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.

The Pathfinder Reservoir is a spot in Wyoming that's home to a true man-made wonder.
Visit Casper
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.
Flickr / Eric
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.
Flickr / Eric
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.
Google Local / Visit Casper
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.
Google Local / Wyoming Rayne
The most pleasant time to visit is in the early summer or early fall. Crowds are minimal, bugs are minimal, and the weather is picture-perfect.
Google Local / RobertN
Of course, you do have to keep an eye on the weather, as pesky afternoon thunderstorms can be a nuisance to anyone out on the water.
Flickr / Michael Janke

All four of the campgrounds that surround the Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir are first come, first served. 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.

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Camping In Wyoming

Meghan Byers | March 10, 2023

What are the best places to go camping in Wyoming?

Some of the best places to go camping in Wyoming include:

  • Canyon Campground in Yellowstone National Park
  • Horse Creek Campground in the Shoshone National Forest
  • Firehole Canyon Campground at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, located in McKinnon
  • Beartooth Lake Campground, also located in the Shoshone National Forest
  • Lizard Creek Campground in Grand Teton National Park
  • East Table Creek Campground in Bridger Teton National Forest

There are tons of camping opportunities in Wyoming, ranging from relatively rustic to leaning more toward glamping. Wyoming’s two national parks, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, are highly popular locations for camping, and so are its 12 state parks.

Can you camp for free in Wyoming?

There are numerous places you can camp for free in Wyoming, though these won’t be established campgrounds with trash removal, bathrooms, et cetera available. However, if you’re willing to rough it you can enjoy some free, dispersed camping in Wyoming at the following places:

  • Horse Creek Area, Shoshone National Forest
  • Vedauwoo Recreation Area
  • Shadow Mountain Area, Bridger Teton National Forest
  • Welch Ranch Recreation Area
  • Granite Creek, Bridger Teton National Forest

 

What’s the best time of year to go camping in Wyoming?

The best time of year to go camping in Wyoming is typically in the early spring or the fall. During these months you’ll have cooler weather and fewer crowds than in the more popular summer months, especially at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Many Wyoming campgrounds are typically open from around May until mid-September or even October, allowing you to take advantage of the shoulder season. Fall is also a particularly beautiful time of year to visit Wyoming, with fall foliage typically at its best in late September.

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Pathfinder Reservoir, Wyoming, USA