WY Fish & Game Campsite

Are you a Wyoming local looking for a truly rustic and secluded outdoor experience where the focus is on nature, fishing, and a break from the relentless Wyoming wind? The WY Fish & Game Campsite in Carbon County, WY, offers a unique, no-frills camping opportunity that appeals to those who prioritize solitude and direct access to prime recreational areas. This is not a glamping destination, but rather a "small field" that provides essential amenities for the prepared camper.

For many Wyoming residents, finding a quiet spot away from the bustling crowds is paramount. This campsite delivers on that front. As one reviewer noted, it's "just a small field and you do get a break from the wind." In a state known for its powerful gusts, this natural windbreak is a significant advantage, allowing for a more comfortable outdoor experience, especially for tent campers.

The primary amenity that sets this campsite apart, and a crucial one in the vast, often arid landscape of Wyoming, is its "year round water source." This reliable access to water is invaluable for campers, providing a consistent supply for various needs, whether it's for cooking, cleaning, or simply staying hydrated. This feature alone makes it a designated and practical choice for self-sufficient adventurers.

Administered by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, this campsite is explicitly a "designated campsite" that is "relatively easy to access from McFadden." This public access area is focused on providing opportunities for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing along the North Platte River. For locals who enjoy these activities, the campsite serves as an excellent basecamp, allowing them to immerse themselves in the rich outdoor opportunities Carbon County offers.

However, it's important to set expectations for this primitive site. One camper candidly warned, "The downside is the bugs will eat you alive. I would have stayed at the rest area on I80 with the 50mph winds if I knew I would get eaten alive every time I walked outside." This highlights the importance of bug repellent and proper gear for a comfortable stay. Additionally, due to the nature of the terrain and accessibility, it is "NOT take a big rig of any kind here." This campsite is best suited for tents or smaller, off-road capable vehicles.

Ultimately, the WY Fish & Game Campsite is for the resilient Wyoming local who values quietude, essential amenities, and direct access to fishing and hunting over luxurious comforts. It’s a place to embrace the wild side of Wyoming, under the big sky, with the sound of the river nearby.

The WY Fish & Game Campsite is located in Carbon County, WY 82083, USA. More specifically, it is associated with the North Platte River-Rochelle Public Access Area, which is managed through a cooperative agreement between the Wyoming Game & Fish Commission and private landowners. This location places it near McFadden, Wyoming, offering access to approximately 9 miles of river for fishing and other activities.

Access to the campsite, while described as "relatively easy to access from McFadden," is noted by one reviewer as "Hard to get to but I drive a Toyota Sienna." This suggests that the road may be unpaved, potentially rough, and require careful driving. It is crucial to understand that this is not a paved road RV park. The reviews specifically advise against bringing "a big rig of any kind here," indicating that the access road might be narrow, challenging, or simply not suitable for large recreational vehicles. Smaller vehicles, trucks, and those towing modest trailers or simply tent camping will likely have a more manageable experience.

The site is situated within Carbon County, a vast area in south-central Wyoming known for its diverse landscapes, including high plains, sagebrush steppes, and parts of the Medicine Bow and Sierra Madre mountain ranges. This provides a remote and natural setting, away from urban centers, allowing for a true wilderness feel.

The public access area itself includes 12 parking areas and offers pedestrian access along the river. The main parking area at Interstate 80 has a developed boat ramp, while other ramps are more primitive. This implies that while the campsite is somewhat remote, it is part of a larger network of public access points, making it a strategic location for anglers and hunters focusing on the North Platte River.

Given its primitive nature and the warnings about vehicle size, potential visitors should prepare for a rugged drive and be self-sufficient. This type of accessibility caters to experienced campers and those who value solitude and direct interaction with Wyoming's wild spaces over easy, paved access.

