Top 10 Best Camping & Outdoor Destinations in Wyoming (With Travel Guide)

Wyoming, the "Equality State" and "Cowboy State," is a land of untamed beauty where vast open plains meet towering mountain ranges, pristine lakes reflect snow-capped peaks, and wildlife roams freely across expansive wilderness areas. As home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Wyoming offers some of the most spectacular and iconic camping experiences in North America.

This comprehensive guide highlights Wyoming's 10 most exceptional camping destinations, each chosen for its unique natural features, recreational opportunities, and authentic Western charm. We'll explore what makes each location special, the best times to visit, nearby facilities, and essential considerations to ensure your Wyoming camping adventure is both safe and unforgettable.

1. Yellowstone National Park (Various Entrances) – America’s First National Park
🌋 Key Attractions:
Old Faithful – Iconic geyser erupting every 60-110 minutes
Grand Prismatic Spring – Most colorful hot spring in America
Yellowstone Lake – Largest high-elevation lake in North America
Wildlife viewing – Bison, elk, bears, and wolves
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
June through September (30-70°F) – Best weather for exploring
Summer (July-August) – Warmest temperatures
Fall (September-October) – Fewer crowds, wildlife migrations
Spring (May-June) – Snowmelt creates dramatic waterfalls
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
West Yellowstone (10 minutes west entrance) – Gateway town with full services
Jackson (1.5 hours south) – More amenities and shopping
Campgrounds: Multiple inside park (Madison, Grant Village, Canyon)
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Wildlife safety – Maintain 100+ yard distance from bears/wolves
Crowds in summer – Arrive early for popular attractions
Road closures – Check for winter/spring conditions

2. Grand Teton National Park (Jackson) – Majestic Mountain Range
🏔️ Key Attractions:
Grand Teton – Iconic 13,775-foot peak
Jackson Hole – Picturesque mountain valley
Snake River – Scenic float trips
Wildlife viewing – Moose, pronghorn, and bears
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
June through September (40-80°F) – Best for hiking and wildlife
Summer (July-August) – Warmest temperatures
Fall (September-October) – Golden larch trees, fewer crowds
Spring (May-June) – Snowmelt creates dramatic waterfalls
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Jackson (45 minutes) – Vibrant town with full services
Moran Junction (30 minutes) – Basic services
Campgrounds: Jenny Lake, Gros Ventre, Colter Bay
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Altitude effects – Higher elevations can be cooler
River safety – Only attempt floats with guides
Wildlife encounters – Store food properly

3. Grand Teton National Park – Jenny Lake Area (Kelly)
🏞️ Key Attractions:
Jenny Lake – Crystal-clear glacial lake
Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point – Scenic hikes
String Lake – Shallow swimming area
Mountain reflections – Perfect photography spots
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
June through September (40-80°F) – Best for hiking/swimming
Summer (July-August) – Warmest temperatures
Fall (September-October) – Fewer crowds
Spring (May-June) – Snowmelt creates high water
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Kelly (15 minutes) – Small town with basics
Jackson (45 minutes) – More services
Campgrounds: Jenny Lake (permit system), String Lake
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Boat permits required – For lake crossings
Crowded trails – Popular in summer
Swift currents – Check lake conditions

4. Yellowstone Lake Area (West Thumb/Garden Village)
🏞️ Key Attractions:
Yellowstone Lake – Largest high-elevation lake
West Thumb Geyser Basin – Geysers right at lake shore
Kayaking & fishing – Cold but pristine waters
Scenic drives – Around the lake shoreline
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
July through September (40-70°F) – Best lake access
Summer (August) – Warmest temperatures
Fall (September-October) – Fewer crowds
Spring (May-June) – Often still frozen
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
West Thumb (15 minutes) – Basic services
Jackson (1.5 hours) – More amenities
Campgrounds: Bridge Bay, Grant Village
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Cold water temperatures – Even in summer
Boating restrictions – For safety
Geothermal hazards – Stay on boardwalks

