wind River. There are no hookups, but water spigots are available throughout the campground to fill your tanks. As the name suggests, it can be very windy at times, so plan accordingly. Our site had nice shade and offered great views of both the canyon and the river. If you enjoy fly fishing, you’ll appreciate the easy river access right from the campground. It’s a peaceful, scenic place to stay— a great option if you don’t mind dry camping and want to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.