Everyone makes a big deal about Wyoming's stunning natural wonders, like glacial lakes and thermal features. Those who have spent enough time exploring know that some of our man-made wonders are just as impressive - and they can be a lot easier to access, too! For a wonderful example, just take a look at the Pathfinder Reservoir, just south of Casper, Wyoming.
The Pathfinder Reservoir is a spot in Wyoming that's home to a true man-made wonder.
The dam that created the reservoir is an engineering marvel. It was built between 1905 and 1909, and it was one of the first projects that the new Bureau of Reclamation decided to take on.
The engineers and construction workers who poured their hearts into this remarkable dam certainly did an amazing job, as it stands strong and is still in use more than a century later.
There are multiple campsites around the Pathfinder Reservoir, and most of them are open year-round. There is a mix of sheltered and exposed sites, and they're all first come, first serve.
While camping through the Wyoming winter may not seem all too appealing, when you consider that the reservoir is a top-notch ice fishing destination, it's easy to see why the campgrounds stay open! Camping at Pathfinder Reservoir is a fantastic experience.
All four of the campgrounds that surround the Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir are first come, first served. Find a time that's right for you, grab your tent, and enjoy the great outdoors. You can find out more about the facilities and amenities of each campground, as well as directions and area maps, on the Natrona County Parks website. In the summer, Pathfinder is a popular spot for boating and fishing, but it's such a large area that crowds are almost never a problem.
If you love outdoor adventure, check out even more amazing spots for camping in Wyoming.
When it comes to Wyoming, you will want to take in as much of nature as possible and there's no better way of doing this than immersing yourself in its stronghold 24/7. Camping offers a unique experience with the ways of the wild. Check out these 15 best campgrounds in Wyoming to gain a whole new appreciation for nature and a simpler way of life. You’ll want to visit each of them over and over again!
Canyon Campground is nestled among the trees and located within a mile of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. It's located at N. Rim Drive in Yellowstone National Park and has over 270 individual sites. Learn more about this awesome campground and the best places to stay on the official Yellowstone National Park website.
This is the view from the Horse Creek Campground, which is located in northwest Wyoming within the Shoshone National Forest on Horse Creek Road near Dubois. The campground is comprised of nine sites. This is bear country so be sure to practice safe food storage while camping here. The Forest Service has important information for you to know before you go.
If you're not into roughing it then the Devils Tower KOA Kamping Kabin is a great option. With stunning views and real beds, this is the place to be. You can even grab an ice cream or rent a bicycle while you visit! KOA offers some of the best camping in Wyoming.
Rex Hale Campground is located along the North Fork of the Shoshone River off of N. Fork Highway in Cody. This is considered a smaller campground with 30 spacious sites along the river. Book your reservations at this beautiful location on Recreation.gov.
Firehole Canyon Campground is located right at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir in McKinnon, Wyoming. The campground lies in a high desert area scattered with Russian olive trees and sagebrush. This stunning spot is in the Ashley National Forest, and there’s plenty of boating and fishing to enjoy.
The Island Lake Campground is a high mountain lake campground located in the Shoshone National Forest in Cody. This smaller campground offers 21 beautiful sites. Learn all the facts about your trip on the National Forest website.
Beartooth Lake Campground is located in the Shoshone National Forest in Cody. This is an absolutely gorgeous smaller campsite with 21 sites. Sites here are first come, first served, so arrive early for the best locations!
Two Moon Campground is located in Glendo State Park on a bluff overlooking the lake. With around 200 sites, the campground is made up of a lot of shade trees. There’s plenty of room, but you may still want to make reservations to guarantee the perfect spot.
Grant Village Campground is located in a pine forest on the southwest shore of Yellowstone Lake. There are over 400 sites at this popular campground. Right inside Yellowstone National Park, you’ll be camping high at 7,800 feet elevation!
