WY · Mountain West
Shoshone NF & Wapiti Valley
America's first national forest and the backdoor to Yellowstone. The North Fork of the Shoshone River runs through a dramatic valley of volcanic spires and buttes. It looks like a Southwestern canyon dropped into Wyoming mountains. Free dispersed camping throughout. The Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway is one of the best drives in the country.
- Bozeman is 2.5 hours, the most accessible gateway to Wyoming wilderness
- America's first national forest (1891): historical weight plus incredible scenery
- Grizzlies, wolves, elk, and bison are legitimate sighting possibilities
- Free dispersed camping throughout 2.4 million acres of national forest
- Skip the Yellowstone crowds by staying here and day-tripping into the park
Free camping near Shoshone NF & Wapiti Valley
Shoshone NF: Wapiti Valley Dispersed (North Fork)
Shoshone National Forest (Wapiti Ranger District)
Free dispersed camping along the North Fork Shoshone River in Wapiti Valley. Volcanic pinnacles tower above the campsite, the river runs cold and clear beside you. Grizzly country, so proper food storage required. One of the most dramatic free camping locations in the US.
How to get there
From Cody WY, take US-14/16/20 west (Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway). Dispersed camping areas are marked along the road within the national forest boundary, starting about 15 miles west of Cody.
Dispersed camping ground rules
- Usually a 14-night limit in one area, then you move on
- Camp at least 200 ft from water, trails and roads
- Pack out all trash. Leave no trace.
- Check local fire restrictions before building a campfire
- No potable water: bring or filter everything you drink
Rules vary by forest and BLM field office, so check with the local ranger district or field office before you go.
Find more free spots
Get an app like iOverlander to find places to camp on public land for free in the states. Other campers post what's there, how rough the road is and whether a ranger moved them on.
- iOverlander (opens in a new tab)Free. Campsites reported by other travelers, with recent notes on access, signal and rangers.
- Campendium (opens in a new tab)Free to browse. A map of free campsites across the US, much of it on public land, with reviews.
Spots change. Read the newest reports and any posted rules before you set up, and pack out everything you bring in.
When to go
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June: best month
- July: best month
- August: best month
- September: best month
- October
- November
- December
WanderRank Scores
Daily Cost
$15 to $55
per day (food + transit)
Free camping available
Plus gas for the drive
Recommended Stay
2 to 5
days · moderate difficulty
Drive time from your airport
Avoid if
- Peak summer crowds at Yellowstone overflow into this corridor July-August
- Bear country requires proper food storage, so you must be serious about this
- Winter closes many roads, so stick to June through October