GoWhereYouAreDraw N.

The Dyrt Pro

UT

Joined July 2018

Trading wheels for wilderness: transiting from a truck camper to the tent life 🏕

First camp, first served

Quiet site in the Pinedale area, so that's a positive. It's also by a creek, so you have fishing and water. This area is used for fishing, hunting, trapping, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

It’s a rough drive in down the last road. I recommend high clearance, 4WD even better. The main road in is improved gravel and easy, but there are hairpin turns on the hill, so I don't recommend long rigs or long 5th wheels. I went in with a regular clearance front wheel drive, but it was dicey.

remote wilderness camping

Drive about 7 miles W of pinedale on US 191, turn right onto hwy 352 and drive 28 miles to Forest boundary where pavement ends. Continue on Forest Road 650, staying right of river, an additional 17 miles on dirt to campground. 

Free camping in Bridger Teton National Forest along the road. Gravel roads and pullouts, some good for RV's to 28'. No services, come prepared. Hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing. 

🐻 Grizzly bear country. Keep your camp clean.

Green River Lakes forest service pay campground located at the end of road. Vault toilets, tables, fire rings.

A great spot to tent among the mountains.

A quick tip: take the left fork when you enter the road. This secluded and rustic camping spot is just what I've been searching for. A serene stream runs nearby, and you're completely hidden from passing cars in the last tucked-away spot. 

As the sun rises, the valley comes alive with a gentle warmth– the perfect start to the day. It's become a personal favorite. While the road stretches past three lakes with various spots, this one is a true hidden oasis. You might even find a spot with a portable toilet. The boundary with private property is clearly marked, ensuring a respectful stay. Amazing hiking and fishing nearby!

A High-Elevation Getaway

The initial lakefront spot was bustling with weekend activity, so we headed to the second location for a peaceful night. The headwaters section also offered pleasant boondocking sites. 

Remember, it's first-come, first-served here– no reservations. Plus, the elevated setting adds to the allure. Pack for high elevation.

Moose Pond Campground offers a refreshing escape

From the friendly staff who warmly welcome you upon arrival to the spacious and well-maintained tent sites, this place has relaxation written all over it. Nestled near the captivating Moose Pond, waking up to the soothing calls of loons, owls, and birds is a serene delight. 

The chance to paddle around the pond in a kayak, discovering hidden coves and charming bridges, adds an exciting touch to the experience. For those seeking respite from the chaos of life, this campground is a perfect haven. Can't wait to return to this oasis of tranquility.

GPS coordinates: 45.004911,-70.578276

There are three free campsites off Route 16 between Rangeley and Stratton, ME, located on the Dead River. Head northeast out of Rangeley toward Stratton. They are located just after you cross the bridge over the Dead River on the left side of the road. You only need a permit if you plan to have a fire.

Pack it out.

Make sure you've packed all the necessary camping gear and supplies, including a sturdy tent, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food, water, and other essentials. It's important to be self-sufficient as there are limited amenities. 

First come, first served. No reservations accepted.

Top area campground due to seclusion 👍

Deer Haven is a rustic haven for campers, boasting 11 reservable campsites and a single restroom. It's worth noting that water and utilities aren't accessible at this campground.

The campsites are delightfully primitive, aligning with a check-in time of 3:00 pm and a check-out time of 11:00 am. During the hours of 10:00 pm to 7:00 am, a peaceful atmosphere is maintained for a restful night's sleep. 

What makes Deer Haven stand out for me, personally, is its remarkable seclusion. They’re sites that are nestled away from the main road, it's enveloped in a serene setting with ample tree coverage. This campground has earned its place as my favorite in the area, offering a tranquil escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Real seclusion

If you're looking for a genuine backwoods camping experience, this is the place for you. Flush toilets and showers are a luxury you won't find here, but the trade-off is the unmatched seclusion. 

It's a rare treat to be in a location where sight and sound of others are absent. While a few sites might have a neighbor in view, most offer exceptional privacy. Whether you're on an island or the mainland, you'll need to transport your gear to your site. Fortunately, the distance is short– only a few hundred feet for mainland sites. 

The highlight, without a doubt, is the breathtaking view from all the sites. I can't emphasize enough how stunning it is– the beauty is truly unmatched. Set up your tent, let go of the outside and immerse yourself in the natural splendor. Discovering this place felt like stumbling upon a hidden gem.

First come, first camp

Despite contending with a fair share of mosquitoes, the tranquility of the location made it all worthwhile. The campsite, offering access to the lake, was a real gem. While the road to get there might be a bit rough, it's definitely manageable.

A clean pit toilet nestled in the woods near the entrance, ensuring a basic level of comfort. The picnic tables and fire pits added to the convenience, and you must obtaining a fire permit to use these. 

The echoing calls of loons during both day and night created an immersive natural ambiance, and the hooting owls added to the enchanting soundscape after sunset. It's clear that the campground is popular, perhaps even a bit crowded at times. Some folks seem to make it their semi-permanent home, but the managing authorities are vigilant in addressing such situations. The combination of the peaceful lake access, the harmonious wildlife, and the basic amenities made for a truly memorable stay.

First to Review
Moose river activities for all

A couple of convenient boat launches and several well-maintained docks. The swimming opportunities are fantastic, although it's important to be cautious of the strong river current beyond the shore. 

The assortment of available watercraft is a bonus, featuring a variety of decent kayaks and canoes. While the stand-up paddle boards are showing some wear and tear– one missing fins and both taking on water– they still add to the adventure. The provision of life jackets in various sizes ensures safety for everyone. Riverside firepits create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for gathering and relaxing.

