Wild Skies, Wide Plains, and Mountain Escapes
When people think of Wyoming, they usually picture Yellowstone or maybe the jagged peaks of the Tetons—but there’s a whole world beyond the postcards. For van lifers and car campers, Wyoming is a dream: wide open spaces, free camping, and more wildlife than people.
Whether you’re into mountain hikes, desert solitude, fly fishing, or soaking in natural hot springs, this state offers raw beauty and real freedom. I’ve traveled through Wyoming multiple times, living out of my vehicle, and it never disappoints.
Here are my top 10 favorite car camping and van life spots in Wyoming, a mix of free dispersed areas, primitive campgrounds, and remote gems.
1. Gros Ventre Wilderness (Near Jackson)
Region: Northwest Wyoming
Type: Free dispersed camping
Just outside Grand Teton National Park, this area gives you all the views without the crowds—or the cost. Head toward the Gros Ventre River and find pullouts with jaw-dropping scenery.
🗻 Wilderness feel without park regulations
🐻 Bring bear spray and follow food storage rules
🌌 Unreal night skies—Milky Way views galore
2. Shadow Mountain (Across from Grand Teton NP)
Region: Jackson Hole area
Type: Free dispersed camping
One of the most iconic van life views in the West. Park on the ridgeline and wake up with the Tetons towering in front of you.
🚐 Rough road—high clearance helps but not mandatory in dry season
📷 Perfect sunrise and sunset shots
⚠️ Heavily trafficked—arrive early or off-season
3. Curt Gowdy State Park
Region: Southeastern Wyoming (between Cheyenne and Laramie)
Type: Paid camping ($17–$25/night)
This park has a little bit of everything—lakes, trails, and red rock formations that’ll surprise you. A solid stop if you’re heading east or west on I-80.
🏞️ Great mountain biking and hiking trails
🚿 Facilities and showers available
🔥 Reservable spots, plus first-come options
4. Bighorn National Forest
Region: North-central Wyoming
Type: Free and paid camping
High alpine meadows, dense forests, and canyon views make this area a car camping paradise. There’s a surprising amount of water—lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.
🌲 Tons of dispersed options off Highway 14 and 16
🎣 Amazing trout fishing
⛰️ Less crowded than the Tetons or Yellowstone
5. Sinks Canyon State Park
Region: Central Wyoming (near Lander)
Type: Paid camping ($15–$25)
A fascinating little park where a river disappears underground and reappears a quarter mile downstream. Plus, it’s a rock climbing hotspot.
🧗 Great for climbers, hikers, and geology nerds
💧 Clean vault toilets and drinking water available
🔥 Campfires allowed in season
6. Bridger-Teton National Forest (South of Yellowstone)
Region: Northwestern Wyoming
Type: Free dispersed camping
Before you even get to Yellowstone’s entrance, pull off the road and camp for free with views just as epic as what’s inside the park. Especially good near Greys River and Cliff Creek.
🌄 Peaceful, quiet, and scenic beyond belief
📵 Little to no service—download maps
🐾 Wildlife sightings common—elk, moose, even wolves
7. Medicine Bow National Forest
Region: Southeast Wyoming
Type: Free dispersed and developed camping
Tucked near the Colorado border, this alpine escape includes the Snowy Range, with glacial lakes and pine forests. It’s cooler in summer and ideal for solitude.
🏕️ Dispersed sites off Snowy Range Road (WY-130)
🥾 Trailheads within walking distance from camp
❄️ Snow can linger into June—check forecasts
8. Vedauwoo Recreation Area
Region: Southeast Wyoming
Type: Paid and free primitive camping
This spot is just weird in the best way—giant granite formations rise out of the prairie, creating a dreamscape for photographers, climbers, and stargazers.
🪨 Eerie, beautiful, and otherworldly
🛻 Some free dispersed spots nearby
💨 Can get windy—anchor your gear
9. Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis)
Region: Central Wyoming
Type: Nearby free and paid camping
Okay, the real draw here is soaking in natural hot springs for free. You can park nearby and camp just outside town, then head in for a soak and a shower.
♨️ Free public bathhouse with 104°F mineral water
🧼 Clean showers and facilities open to the public
🦌 Herds of bison roam near the park
10. Wind River Range (Near Pinedale)
Region: Western Wyoming
Type: Dispersed and trailhead camping
If you love alpine adventure, this is one of the most stunning and underrated mountain ranges in the U.S. Less crowded than the Rockies or the Sierras, with better solitude and arguably better views.
⛺ Dispersed options near Big Sandy Trailhead or Elkhart Park
🚶 Backpacking heaven—but you can day hike too
🐻 Store food safely—grizzlies are active here
🚐 Quick Tips for Car Camping in Wyoming
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Bear country: Almost all of western Wyoming is grizzly territory. Bring bear spray and store food in bear-safe containers.
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Weather swings: Nights can drop below freezing, even in summer. Pack for all seasons.
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Wind is real: Secure tents, tarps, and awnings. Gusts can surprise you.
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Respect the land: Locals love their wilderness—pack it in, pack it out.
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Cell service? Rare. Download offline maps and apps like Gaia or iOverlander.
Final Thoughts
Wyoming feels like the last frontier. There’s so much space to breathe, think, and just be. Whether you’re parked on a ridge above the Tetons or soaking in a remote hot spring under the stars, Wyoming gives you that rare feeling of true freedom. It's not always easy—wind, bears, cold nights—but it’s always worth it.
Got a favorite Wyoming camping spot I should check out? Drop it in the comments or DM me on Instagram. I’m always chasing the next horizon.
Stay wild out there 🏔️🚐💨
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