30 Must-Visit Wyoming Campsites for Off-Grid Survival Training

🏕️ The Best Campsites for Wyoming Survival Preppers

As a seasoned survival prepper living in Wyoming, I’ve learned that the key to thriving in the wild is preparation. The Cowboy State offers a diverse range of terrains—from the towering peaks of the Tetons to the expansive plains of the east—each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for honing survival skills. Below is a curated list of 30 top camping sites across Wyoming, ideal for preppers seeking to test their gear, practice wilderness survival techniques, and immerse themselves in the state’s rugged beauty.


🏞️ 1. Jenny Lake Campground (Grand Teton National Park)

Nestled at the base of the majestic Teton Range, this campground offers breathtaking views and access to numerous hiking trails. It’s a prime spot for testing shelter setups and water purification methods.

🏞️ 2. Island Lake Campground (Beartooth Highway)

Located in the Shoshone National Forest, this remote campground is perfect for practicing navigation and off-grid cooking techniques. Its proximity to Yellowstone’s northeastern entrance makes it a strategic base for wilderness excursions.Camping Kiddos

🏞️ 3. Curt Gowdy State Park

Situated between Cheyenne and Laramie, this park offers diverse terrains for testing various survival scenarios. With over 170 campsites, it’s ideal for group training exercises.Lonely Planet

🏞️ 4. Glendo State Park

Known for its expansive reservoir, Glendo provides opportunities for water-based survival training and fishing practice. The park’s varied landscapes are perfect for simulating different disaster scenarios.PlanetWare

🏞️ 5. Vedauwoo Campground (Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest)

Famous for its unique rock formations, Vedauwoo offers challenging terrains for practicing shelter building and fire-starting techniques.Book Outdoors

🏞️ 6. Boysen State Park

Located near the Wind River Canyon, this park is ideal for testing water filtration systems and practicing fishing skills.

🏞️ 7. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

With both drive-in and boat-accessible campgrounds, Bighorn Canyon offers diverse environments for survival training, from dense forests to open plains.Wikipedia

🏞️ 8. Medicine Lodge Archeological Site

This historic site near Hyattville features ancient Native American petroglyphs and offers a unique setting for wilderness survival practice.Book Outdoors

🏞️ 9. Horseshoe Bend Campground (Bighorn Canyon)

Located in the South District of Bighorn Canyon, this campground provides a mix of forested areas and open spaces, perfect for testing navigation and shelter-building skills.Wikipedia

🏞️ 10. Afterbay Campground (Bighorn Canyon)

Situated in the North District, Afterbay offers a more secluded environment for practicing solo survival techniques and honing bushcraft skills.

🏞️ 11. Two Moon Campground (Glendo State Park)

As the largest campground in Glendo State Park, Two Moon offers ample space for group survival training exercises and testing various gear setups.

🏞️ 12. Sandy Beach Dune Campground (Glendo State Park)

This campground provides access to the reservoir’s shoreline, ideal for practicing water-based survival skills and fishing techniques.

🏞️ 13. Grayrocks Reservoir

A free camping spot near Greyrocks Reservoir, offering opportunities for fishing, wildlife observation, and testing off-grid living setups.YouTube+1Only In Your State+1

🏞️ 14. Castle Gardens Campground

Located near Lander, this campground offers a unique setting with nearby petroglyphs and opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.Only In Your State+1Camping Kiddos+1

🏞️ 15. Cokeville Campground

A free, no-reservation campground in Cokeville, providing a peaceful setting for solo survival practice and nature immersion.Only In Your State

🏞️ 16. Encampment River Campground

Situated near Rawlins, this campground offers access to the Encampment River, ideal for practicing water purification and fishing skills.Only In Your State

🏞️ 17. Cook Lake Campground

Located near Sundance, this campground offers a tranquil setting with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.

🏞️ 18. Slough Creek Campground (Yellowstone National Park)

A remote campground in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, Slough Creek offers opportunities for wildlife observation and practicing backcountry survival skills.

🏞️ 19. Pebble Creek Campground (Yellowstone National Park)

Situated in the northeastern part of Yellowstone, this campground provides access to hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife observation.