Quiet area

While the roads might be a bit rough in places, the hiking experience is top-notch. The variety of trails caters to all skill levels, and the ice caves add a unique touch. The lookout point's view is absolutely worth the trek.

The seclusion of the area guarantees a solitary hike, and the free camp field is a bonus. While there are no hookups, the outhouse and nearby swimming spots make up for it. Perfect for a rugged getaway.

Convenient access

A sought-after destination, this popular spot boasts gravel and dirt parking lots enveloped by trees yet strategically cleared for ample sunlight. The area serves as a hub for day hikes and offers five oceanfront walk-in campsites. 

Most vehicles in the lot belong to hikers and campers. The pit toilet is well-maintained. 14 days of free camping within a 45-day window.

First come, first camp

Don't overlook the turn off 101, unless you're aiming for a rancher's yard! 

Opting for the established pull-off was a great decision, offering pit toilets and a mere 10-foot distance from the lake. A perfect backdrop for relaxation and recreation. However, the Wyoming wind made its presence felt, proving to be the only downside to an otherwise delightful stay.

This lakeside spot is a gem for nature enthusiasts, with its easy access and scenic charm. Just ensure you don't miss that essential turn off 101. While the wind might test your patience, the overall experience makes it a trip worth embarking on.

Nearby city park

The office building has convenient amenities, boasting well-maintained men's and women's bathroom/shower rooms, as well as a set of 4 washers and 4 dryers- all of which made my stay even more comfortable. The camper hook ups were a breeze, with flawless water, electric, and sewage connections. 

I especially appreciated the concrete slab next to my camper, perfect for grilling, playing bag toss, or simply relaxing in chairs. The location couldn't have been better- nestled right by the city park, I felt the location was perfect. 

Being close to Deer Creek added a touch of nature to the experience. I noticed ongoing improvements, such as the replacement of gravel sites and the addition of new cement slabs, truly showing a commitment to enhancing the RV park. The presence of shade trees was nice, and the adjacent city park, complete with a dog park, was a fantastic bonus.

Worth considering

Nestled 25-30 minutes north of Casper, this campground boasts a remote and picturesque charm that sets it apart from its counterparts closer to town. If I were to weigh the options between Bear Trap Campground and Deer Haven Campground against this location, the first two would definitely clinch my preference. 

This campground's proximity to the highway may be too close for for some. I can only imagine the potential sleep disruption for tent-dwellers as the night unfolds with the hum of traffic nearby but it’s still nothing compared to what you’d hear in town. 

Considering the altitude, a word of advice: anticipate a slight chill in the air, particularly as the season's edges draw near. A little preparation on the clothing front can prevent any unexpected shivers from overshadowing your camping experience. So, pack accordingly if you don't want chilly surprises!

There's an angler's paradise awaiting in nearby reservoirs– fantastic fishing opportunities. Many great outdoor activities in this area! So, all in all, while this campground might not clinch the gold medal, it's still worth considering and still may be quieter than options in Casper.

A suitable choice for a brief stay

The showers were both clean and pleasantly warm. The overall decor felt a bit outdated but still satisfactory. While there was some noticeable road noise, it didn't reach unbearable levels. The lodging area is situated on a gravel lot, lacking picturesque views. However, if you're seeking a one-night stopover, it serves its purpose well. Furthermore, considering its affiliation with KOA, the pricing remains budget-friendly.

Next door dog park was a nice bonus

The office building was equipped with convenient amenities, boasting well-maintained men's and women's bathroom/shower rooms, as well as a set of 4 washers and 4 dryers - all of which made my stay even more comfortable. The camper hook ups were a breeze, with flawless water, electric, and sewage connections. I especially appreciated the concrete slab next to my camper, perfect for grilling, playing bag toss, or simply relaxing in chairs.

The location couldn't have been better - nestled right by the city park, I felt the location was perfect. Being close to Deer Creek added a touch of nature to the experience. I noticed ongoing improvements, such as the replacement of gravel sites and the addition of new cement slabs, truly showing a commitment to enhancing the RV park. The presence of shade trees was nice, and the adjacent city park, complete with a dog park, was a fantastic bonus.

…At least there’s a dog park

I liked the little dog park and river access.

I mostly didn’t like everything else… from what I’ve been gathering, they put their long-term stays in worse sites which seems strange? RV sites are extremely small. Whoever was in charge of the website's marketing did a bang-up job, because let me tell you, the reality is a far cry from those picture-perfect images.

This campground, is nothing more than a flat, uninspiring patch of land that will transform into a mud pit at the first sight of rain. Shade? Forget about it. You'd be luckier finding a needle in a haystack than a sliver of shade here. And good luck tracking down any staff – it's like they've perfected the art of hide and seek. The office "closed" sign is practically a permanent fixture. So, if you're in the middle of a long-term stay and something goes awry– you're pretty much on your own.

uninspiring patch of land

What I LIKED: The little dog park and there's also river access, adding a touch of nature's charm to the experience. 

What I DIDN’T like: Mostly everything else… from what I’ve been gathering, they put their long-term stays in worse sites which seems strange? RV sites are extremely small. Whoever was in charge of the website's marketing did a bang-up job, because let me tell you, the reality is a far cry from those picture-perfect images. 

This campground, is nothing more than a flat, uninspiring patch of land that will transform into a mud pit at the first sight of rain. Shade? Forget about it. You'd be luckier finding a needle in a haystack than a sliver of shade here. And good luck tracking down any staff – it's like they've perfected the art of hide and seek. The office "closed" sign is practically a permanent fixture. So, if you're in the middle of a long-term stay and something goes awry– you're pretty much on your own.