Best Dispersed Camping near Worland, WY
Dispersed camping near Worland, Wyoming centers primarily around the Bighorn Mountains and nearby Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Several free camping areas exist within driving distance, including Castle Gardens, Canyon Creek Dispersed, Canyon Creek Road Dispersed Camping, and Forest Road 131. These sites provide primitive camping opportunities on public lands with varying levels of accessibility and minimal to no facilities. Most locations permit stays up to 14 days and accommodate both tent and RV camping without reservation requirements.
Access roads to dispersed sites range from well-maintained gravel to rougher terrain requiring careful navigation. Castle Gardens, located about 5 miles off Highway 16, features a gravel road with occasional washboarding but remains accessible for most vehicles. Canyon Creek areas sit at approximately 9,500 feet elevation and may require higher clearance vehicles, particularly when venturing deeper into the camping zones. A recent review noted that "the dirt roads are well maintained, but still a fair amount of rock, so slower speeds are safer." Some areas include water crossings, and campers should be prepared for primitive conditions with no drinking water, hookups, or trash service.
The dispersed camping experience near Worland provides notable relief from summer heat due to higher elevations. Canyon Creek areas feature cool temperatures even during August, with one camper describing it as "beautiful, free and relief from the heat of summer." Castle Gardens receives particular praise for its seclusion and natural beauty, with sites that include shade structures, picnic tables, and fire pits—unusual amenities for dispersed camping. Forest Road 131 features sites "pretty spaced out and some of them are actually really nicely tucked in the pine trees." Cell service varies significantly by location and provider, with some areas offering limited connectivity while others provide none. The region's dark skies create excellent stargazing opportunities, and the surrounding landscape supports activities like hiking, ATV riding, and wildlife viewing.