🏞️ 20. Bridge Bay Campground (Yellowstone National Park)

Located near Yellowstone Lake, Bridge Bay offers amenities like flush toilets and coin-operated showers, making it suitable for testing gear and practicing camp setup.Book Outdoors

🏞️ 21. Madison Arm Resort

A glamping option near Yellowstone, Madison Arm offers a mix of comfort and wilderness, ideal for testing luxury survival setups.cntraveler.com

🏞️ 22. Thorofare Campground (Yellowstone National Park)

One of the most remote campgrounds in Yellowstone, Thorofare offers solitude and a true wilderness experience for advanced survival training.cntraveler.com

🏞️ 23. Shoshone Geyser Basin Campground (Yellowstone National Park)

Accessible only by hiking, this campground offers a challenging environment for practicing navigation and backcountry survival skills.

🏞️ 24. Beartooth Lake Campground

Located near Cody, this campground offers access to Beartooth Lake and opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation.

🏞️ 25. Cliff Creek Campground

Nestled in the Hoback Canyon, this peaceful site offers easy access to trails, rivers, and steep terrain. It’s ideal for testing your gear in a rugged, forested environment where quick adaptation is crucial.

🏞️ 26. Granite Hot Springs Campground

Located southeast of Jackson, this campground offers a mix of backcountry adventure and natural relaxation. Practicing water collection, cooking, and cold-weather shelter setups in this geothermal region can teach you how to use the land’s resources wisely.

🏞️ 27. Gros Ventre Campground (Grand Teton National Park)

With panoramic views of the Tetons and abundant wildlife, Gros Ventre offers the perfect setting for food storage training, animal encounter protocols, and water filtration practice.

🏞️ 28. Buffalo Bill State Park

Just outside of Cody, this large park offers lake access and wide-open spaces for building temporary shelters, water transport drills, and fishing-based food plans.

🏞️ 29. Sinks Canyon State Park

Located near Lander, this site showcases underground river systems and unique geology. It’s an excellent location to practice water sourcing, shelter positioning, and navigation using natural landmarks.

🏞️ 30. Shell Falls Campground (Bighorn National Forest)

High up in the Bighorns, this lesser-known site is isolated enough for deep wilderness training—perfect for preppers working on long-term off-grid strategies.


🧭 Why These Sites Matter for Wyoming Preppers

Wyoming isn’t just another pretty state—it’s a prepper’s testing ground. With high winds, long winters, wildfires, and even seismic activity in the western region, it demands more than a bug-out bag. It requires field knowledge, tested skills, and mental toughness. These 30 campgrounds offer environments where you can simulate realistic survival situations and learn the true value of preparedness.


🔥 Prepper Tips for Wyoming Survival Camping

  1. Altitude Acclimation – Many of Wyoming’s best campgrounds are over 6,000 feet. Train your lungs and prepare for slower recovery during physical tasks.
  2. Wildlife Awareness – Learn how to hang food, store gear, and handle bear encounters. Wyoming is grizzly country.
  3. Water Sources – Know where to find clean water or how to filter from alpine lakes and glacial streams.
  4. Cold Weather Prep – Always pack for subfreezing temps, even in summer. Frostbite and hypothermia are real risks.
  5. Fire Building – Winds can reach 50 mph or more. Practice building wind-protected fires in various conditions.
  6. Solar Power Savvy – With few outlets and lots of sun, Wyoming’s ideal for testing solar chargers and portable panels.
  7. Camp Setup in Wind – Know how to secure tents with guy lines and heavy-duty stakes for 40+ mph gusts.
  8. Foraging & Edible Plants – Learn Wyoming’s wild edibles like cattail, wild onion, and dandelion. Never eat what you can’t ID.
  9. Map Reading – GPS is great until it’s not. Practice map and compass skills in the wilderness.
  10. Backup Communication – Cell service is nonexistent in many remote areas. Practice using satellite messengers or HAM radios.

🎯 Final Word from a Wyoming Survivalist

Camping in Wyoming isn’t a leisure activity for me—it’s a proving ground. If I can’t make it out here for three nights with just my pack, tarp, and tools, I know I’m not ready for a long-term crisis. That’s the mindset every survivalist should have: use nature now to train for later. You don’t get do-overs when the grid goes down.

The mountains don’t care if your gear fails. The weather won’t wait for you to figure out how to tie a tarp. Out here, you either adapt or you suffer. These 30 campgrounds are where you learn to adapt.

