Vedauwoo Tent Campground

Hey there, fellow Wyoming adventurers! When the spirit of exploration calls, sometimes you’re looking for more than just a typical campground. You’re seeking a place with character, a unique landscape that truly captures the wild essence of our state. For those with an adventurous streak, or simply a love for distinctive natural beauty, Vedauwoo Tent Campground near Buford, Wyoming, is an absolute must-visit. Nestled amidst its iconic weathered Sherman granite formations, this campground offers an unparalleled blend of stunning scenery, world-class climbing opportunities, and a surprisingly peaceful camping experience. As locals, we appreciate destinations that offer both excitement and tranquility, and Vedauwoo delivers on both fronts. This article will be your comprehensive guide to understanding what makes Vedauwoo Tent Campground a truly special destination for your next outdoor escape, detailing its convenient location, the essential services it provides, and the unique features that make it a favorite among Wyomingites.

Imagine a landscape sculpted by eons, where colossal boulders and impressive rock formations create a natural playground for all ages. Vedauwoo Tent Campground isn't just a place to pitch your tent; it's an immersion into a geological marvel. Whether you're a seasoned rock climber eager to tackle challenging off-width cracks, a family looking for a unique place where "kids had a blast climbing up the boulders" even with "NO EXPERIENCE," or a traveler simply passing through on I-80 in search of a quiet, clean overnight stop, Vedauwoo offers something special. While it caters specifically to tent campers, its unique setting and accessible amenities have garnered strong positive feedback from visitors. We’ll delve into its surprisingly easy accessibility despite its rugged appearance, the thoughtful services available to ensure a comfortable stay, and the standout highlights that consistently draw in locals seeking that perfect blend of adventure and serenity. Get ready to uncover why Vedauwoo Tent Campground is truly one of Wyoming’s most distinctive camping experiences.

Vedauwoo Tent Campground is uniquely positioned in Buford, WY 82052, just off Interstate 80. This makes it an incredibly convenient stop for those traveling across Wyoming, as one reviewer noted, it's "Just off route 80 perfect for passing thru." Its proximity to I-80 (Exit 329, the "Vedauwoo Exit") makes it highly accessible from both Laramie (approximately 20 miles east) and Cheyenne (approximately 30 miles west). Despite being so close to a major interstate, the campground quickly immerses you in a rugged, natural environment, thanks to its setting amidst the 1.4-billion-year-old Sherman granite formations of the Vedauwoo Recreation Area.

Access to the campground involves a short drive on a well-maintained road (Forest Road 720 off Vedauwoo Road/Forest Service Road 700). Customer reviews confirm that the main access road is generally good, and while some sites might have a "very slight incline," standard vehicles should have no issue reaching the tent-only loop. The elevation here is around 8,200 to 8,300 feet, providing cooler temperatures and distinct high-plains and mountain vegetation compared to lower elevations. This strategic location offers the best of both worlds: quick access for travelers and an immediate plunge into one of Wyoming's most geologically fascinating and recreationally rich areas, making it a highly desirable spot for locals seeking a quick escape or a base for extended exploration.

Vedauwoo Tent Campground, while rustic, provides essential services to ensure a comfortable and convenient camping experience, especially for tent campers. These services are well-suited for its unique natural setting.

• Tent-Only Campsites: The campground specifically features a loop of 20 tent-only sites. This provides a dedicated space for tent campers, often offering a more traditional and quieter camping atmosphere away from larger RVs.
• Picnic Tables: Each individual campsite is typically equipped with a sturdy picnic table, offering a dedicated surface for dining, meal preparation, or simply relaxing outdoors.
• Fire Rings: Most, if not all, campsites include a designated fire ring, often with a grill grate. These allow for safe and contained campfires, perfect for cooking, warmth, and evening gatherings, always in adherence to current fire restrictions.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides access to clean and well-maintained vault toilets. Reviewers specifically highlighted "bathrooms" and noted that they were "very clean," a significant plus for rustic campgrounds.
• Trash Collection: Designated trash receptacles are available for waste disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean and "leave no trace."
• Water Handpump (Seasonal): While not always guaranteed due to weather or maintenance, potable drinking water may be available from a handpump in the main campground area (typically sites 19-29). However, it is strongly recommended to "bring your own water or call ahead" to confirm availability. No electrical, water, or black water hook-ups are available, maintaining the rustic charm.
• Fee-Based Stay: A nightly fee applies, noted by a customer as "$20 a night," payable by cash or check. Some sites may be reservable, while others are first-come, first-served.

