The Cowboy State
Wyoming offers some of the most spectacular camping in the American West. Home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, the state draws millions of visitors, yet vast stretches of BLM land, national forests, and state parks mean solitude is always within reach. From the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone's interior to the jagged granite spires of the Tetons and the pristine alpine lakes of the Wind River Range, Wyoming's campgrounds sit at the doorstep of some of the continent's most dramatic landscapes. Whether you're pulling a fifth wheel into a full-hookup RV park, pitching a tent steps from a trailhead, or dispersed camping along a Forest Service road with nothing but elk and coyotes for company, Wyoming delivers an outdoor experience that's hard to match.
The places we'd send you first.
No. 1Recreation.gov
Arguably the most coveted campground in the Tetons, Jenny Lake sits at the base of the Cathedral Group with direct trailhead access to Cascade Canyon and Paintbrush Divide. Just 49 tent-only sites on a first-come, first-served basis — arrive by 7 AM in summer or don't bother. The reward is waking up to some of the most iconic mountain scenery in North America, with the lake's crystal waters reflecting the peaks at dawn.
No. 2Recreation.gov · WY
Perched on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, Grant Village offers 430 sites in a lodgepole pine forest. Easy access to West Thumb Geyser Basin and the south loop road makes it an ideal base for first-time Yellowstone visitors. The campground has flush toilets, a coin laundry, and showers at the nearby lodge — rare amenities inside the park. September visits are magical: bison wander through camp at dawn and the crowds have thinned.
No. 3Recreation.gov
The largest campground in Grand Teton with 350 sites, Colter Bay balances accessibility with wilderness feel. Jackson Lake access means kayaking and fishing right from camp, and the visitor center and general store add convenience. Pull-through sites accommodate large RVs, and the nearby Colter Bay RV Park offers full hookups for those who need them.
No. 4Recreation.gov
Sitting at the junction of the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers in Yellowstone, Madison is a favorite of anglers and wildlife watchers. The 278 sites fill early in summer, but the location can't be beat — Old Faithful is 16 miles south, Norris Geyser Basin 14 miles north, and the Madison River is one of the best fly-fishing stretches in the park. Elk and bison frequently graze in the meadow directly adjacent to camp.
Wyoming's high elevation (mean elevation 6,700 feet, second-highest in the US) means dramatic temperature swings year-round. Summer days reach 85°F but nights can drop to 40°F even in July at campground elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common June through August — they build fast and hit hard but typically pass within an hour. Wind is a constant factor, especially in open plains. Always pack layers regardless of season. A sleeping bag rated to at least 20°F handles the cold nights typical of Wyoming camping even in summer months.
Apr–May
Shoulder season with limited access. Most campgrounds above 7,000 feet remain closed. Lower-elevation sites near Thermopolis, Cody, and along the Bighorn Basin open mid-April. Yellowstone's roads open in stages through May. Wildlife is highly active — bears emerging from hibernation, elk calving in late May. Expect snow at higher elevations and muddy trails.
Jun–Aug
Peak season. All campgrounds open by mid-June. Reserve Yellowstone and Teton sites 6+ months ahead — popular spots like Jenny Lake fill by 7 AM on a first-come basis. Daytime highs reach 70–85°F but nights can drop to 40°F even in July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common June through August. Pack layers and rain gear. Expect crowds at major attractions.
Sep–Oct
The sweet spot. September is arguably the finest camping month in Wyoming — summer crowds dissipate, the elk rut fills evenings with bugling, fall colors peak in the cottonwoods and aspens, and fire restrictions ease. Most campgrounds close mid-October as frost becomes common. Nights drop to 20–30°F. Fewer services but far more solitude.
Nov–Mar
Nearly all campgrounds are closed. Yellowstone's Mammoth Campground is the only year-round NPS campground in the state. Temperatures regularly hit single digits or below zero. Winter camping is for the well-prepared only, but cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Yellowstone or the Bighorns can be extraordinary. Access to most of Yellowstone is by snowcoach or snowmobile only.
Peak season. All campgrounds open by mid-June. Reserve Yellowstone and Teton sites 6+ months ahead — popular spots like Jenny Lake fill by 7 AM on a first-come basis. Daytime highs reach 70–85°F but nights can drop to 40°F even in July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common June through August. Pack layers and rain gear. Expect crowds at major attractions.
It depends on the campground. Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV, Grant Village, and Madison accept reservations through Recreation.gov and should be booked 6+ months in advance for summer dates. Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris,…
Yes. Dispersed camping on BLM and national forest land is free throughout Wyoming. Popular free areas include Spread Creek and Shadow Mountain near Grand Teton, and vast stretches of BLM land in the Red Desert and…
Most campgrounds in Wyoming allow pets, but with significant restrictions in national parks. In Yellowstone and Grand Teton, pets must be leashed (6 feet max), are not allowed on trails or boardwalks, and cannot be left…
Wyoming's trail networks range from easy boardwalk loops through geyser basins to multi-day backcountry traverses in the Wind River Range. The state's campgrounds put you at trailheads for some of the most iconic hikes in the American West.
Wyoming's wide-open spaces and well-maintained federal and state campgrounds make it one of the best RV states in the West. Full-hookup options exist inside both national parks, and several state parks along key routes cater to larger rigs.
Wyoming is a fly-fishing paradise. From Yellowstone's legendary cutthroat streams to the Wind River Range's golden trout lakes, the state offers world-class fishing and over 4,000 lakes and reservoirs. These campgrounds put you steps from the best water.
Wyoming's Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the largest intact temperate ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere, home to grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, moose, and more. Camp in the right spot and wildlife comes to you.
Peak camping season runs June through August when all campgrounds are open and trails are snow-free. However, September is often the best month for experienced campers — crowds thin dramatically, the elk rut is in full swing, fall colors are stunning, and weather is still pleasant. Most campgrounds above 7,000 feet close by mid-October.