Best Campgrounds in Wyoming: 2026 Guide

Wyoming is the state people fly over on their way to somewhere else — unless they're headed to Yellowstone or Grand Teton, in which case they discover a camping landscape so vast and uncrowded that the rest of the country feels claustrophobic by comparison. With fewer than 600,000 residents in a state the size of the United Kingdom, Wyoming offers something increasingly rare in American camping: genuine solitude. Outside the two famous national parks, the Bighorn Mountains, Wind River Range, and Medicine Bow National Forest contain campgrounds where the elk outnumber the people and the nearest town is a gas station with a post office attached.

Why Wyoming Stands Out

Geography makes Wyoming a crossroads of the northern Rockies. Yellowstone and Grand Teton draw millions of visitors annually, but the national forest campgrounds surrounding these parks are where experienced campers set up base — avoiding the crowds and reservation battles while still accessing the parks for day trips. Beyond the parks, the Bighorn Mountains offer a completely different character: rolling alpine meadows, limestone canyons, and scenic byways that see a fraction of Yellowstone's traffic. The Wind River Range in the west contains some of the most spectacular backcountry in the lower 48, and Flaming Gorge in the southwest adds reservoir recreation to the mix. Wyoming rewards those willing to look past the headline attractions.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

Big Game Campground

Along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway about 29 miles west of Cody, Big Game sits just 23 miles from Yellowstone's east entrance. The Shoshone National Forest setting provides a quieter, more affordable base for park exploration than anything inside the gates.

Clearwater Campground

Also on the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway, 32 miles west of Cody and 20 miles from Yellowstone's east entrance, Clearwater offers riverside camping in the Shoshone National Forest. The North Fork of the Shoshone River runs through camp — prime fishing water with elk and bison sightings common.

Brooklyn Lake Campground

Tucked in the mountains of southeastern Wyoming, Brooklyn Lake draws adventurers who love sleeping under towering trees and open sky. Eight miles northwest of the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, this secluded campground offers alpine lake fishing and wildflower-filled meadows far from crowds.

Buckboard Crossing Campground

On the northwest shore of Flaming Gorge Reservoir at 6,100 feet near Green River, Buckboard is a water sports paradise. Boating, fishing, and water skiing on the reservoir's dramatic canyon-walled waters make this a destination campground in its own right.

Boulder Park Campground

Near the Cloud Peak Wilderness in the Bighorn National Forest, Boulder Park sits along the scenic Cloud Peak Skyway east of Worland. The Bighorns offer alpine hiking, fishing, and a mountain experience that feels remarkably uncrowded compared to the Tetons.

Bald Mountain Campground

Along the Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway east of Lovell, Bald Mountain provides access to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark. The cultural significance of this site adds depth to what is already a scenic and peaceful high-elevation camping experience.

Bottle Creek Campground

At 8,800 feet in the Medicine Bow National Forest near Saratoga, Bottle Creek offers year-round recreation from summer hiking to winter snowshoeing. The high-elevation setting delivers cool summer camping and access to the Snowy Range's alpine landscapes.

Campbell Creek Campground

At 7,920 feet in a remote area of the Laramie Mountains, Campbell Creek offers six quiet sites under mature timber. This is the kind of off-grid, low-key Wyoming camping that rewards self-sufficient travelers who bring everything they need.

Chalk Bluffs Campground

Near Casper with a boat ramp and RV-friendly sites, Chalk Bluffs combines reservoir recreation with the striking white chalk formations that give it its name. The accessible location makes it a good introduction to Wyoming's diverse camping landscape.

Planning Tips

Book Yellowstone-area camps early. Forest Service campgrounds near park entrances fill fast for June through August — reserve as soon as dates open. Prepare for wind. Wyoming is one of the windiest states in the nation; bring stakes rated for high wind and a sturdy tent. Wildlife awareness is essential. Grizzlies, black bears, moose, and bison are all present — store food properly and give large animals a wide berth, especially during rut season in fall. Fuel up when you can. Gas stations can be 60+ miles apart in rural Wyoming, so never pass one with less than half a tank.

Find More Wyoming Campgrounds

Explore all Wyoming camping options on our Wyoming campgrounds page, or browse our full campground directory to plan your Yellowstone-country adventure.