Madison Campground is one of the largest campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park. It's located at the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers which form the Madison River. Be sure to try some fly fishing since it offers some of the best in the area. With 278 sites, there’s lots of room for everyone. This is one of the best places to camp in Wyoming.
Lizard Creek Campground is located among a spruce and fir forest in Grand Teton National Park in Moran. This is a less populated and developed campground. Even though this is a rustic campground, they recommend planning and reserving your space six months in advance to guarantee a spot.
Hunter Peak Campground is located in Shoshone National Forest along the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway and among the banks of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River. The less populated campground has 10 sites. There are so many great things to do outdoors in Wyoming, and we think camping at this campground hits the top of the list!
East Table Creek Campground is located in Bridger Teton National Forest in Jackson. The campsite runs along the shores of the Snake River. The campground boasts views of mountains and the river, and is nicely sheltered from the highway. This is a great place to stay in Wyoming.
This is the view from the Gros Ventre Campground which lies along the Gros Ventre River. The campground is rather large with more than 300 sites. It’s one of the largest campgrounds in Wyoming, and also offers some stunning views, too.
For one of the "best places to go camping near me," Norris Campground is located in Yellowstone National Park near the Norris Geyser Basin and Gibbon River. The campground is shaded by trees but there is also an open meadow just beyond the tree line where wildlife, especially bison, are spotted. The campground offers more than 100 sites. The National Park Service runs this campsite, and they recommend reservations months in advance to secure a site.
What is your favorite camping spot in Wyoming? Have you visited any of the amazing camping spots in Wyoming that are on our list? Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, check out this incredible place to go glamping in Wyoming.
For those of you looking for new camping gear, look no further than REI! I happen to love all of the incredible outdoor brands they carry.
You don't have to travel far to find a trail in Wyoming that leads somewhere spectacular: an overlook, a waterfall, a lake, a brilliant mountain setting … but with so many sights to see, you're definitely going to want to spend a few days immersed in all of that wild and wonderful natural beauty! Of course, camping is great, but camping at a one-of-a-kind, waterfront campground that offers a front-row seat and easy access to some of Wyoming's coolest sights is even better - especially when there's no hike required to get there. For all these reasons and more, Firehole Canyon Campground near Green River is definitely one of the best campgrounds in Wyoming - and it'll be obvious from the moment you pull up that this is one a fantastic place to spend a weekend in the great outdoors!
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Beautifully situated on the eastern edge of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Firehole Canyon Campground is an absolute gem, whether you're roughing it old-school or glamping with the latest and greatest RV.
It checks off all the non-electric basics: showers and facilities, drinking water, neatly arranged sites set around a paved loop, and even covered shelters.
The campground has around two dozen sites suited to tent campers, RVers, and trailers (although hammock-sleepers will want to bring their own hammock stands).
The campground sits nestled in Wyoming's high desert southwest corner at an elevation of 6,300 feet, and although shade is minimal here, Russian olive trees, sagebrush, and grasses are scattered throughout the campground, adding pops of color to the magnificent backdrop of red rock bluffs and unique formations.
Camping at Firehole Canyon does not currently require a reservation, so plan to arrive early in order to get a space. Also, note vehicle limits and camping guidelines while you're at it.
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When not enjoying the peace and quiet of this rugged slice of Wyoming or drinking in the magnificent gorge views, campers will find the reservoir to be perfect for watersports.
For even more things to do during your stay, the Flaming Gorge Dam offers guided tours of the working hydroelectric plant and the dam. You'll also find a visitor center with a number of exhibits.
We love Flaming Gorge, and Firehole Canyon shows off this slice of Wyoming to perfection. If you have any fond memories of this area, we'd love to hear them! To learn more about this campground, visit Recreation.gov.
Wyoming has a few formations named "Chimney Rock" scattered around the state, but we're pretty partial to the one and only Boar's Tusk in the Red Desert! Or, how about a hike up Steamboat Point? What's your favorite rock formation to admire in the state?