• Primitive Camping: The campsite offers a basic, unimproved camping experience, best suited for tents or small, self-contained vehicles. It is described as "just a small field."
• Year-Round Water Source: This is the standout amenity. The site provides a "year round water source," which is a significant convenience for primitive camping in Wyoming's landscape. However, it's important to note this is likely a natural water source and may not be potable without treatment.
• Wind Break: The natural topography of the "small field" offers a "break from the wind," a valuable feature in often windy Wyoming.
• Designated Campsite: It is a "designated campsite," meaning it is officially recognized for camping by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department.
• Public Access Area: The campsite is part of the North Platte River-Rochelle Public Access Area, which provides public easements for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing along the river.
• Parking: Parking areas are available, though suitability for large rigs is limited.
• No Developed Restrooms/Facilities: Based on the "only amenity is year round water source" and mentions of a "outhouse" at other public access areas, it's implied that there are no modern restrooms, showers, or developed facilities at the immediate campsite. Campers should be prepared for primitive sanitation.
• No Electrical Hookups: As a primitive campsite, there are no electrical hookups or other RV-specific amenities.

• Reliable Year-Round Water Access: The most significant highlight is the "year round water source." In a state where water can be scarce, this reliable natural water access is a major benefit for primitive campers.
• Natural Wind Protection: The campsite's position offers a natural "break from the wind," providing a more comfortable camping experience compared to exposed areas, a highly valued feature in Wyoming.
• Excellent Fishing and Hunting Access: Being part of a Wyoming Game & Fish Department Public Access Area, the campsite provides direct and extended access to the North Platte River, renowned for "quality fishing year round for brown and rainbow trout," as well as waterfowl hunting opportunities.
• Quiet and Secluded Environment: Described as a "small field" and "hard to get to" for larger vehicles, it offers a distinct sense of solitude and escape from crowded areas, appealing to those seeking peace and quiet.
• Free Primitive Camping: As a Game & Fish Campsite, it's typically a free camping option, making it very appealing for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The surrounding North Platte River area is rich in wildlife, including big game species like antelope and deer, and various fish species, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Open Year-Round: The public access area is "open year round," offering flexibility for hardy campers willing to brave colder weather (though access roads might not be plowed in winter).
• Rustic, Unspoiled Setting: For those who truly love nature and a "bare bones" experience, the undeveloped nature of the campsite allows for a deep immersion in the Wyoming wilderness.

Address: Carbon County, WY 82083, USA (specifically within the North Platte River-Rochelle Public Access Area)

Phone: (307) 745-4046 (This is the Laramie Regional Office of the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, which manages this area)

Mobile Phone: +1 307-745-4046

For more detailed information on specific access, conditions, or regulations, it is best to contact the Wyoming Game & Fish Department directly through their Laramie Regional Office or visit their official website's public access section for the North Platte River-Rochelle area.

For Wyoming residents, the WY Fish & Game Campsite in Carbon County offers a distinctive and highly suitable option for those who truly embrace the state's rugged, independent spirit and its abundant natural resources. This is not a resort, but rather a practical and authentic gateway to the Wyoming wilderness, perfectly aligned with the preferences of many local outdoor enthusiasts.

Its primary suitability lies in its primitive nature and direct access to exceptional fishing and hunting grounds. Being part of a Wyoming Game & Fish Public Access Area means locals can utilize this campsite as a convenient base for year-round quality fishing for trout in the North Platte River, or for waterfowl hunting, which are cherished traditions for many in the state. The crucial "year-round water source" is an invaluable amenity for self-sufficient campers, especially in a region where water access can be a challenge.

The campsite's ability to provide a "break from the wind" is a subtle yet significant advantage for Wyoming locals who are intimately familiar with the state's often-relentless gusts. This natural protection allows for more comfortable tent camping and outdoor activities, enhancing the overall experience. Furthermore, its secluded, "small field" setting offers the quiet solitude that many seek, a stark contrast to crowded developed campgrounds. For those who own smaller, capable vehicles, the "hard to get to" access actually becomes a benefit, deterring larger rigs and maintaining the remote ambiance.

In essence, the WY Fish & Game Campsite is ideal for the experienced and self-reliant Wyoming camper who prioritizes direct access to outdoor recreation and a peaceful, unadorned connection with nature. It embodies the essence of "roughing it" with purpose, providing the perfect launching pad for fishing expeditions, hunting trips, or simply a quiet retreat under Wyoming's expansive sky, making it a true local treasure for the discerning outdoors person.

WY Fish & Game Campsite

Carbon County, WY 82083, USA