5. Bridger-Teton National Forest (Jackson/Absaroka Mountains)
🌲 Key Attractions:
Absaroka Mountains – Remote alpine range
Scenic Byway (Togwotee Pass) – High mountain drive
Wildlife viewing – Elk, moose, and bears
Hiking trails – Through forests and meadows
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
June through September (40-75°F) – Best for hiking
Summer (July-August) – Warmest temperatures
Fall (September-October) – Changing colors
Spring (May-June) – Snowmelt runoff
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Jackson (30-60 minutes) – Full services
Dubois (1.5 hours) – Smaller town options
Campgrounds: Multiple dispersed sites
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Remote areas – Limited services
Wildlife encounters – Proper food storage
Weather changes – Can be sudden

6. Devils Tower National Monument (Hulett) – Sacred Monolith
🗿 Key Attractions:
Devils Tower – Iconic volcanic monolith
Climbing opportunities – Seasonal (spring-fall)
Native American cultural site – Sacred to many tribes
Stargazing – International Dark Sky Park
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
May through September (40-80°F) – Best visiting times
Summer (July-August) – Warmest temperatures
Fall (September-October) – Fewer crowds
Spring (May-June) – Mild temperatures
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Hulett (15 minutes) – Small town with basics
Devils Tower (on site) – Visitor center with services
Campgrounds: Devils Tower (limited), nearby options
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Climbing restrictions – Respect religious ceremonies
Crowds in summer – Especially weekends
Steep climb – Physically demanding

7. Bighorn Mountains (Sheridan) – Hidden Gem Range
🏔️ Key Attractions:
Cloud Peak Wilderness – Remote alpine area
Bighorn National Forest – Vast woodland
Medicine Wheel – Ancient Native American site
Hiking and fishing – Through mountains and streams
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
June through September (40-75°F) – Best for hiking
Summer (July-August) – Warmest temperatures
Fall (September-October) – Changing colors
Spring (May-June) – Snowmelt runoff
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Sheridan (1-2 hours) – City with services
Buffalo (1 hour) – Smaller town options
Campgrounds: Multiple dispersed sites
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Remote areas – Limited services
Altitude effects – Higher elevations cooler
Weather changes – Can be sudden

8. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (Green River) – Desert Canyons
🏜️ Key Attractions:
Flaming Gorge Dam – Impressive structure
Red Canyon – Colorful rock formations
Boating & fishing – On the reservoir
Hiking trails – Along the canyon edges
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
May through September (50-85°F) – Best for water activities
Summer (July-August) – Warmest temperatures
Fall (September-October) – Fewer crowds
Spring (May-June) – Mild temperatures
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Green River (30 minutes) – Small town with basics
Rock Springs (1 hour) – More services
Campgrounds: Multiple around reservoir
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Water safety – Check conditions
Desert heat – Carry plenty of water
Sun protection – Essential

9. Shoshone National Forest (Cody) – Yellowstone’s Neighbor
🌲 Key Attractions:
Absaroka Mountains – Rugged alpine range
Yellowstone gateway – Close to park entrance
Wildlife viewing – Elk, moose, and bears
Hiking trails – Through forests and meadows
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
June through September (40-75°F) – Best for hiking
Summer (July-August) – Warmest temperatures
Fall (September-October) – Fewer crowds
Spring (May-June) – Snowmelt runoff
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Cody (30-60 minutes) – Western town with services
Campgrounds: Multiple dispersed sites
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Remote areas – Limited services
Wildlife encounters – Proper food storage
Weather changes – Can be sudden

10. Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests (Encampment) – High Country
🏔️ Key Attractions:
Snowy Range Mountains – Scenic alpine area
Medicine Bow Mountains – Historic mining region
Hiking and fishing – Through forests and streams
Wildlife viewing – Elk and deer
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
June through September (40-75°F) – Best for hiking
Summer (July-August) – Warmest temperatures
Fall (September-October) – Changing colors
Spring (May-June) – Snowmelt runoff
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Encampment (30-60 minutes) – Small town with basics
Laramie (1.5 hours) – More services
Campgrounds: Multiple dispersed sites
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Remote areas – Limited services
Altitude effects – Higher elevations cooler
Weather changes – Can be sudden

Final Wyoming Camping Essentials
✔ Reservations – Highly recommended for summer months
✔ Layered clothing – Wyoming weather changes rapidly
✔ Bear awareness – Proper food storage in forests
✔ Water safety – Always check conditions
✔ Leave No Trace – Protect Wyoming's natural beauty