Wyoming Survivalist’s Guide: Preparing for the State’s Worst Natural Disasters

Wyoming Survivalist’s Guide: Preparing for the State’s Worst Natural Disasters

Living in Wyoming means embracing the rugged beauty and unpredictable nature of the state. From the towering peaks of the Tetons to the vast plains of the east, Wyoming offers a diverse landscape that can be both awe-inspiring and challenging. As a survival prepper residing in this great state, I’ve learned that preparation is key to thriving amidst the natural disasters that can strike without warning.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SURVIVE A FAMINE


Understanding Wyoming’s Natural Disasters

Wyoming’s unique geography and climate make it susceptible to a variety of natural disasters. The state’s residents must be prepared for:

  • Blizzards and Winter Storms: With long, harsh winters, Wyoming often experiences severe snowstorms and subzero temperatures.
  • Wildfires: Dry summers and strong winds create ideal conditions for wildfires, especially in forested areas.
  • Flooding: Rapid snowmelt and heavy rains can lead to flash floods, particularly in mountainous regions.
  • Tornadoes: While less frequent than in “Tornado Alley,” Wyoming does experience tornadoes, especially in the eastern plains.
  • Earthquakes: The western part of the state lies near the Intermountain Seismic Belt, making it prone to seismic activity.

10 Survival Prepper Tips for Wyoming’s Natural Disasters

  1. Build a Comprehensive Emergency Kit: Include essentials such as water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), non-perishable food, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and necessary medications. Don’t forget a manual can opener and a multi-tool.
  2. Prepare for Power Outages: Invest in a reliable generator and ensure you have sufficient fuel. Solar-powered chargers and battery packs can also be invaluable during extended outages.
  3. Winterize Your Home and Vehicle: Insulate pipes, seal drafts, and stock up on heating fuel. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle, including blankets, extra clothing, and non-perishable snacks.
  4. Create a Family Emergency Plan: Establish meeting points, communication methods, and roles for each family member. Ensure everyone knows how to respond to different types of disasters.
  5. Stay Informed: Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio and sign up for local emergency alerts. Monitor weather conditions regularly, especially during storm seasons.
  6. Secure Important Documents: Store vital records such as insurance policies, identification, and medical records in a waterproof and fireproof container.
  7. Practice Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with multiple evacuation routes from your home and community. Practice these routes regularly with your family.
  8. Maintain Livestock and Animal Supplies: If you have animals, ensure you have enough feed, water, and shelter to protect them during disasters.
  9. Fire Prevention Measures: Create defensible space around your property by clearing dead vegetation and maintaining a defensible space. Keep firefighting tools readily available.
  10. Community Involvement: Join local preparedness groups and participate in community drills. Sharing resources and knowledge can enhance collective resilience.

Preparing Financially for Disasters

Beyond physical preparedness, it’s crucial to organize your financial life ahead of natural disasters. Gather essential documents like birth certificates, social security cards, and insurance policies, and store them securely in a fireproof and waterproof location. Maintain updated records of financial accounts, medical information, and contact details for key individuals and services. Additionally, keep cash available for emergencies, as electronic banking may be disrupted. Weatherizing homes and addressing health hazards are proactive steps to reduce the financial impact of disasters. Regularly update your documents, especially during significant life changes to stay prepared.


Staying Informed During Disasters

In Wyoming, staying informed during a disaster is paramount. Local radio stations and NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts provide timely alerts and information. It’s essential to have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive updates when the power goes out. Additionally, consider downloading emergency preparedness apps like FEMA and American Red Cross to receive real-time alerts and guidance.


Building a Go-Bag for Quick Evacuations

A go-bag is an essential tool during natural disasters. Here’s how to build your own:

  • Water: 1 gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation)
  • Food: Nonperishable, easy-to-prepare (3-day supply for evacuation)
  • First aid kit
  • Medications: 7-day supply and medical items
  • Copies of personal documents: Medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies
  • Family and emergency contact information

FEMA emphasizes that everybody will have a different list because everybody’s needs are different. It’s important to customize your go-bag based on your specific requirements.


Community Preparedness and Training

Engaging with your community can enhance overall preparedness. Teton County Emergency Management recommends that every home and business have a NOAA Weather Radio and knows how to operate it. Local radio stations and television channels are also vital sources of information during a disaster. Additionally, consider taking classes through FEMA’s Independent Study Program or the American Red Cross to enhance your disaster response skills.


Final Thoughts

Living in Wyoming requires a proactive approach to disaster preparedness. By understanding the unique risks associated with the state and implementing the survival prepper tips outlined above, you can enhance your resilience and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Remember, preparation is the key to survival.