Can we let you in on a little secret? Casper, Wyoming is home to unmatched opportunities to get outside and, here, you’re never far from your next outdoor adventure. One of the best ways to answer the call of the wild? By going camping, right here in the Oil City.
To help you get started with planning your camping trip, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite places to camp in and around the area, along with some insider tips that will help you along the way.
(Just a heads up, many Natrona County campsites are currently running off of a reservation system, including all of Casper Mountain. Explore availability and book your site.)
Casper Mountain
Camping on Casper Mountain during the 2024 season will be extremely limited and inaccessible at times due to road construction on the mountain. For questions and updates, please visit the Natrona County website or contact the Natrona County Parks Department at 307-235-9325.
With several campgrounds for you to choose from, Casper Mountain is a camper’s paradise! From Bear Trap Meadow, which also happens to be a beautiful place for a picnic, to Tower Hill, Deer Haven and Skunk Hollow, these unique campgrounds will have you embracing your outdoorsy side in no time.
While you’re on the mountain, you’ll also be just a short distance away from our area’s beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails. We recommend checking out a local favorite, the Bridle Trail, a 4.5-mile hike that showcases some of the most spectacular views of Casper. When you’re finished you’ll find yourself at the trailhead of Garden Creek Falls, in Rotary Park. Finish your adventure with a short trek back to our local waterfall to cool off or retreat to a camping site along the creek for a picnic or bonfire. View a map that outlines each campground and its amenities on Natrona County's website.
Trappers Route Area
If you’re looking to set up camp along the North Platte River, look no further than this riverside oasis. Trappers Route offers outdoor fun for kids and kids at heart, from fishing to wildlife watching to picnicking. With four developed campgrounds offering both tent and camper-friendly campsites, amenities include trash cans, picnic tables, shade structures and restrooms as well as metal firepits to roast s’mores around a campfire.
Since you’ll be camping along the river banks, make sure to pack a fishing rod and get a fishing license to catch your daily meals or bring some inflatable tubes to float the river. You’ll also be in a prime location for wildlife viewing, so keep your eyes out for deer and antelope. Find more information here.
Camping at Alcova
There are endless camping opportunities at Alcova Reservoir and Fremont Canyon alike, but one of the most popular is known as Black Beach. The first campground you reach as you enter from the east side of Alcova Lake, just about every campsite sits lakefront with its own picnic shelter. The campground has two boat ramps to hit the water, but there isn’t drinking or potable water available for campers so be sure you come prepared! If you end up needing to buy water or other supplies, Sloane's General Store is right down the road and has everything from drinks, toiletries and some of the best ice cream around.
In the center of Alcova Resort, you’ll also find Little Sandy Beach & RV area, a designated area for swimming that also has a playground for children and beach volleyball for adults or families to enjoy. The resort itself has boats, kayaks, jet skis and canoes available for rent, and they even offer sunset cruises on the water. Find more information on Alcova and everything that the area has to offer on our website.
Fort Caspar Campground
Boasting 84 RV sites and 10 tent sites, Fort Caspar is one of the largest campgrounds in Casper. This campground boasts two private fishing ponds and access to the North Platte River, making it the perfect place for fishing enthusiasts! Just a short drive from downtown, this site also includes a playground for children, 24-hour laundry, showers and restrooms, walking trails and a store that sells your basic camping needs. While you’re here, make it a priority to visit the Fort Caspar Museum, which is just a short walk away and a great place to learn about some of Casper’s earliest history.
Does this list have you dreaming of days spent hiking through nature, eating your meals around a fire and spending your nights under the vast, star-lit Wyoming night sky? Us too–it’s no doubt that setting up camp in Casper is one of the best ways to experience Wyoming and enjoy front-row seats to its beauty.
For a full list of all of our campgrounds and other camping options, click here, and to get started planning your entire Casper adventure, check out our free Visitor’s Guide online or order your own physical copy. You can also stop in and see the team at Visit Casper in person at 139 West 2nd Street, Suite 1B in Downtown Casper.