Wyoming’s open space mesmerizes with natural beauty and the true experience of getting away from it all—no surprise given that it has the lowest total population and second-lowest population density in the United States. One look at the spectacular Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks and Devils Tower National Monument, and it’s easy to see why many visitors don’t travel beyond these national treasures. But, those who invest more time in the state are rewarded with towering mountain peaks, wide open plains, wild rivers, Native American culture, and rich U.S. history. Miles of lake, reservoir, and river shoreline will keep boaters, paddlers, and anglers happy, too.
Wyoming’s state park system manages traditional parks along with historic sites and trails. There are only nine state park campgrounds, but these host more than 1,000 campsites. A campground with over 480 sites may give you pause, but these are spread out over acres with room to spare. Most sites are primitive, but some electric and water hookups are avail able. Prices rose in 2019 to reinvest in the parks, but the nightly rates are still a great deal at under $20. Wyoming state park campgrounds highlight the breathtaking openness and diverse landscape of this true Western state.
Reservations
Reservations can be made online at wyomingstateparks.reserveamerica.com/campinghome.page or by calling 877-996-7275.
Reservations are available from 4 months in advance to the day of arrival. Sites are also held on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campsite sizes
In general, Wyoming is a big rig friendly state. Not surprising, given all that open space. However, depending on when and how a campground was developed, site sizes can vary greatly.
The state park reservation system is not very user friendly when searching by campsite size. The best way to get information on sites for your particular RV is to call the specific campground directly.
Accessibility
ADA-accessible sites are searchable and bookable through the central reservation system. A valid disability placard or license plate must be visible.
Hookups
Seven of the nine Wyoming state park campgrounds offer sites with electric hookups; some also have water hookups. The reservation system is searchable by hookup type, and campsite information specifies what is available.
Currently, there are no sewer hookups at Wyoming state park campgrounds, but most have a dump station available. This information is visible under “Activities and Amenities” in the campground overview of the reservation system.
Connectivity
In general, you’re not going to find WiFi service at Wyoming state parks. If connectivity is a priority, contact the specific campground directly to ask about WiFi and cell service.
Maximum stay
The maximum stay is 14 days within a 30 day period.
Additional facilities
Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings or grills, with paved or gravel parking pads. Campground amenities can include restrooms, playgrounds, visitor centers, stores, and trails. Details can be found under the “Campground Overview” and “Campsite Details” sections in the reservation system.
Cost
Wyoming state park campgrounds cost $16 per night for nonresidents during peak season (May through September), and $11 per night during the offseason (October through April). Electric hookups are an additional $10 per night. Rates may vary across dates and are available to view in the reservation system.
Additional Fees:
Change fee: $2.50 (except when extending stay).
Cancellation fee: $2.50.
Cancellations between 30 and 3 days prior to arrival also forfeit the first night’s fee. Cancellations 2 days or less prior to arrival are nonrefundable. Unused nights are nonrefundable.
There is a park Vehicle Entrance Fee for an additional $6 during peak season, or $9 in the offseason. An annual vehicle pass is available for $70 to nonresidents.
Pet policies
Pets are allowed, as long as they’re kept on a leash no longer than 10 feet. And of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Additional regulations
Maximum occupancy per site: 10 people (can be exceeded with immediate family members) and 2 vehicles, however, a vehicle permit fee must be paid for a second vehicle.
- Check-in time: 3 p.m. Check-out time: 11 a.m.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Possession of alcoholic beverages in excess of 2 gallons is prohibited. No glass containers are allowed outside of vehicles or camping units.
- Generator use: Restricted during quiet hours.
- Campfires: Allowed only in provided campfire pit or ring at the site, following local restrictions.
- Drone use: Allowed in designated areas. Contact the park directly for more details.
Featured Campgrounds
Boysen State Park
120 Boysen Drive, Shoshoni, WY 82649
Situated at the mouth of Wind River Canyon, Boysen State Park is a scenic and underrated state park with an abundance of fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. With 192 campsites in a dozen campgrounds along the shore, there is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy water activities, take a dip, or simply relax on the sandy beach. Tough Creek Campground is a standout for its location on a spit of land extending into the river, providing riverfront camping and panoramic views. Sites are a mix of partial hookups and dry camping. Campground facilities include marinas, convenience stores, and a dump station.
Buffalo Bill State Park
4192 North Fork Highway, Cody, WY 82414
This stunning state park is located east of Yellowstone and just outside the town of Cody, on the shores of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. With dramatic landscapes rivaling its national park neighbors, Buffalo Bill is an ideal base for touring the state. The North Fork campground is smaller and quieter, located on the river, while the North Shore campground has more than 60 sites directly on the reservoir. Some sites have electric and water hookups, and central water and a dump station are available. Whether you’re into fishing or boating, hiking the Absaroka Mountains, or simply relaxing and taking in the views, Buffalo Bill State Park delivers.
Sinks Canyon State Park
3079 Sinks Canyon Road, Lander, WY 82520
The main draw for this state park is the natural phenomenon of Sinks Canyon, where the Popo Agie River disappears into a canyon and re-emerges a quarter-mile downriver at the Rise. And there is much more to enjoy in the park, from walking along the river and taking in scenic views to hiking and rock climbing in the surrounding canyons and the nearby Wind River Range mountains. Just a few miles up the road is Middle Forks Falls, a 3-mile hike to stunning waterfalls and cascades. The campground is small by Wyoming standards, with under 30 primitive sites. Still, Sinks Canyon is known for being an unexpected gem that’s well run, clean, and staffed by friendly rangers.
Wyoming state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
- Boysen State Park
- Buffalo Bill State Park
- Curt Gowdy State Park
- Glendo State Park
- Guernsey State Park
- Keyhole State Park
- Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site
- Seminoe State Park
- Sinks Canyon State Park
