Pilot Butte Reservoir Campground

For Wyoming residents who appreciate a more rugged and self-reliant camping experience, Pilot Butte Reservoir Campground offers a scenic and no-cost option. Located on the Wind River Reservation near Pavillion, this campground provides a raw and beautiful setting for those who love to "boondock" or camp in a more primitive style. It is an ideal spot for those who seek solitude and a break from the crowded, fee-based campgrounds, with a genuine sense of being out in the wild.

Pilot Butte Reservoir Campground is a place defined by its natural beauty and a "back-to-basics" approach to outdoor recreation. As one reviewer enthusiastically put it, they were "very glad we stumbled on this place!" The absence of a fee and the presence of basic amenities like covered picnic shelters and fire pits make it a cherished find for many. The campground is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and is known for its scenic views, attracting visitors who enjoy fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. While it has faced challenges with maintenance and security in the past, a commitment to public lands from organizations and volunteers highlights its potential and value as a recreational area.

The atmosphere at Pilot Butte is typically peaceful, especially "after dark," as one visitor described, when the area is left to "us, loons, deer and ducks." The open landscape and lack of shade offer an opportunity to fully appreciate the vast Wyoming sky, from sunrise to sunset. The sense of isolation and connection with nature is a major draw for those who want to escape the noise and light pollution of city life. This type of camping requires self-sufficiency and a "pack it in, pack it out" mentality, which aligns with the ethos of many Wyoming outdoor enthusiasts.

The campground provides a serene backdrop for a variety of activities. Its accessibility to the reservoir allows for boating, fishing, and other water-based fun, while the surrounding landscape is perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. It’s a place where you can feel grounded and truly immersed in the stunning natural environment of Fremont County. For a genuine and uncommercialized camping experience, Pilot Butte Reservoir Campground is a worthwhile destination.

Pilot Butte Reservoir Campground is located on the Wind River Reservation near Pavillion, WY 82523, USA. This address places it within a scenic and relatively remote area of Wyoming, making it a great destination for a quiet getaway. Its location near the reservoir provides beautiful views and easy access to water-related activities, which are a major part of the experience.

Accessibility is a key feature, as the campground is designed to accommodate various types of vehicles. While there is no fee, the campground offers on-site parking for both RVs and tents. Some of the spots even have "cement pads for your trailer," a valuable amenity for those with larger rigs. This makes the process of setting up camp much easier and more stable. The campground is also noted for having a wheelchair accessible parking lot, which is a significant highlight, making the area more inclusive for visitors with mobility challenges.

As a boondocking area, the roads leading to and within the campground are not paved, but they are generally passable for most vehicles. The fact that a variety of vehicles, from minivans to large fifth wheels, have successfully camped here speaks to its accessibility. Its remote location adds to its quiet and peaceful nature, providing an authentic sense of escape from the more populated areas of the state. The proximity to the reservoir's shoreline also makes it a great spot for those who want to be close to the water for fishing or launching a boat.

Based on the information provided, Pilot Butte Reservoir Campground offers a few key services that enhance the primitive camping experience:

• RV camping: The campground is set up to accommodate RVs, with some spots having concrete pads for stability.
• Tent sites: There are plenty of spots for tent camping, with open areas to pitch a tent and gather around a fire.
• On-site parking: You can park your vehicle directly at your campsite, which is a major convenience for campers.
• Public restroom: The campground has restrooms, which, while primitive, are a significant amenity for a free camping area.
• Picnic tables: Each spot is equipped with a covered picnic shelter and table, providing a comfortable place to sit and eat, even without much natural shade.

Here are the key features and highlights that make Pilot Butte Reservoir Campground worth considering:

• Free camping: A major highlight is that there is no camping fee, which is a huge benefit for budget-conscious travelers and those who prefer a no-cost option.
• Family-friendly: The campground is noted as "good for kids," with plenty of open space for them to play and explore in a relatively safe environment.
• On-site parking: This is a crucial convenience for both tent and RV campers, allowing for easy access to your gear and a secure place to park your vehicle.
• Scenic views: The campground offers "beautiful views in every direction," from the open landscape to the peaceful waters of the reservoir.
• Rustic amenities: While lacking in extensive services, the presence of covered picnic tables and fire pits at each site is a major highlight for a free camping area.
• Abundant wildlife: Visitors can expect to see wildlife, with a reviewer mentioning loons, deer, and ducks, which adds to the natural and wild feel of the place.
• Wheelchair accessible parking: This inclusive feature makes the campground accessible to a wider range of visitors.

Since this is a free, primitive campground, there is no official phone number for reservations or specific site information.

Address: Wind River Reservation, Pavillion, WY 82523, USA

Phone Number: No public phone number is available for this camping area. For general information on the Pilot Butte Reservoir and surrounding area, you may be able to contact the Bureau of Reclamation's Wyoming Area Office. It is essential to be self-reliant and not depend on a camp host or ranger for assistance, as this is a dispersed camping area.

For up-to-date information on the campground, it is best to consult online camping forums and travel sites where other campers share their recent experiences and tips. This is also where you can find out about current conditions and any temporary closures or alerts.

For Wyoming residents, Pilot Butte Reservoir Campground is a great choice for several compelling reasons. The primary draw is the opportunity for free, rustic camping. In a state with so much beautiful public land, this campground stands out by providing a number of basic amenities—like picnic tables and restrooms—that are not always available in dispersed camping areas. This makes it a great "next step" for campers who are ready to move beyond highly developed campgrounds but aren't quite ready for a fully primitive experience.

The "Good for kids" feature is also a major benefit. The open, spacious environment is perfect for families, allowing children to play freely and safely. The availability of on-site parking for both RVs and tents is another key practical advantage, as it simplifies the logistics of the trip. The stunning views and the abundance of wildlife make this a truly peaceful and memorable place to get away from it all.

In conclusion, while Pilot Butte Reservoir Campground may not be a perfect fit for everyone, it is an excellent choice for those who appreciate the simplicity and freedom of rustic camping. Its free access, scenic location, and basic but valuable amenities make it a worthwhile destination for a tranquil escape. For a beautiful, no-frills, and adventurous camping experience in the heart of Wyoming, Pilot Butte Reservoir Campground is a fantastic option that promises a memorable trip under the big sky.

Pilot Butte Reservoir Campground

Wind River Reservation, Pavillion, WY 82523, USA