Vedauwoo Tent Campground offers a distinct set of features and highlights that make it a truly memorable destination, particularly appealing to those who appreciate unique natural landscapes and outdoor activities.

• Exceptional Rock Formations: The primary highlight is the campground's setting amidst the dramatic Vedauwoo rock formations, composed of ancient Sherman granite. These towering boulders and cliffs provide a stunning, almost otherworldly backdrop for camping and offer endless opportunities for exploration.
• World-Class Rock Climbing and Bouldering: Vedauwoo is renowned globally as a mecca for rock climbing, particularly for its challenging wide-crack (off-width) routes. Even beginners can enjoy scrambling on the smaller boulders, as noted by a reviewer whose "Kids had a blast climbing up the boulders" with "NO EXPERIENCE." Experienced climbers will find a vast array of routes.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: A significant highlight from customer reviews is the cleanliness of the bathrooms, described as "very clean campground and the cleanest bathroom I’ve ever seen at a campground." This attention to upkeep greatly enhances the comfort of a rustic camping experience.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural environment supports various wildlife. Visitors have reported seeing "chipmunks" and even a "mouse," indicating a healthy ecosystem. The area is also home to larger wildlife such as deer, elk, moose, and black bears, requiring campers to practice proper food storage.
• Convenient Location Off I-80: Its proximity to Interstate 80 (Exit 329) makes it an incredibly convenient stop for travelers, yet the layout allows for a surprisingly quiet camping experience despite the nearby highway hum.
• Diverse Hiking Trails: The Vedauwoo Recreation Area boasts a network of hiking trails, including the popular Turtle Rock Trail and Box Canyon Trail (which is fully accessible). These trails wind through varied landscapes of rock formations, meadows, streams, and beaver ponds, offering scenic walks for all skill levels.
• Unique Geology and History: The 1.4-billion-year-old Sherman granite formations are not only visually impressive but also carry a rich history, rumored to have been a hideout for outlaws and believed by Native Americans to have been piled up by playful spirits, adding a layer of intrigue to the experience.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere (mostly): Despite its popularity and proximity to the interstate, many campers find the tent campground loop to be surprisingly quiet, especially at night, allowing for a restful sleep amidst nature.

For inquiries, current conditions, or specific questions about Vedauwoo Tent Campground, please use the following contact information. As the campground is managed by the USDA Forest Service, specifically the Laramie Ranger District, their office is the best point of contact.

Address: Buford, WY 82052, USA (within the Vedauwoo Recreation Area)

Primary Contact Phone (Laramie Ranger District, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests): (307) 745-2300

For reservations (if available) or more detailed information on specific sites, it is recommended to check the Recreation.gov website for "Vedauwoo Campground (WY)." Keep in mind that some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, especially outside of peak reservation periods. It’s always advisable to call the Ranger District directly for the most up-to-date information on seasonal opening/closing dates, fire restrictions, and water availability, as these can vary.

In conclusion, for us Wyoming locals, Vedauwoo Tent Campground offers a truly distinctive and accessible outdoor experience right in our own backyard. Its prime location near Buford, directly off I-80, means that this unique geological wonderland is an easy drive from both Laramie and Cheyenne, making it perfect for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a planned adventure. The opportunity to explore the incredible Sherman granite formations, whether by scrambling with family or tackling challenging climbs, provides an unparalleled connection to our state's rugged beauty. The consistent positive feedback about the campground’s cleanliness, particularly the "cleanest bathroom," underscores the care taken to ensure a comfortable stay, even in a rustic setting. While the presence of wildlife, including chipmunks and the potential for larger animals, adds to the authentic wilderness feel, the campground’s peaceful atmosphere provides a serene escape. Vedauwoo Tent Campground isn't just a place to sleep under the stars; it's an invitation to engage with a truly unique piece of Wyoming's natural heritage, perfect for locals seeking adventure, tranquility, and memorable experiences in our own remarkable state.

Vedauwoo Tent Campground

Buford, WY 82052, USA