Free Dispersed Camping in Wyoming: Where to Actually Go
I've spent the last few seasons exploring Wyoming's dispersed camping scene, and I'm constantly surprised by how many incredible free spots are hidden in plain sight. With 9 dispersed sites scattered across the state, you can camp for free in some truly stunning locations—no reservations, no fees, just you and nature.
The beauty of Wyoming is the variety. You've got everything from easily accessible lowlands to moderate elevation areas. Most sites require you to pack in all your water, and many require some backcountry experience.
The Best Spots I've Found
After camping at dozens of these locations, here are my top picks. Each one offers something unique, and I've included the exact coordinates so you can find them on your GPS or mapping app.
1. Wind River – Louis Lake Road
"Free dispersed camping at Wind River – Louis Lake Road in Wyoming. Granite lakes and forest pullouts with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Louis Lake. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Snow lingers Arrive early
Coordinates: 42.5880°N, 108.8330°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
2. Jackson – Shadow Mountain Road
"Free dispersed camping at Jackson – Shadow Mountain Road in Wyoming. Foothill benches with Teton views with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Shadow Mountain. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Bear activity Arrive early
Coordinates: 43.6530°N, 110.6350°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
3. Absaroka – Sunlight Basin Road
"Free dispersed camping at Absaroka – Sunlight Basin Road in Wyoming. Canyon valley and benchlands with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Sunlight Basin. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Wildlife common Arrive early
Coordinates: 44.6740°N, 109.8780°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
4. Bighorn – Hunter Creek FR 26
"Free dispersed camping at Bighorn – Hunter Creek FR 26 in Wyoming. High meadows and lodgepole with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Hunter Creek. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Cool nights Arrive early
Coordinates: 44.6160°N, 107.2100°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
5. Hoback – Cliff Creek Road
"Free dispersed camping at Hoback – Cliff Creek Road in Wyoming. Creek corridor and benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Cliff Creek. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. High water after storms Arrive early
Coordinates: 43.2620°N, 110.4930°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
6. Red Desert – Bison Basin Roads
"Free dispersed camping at Red Desert – Bison Basin Roads in Wyoming. Sagebrush sea and badlands with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Bison Basin. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. No shade; remote Arrive early
Coordinates: 42.3400°N, 107.5420°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
7. Bridger–Teton – Granite Creek Rd
"Free dispersed camping around Bridger–Teton NF Wyoming. Creek benches and hot springs nearby with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Granite Creek. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Bears; store food Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 43.3780°N, 110.5850°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
8. Pinedale – Skyline Drive Spurs
"Free dispersed camping at Pinedale – Skyline Drive Spurs in Wyoming. High lakes and timberline views with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Wind River Front. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Afternoon storms Arrive early
Coordinates: 42.8380°N, 109.8890°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
What You Actually Need to Bring
Forget the generic packing lists. Here's what actually matters for Wyoming dispersed camping, based on real experience:
Water is your top priority. Most of these sites have no water. Seriously. I usually pack 5-gallon jugs—one per person for a weekend trip. It's heavy but non-negotiable.
Vehicle matters more than you think. Most sites are accessible with a regular SUV, but check recent trip reports. Roads change after rain and snow.
Navigation tools. Cell service is terrible or nonexistent at most dispersed sites. I use Gaia GPS with downloaded offline maps. The USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps are also helpful—grab them from the ranger station or download PDFs before you leave.
Finding These Spots
All the sites I've listed include exact GPS coordinates. Plug them into your navigation app. But here's the thing—these are general areas, not specific campsites. You'll need to find your actual spot within that area. Look for established pullouts and fire rings. Don't create new sites.
Recent trip reports are gold. Check forums, AllTrails, iOverlander. Conditions change constantly. A road that was fine in August might be impassable in June with snowmelt mud.
