Big Sandy Campground

Star3.45
14 reviews

Quick Facts

9,104 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season is usual...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Pinedale Rangers District site

Official Website
Get Directions
Big Sandy Campground
$7.00 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee for a single campsite is $7 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites only. Payment...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$7.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
307-367-4326Null
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.45

Mixed Reviews

Based on 14 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews highlight that Big Sandy Campground is best suited for hikers and those prepared for a primitive camping experience. Common themes include the popularity of the trailhead, limited parking, and rough road conditions."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Sandy Campground

42.6878, -109.2708

Driving directionsFrom the Town of Pinedale, Wyoming, head south on United States Highway 191 (US-191) for about 12 miles, then turn left on Wyoming State Highway 353 (WY-353) and drive approximately 15.5 miles where WY-353 transitions into Big Sandy-Elkhorn Road/Country Road 118. Continue for another 12 miles and then make a left turn onto Lander Cutoff Road/County Road 132 (CR-132). Follow for CR-132 for 7 miles, then turn left onto Big Sandy Opening Road/Forest Service Road 370850(FS-370850) and drive for 9.7 miles and then make a right at the fork and Big Sandy Campground is on the right at the end of the road. Approximate travel details from Pinedale, Wyoming: 45 miles, 1 hour and 12 minutes.
The road can become 'pretty washboarded and rough towards the end,' according to user review by Harrison Shotzbarger. The last 10 miles of dirt road is challenging for most cars, but 'SUV or high ground clearance vehicles are recommended,' as noted by Vincent Yu. Seasonal snow load and road conditions may affect accessibility.
Nearby places
Pinedale, Wyoming - 45 miles (Approx. 1 hour and 12 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Null

Best Time to Camp at Big Sandy Campground

The dramatic seasonal shifts at Big Sandy Campground paint a tale of two worlds. Winter brings a hushed blanket of snow and bone-chilling temperatures that can plunge well below freezing, as evidenced during the harsh conditions of early spring. But come summer, the campground transforms into a high-country paradise, with July temperatures reaching a perfect 72°F under crystal-clear skies. The sweet spot for camping typically arrives in mid-summer when wildflowers dot the meadows and the days stretch long and warm. Always check road conditions before your journey, as seasonal snowpack can impact accessibility well into late spring.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest in summer; best season for hiking and access (June/July–early Sept).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Short season and early snows may limit fall access; quieter but variable conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Snow load and road conditions delay opening until June/July; limited spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Heavy snow and road closures make winter access unlikely; campground typically closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is usually between June/July and early September, depending upon snow load and road conditions.
  • Current Alerts: Null

About Big Sandy Campground

Tucked away at the northern edge of Big Sandy Opening, where the crystal-clear waters of Big Sandy Creek wind through Wyoming's untamed wilderness, Big Sandy Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience 60 miles southeast of Pinedale. This intimate campground features just four sites nestled in the main loop, with an additional equestrian-friendly site near the Stock Trailhead for those exploring on horseback. As your gateway to the legendary Bridger Wilderness, the adjacent Big Sandy Trailhead opens up a world of alpine lakes, towering peaks, and endless adventure. Whether you're casting a line into the creek, capturing the perfect sunrise photograph, or setting off on a multi-day trek into the wilderness, this primitive campground serves as your basecamp for unforgettable Wyoming experiences. Remember to embrace the leave-no-trace ethos by packing out all trash and securing food properly in this pristine wilderness setting.
Big Sandy Campground offers primitive camping with a focus on hikers, tent campers, and those with rugged trailers. There are no reservations, and all sites are first-come, first-serve.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null

Amenities available

Food storage lockers
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Big Sandy Campground include hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and photography. The campground is adjacent to Big Sandy Trailhead, which provides access to popular destinations in Bridger Wilderness.
HikingThe hiking opportunities are extensive and varied, with access to the Big Sandy Trailhead leading to some of the most popular destinations in the Bridger Wilderness. One user noted, "If hiking is your main objective, this is the place. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore the Winds."
FishingFishing is available at the nearby Big Sandy Creek, as indicated in the authoritative source.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is one of the noted activities. Campers are required to practice proper food storage, implying the presence of wildlife in the area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo cell service and no potable water available. Wildlife and rugged terrain also pose challenges, as noted in authoritative content and reviews.
Active AlertsNull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredOn-site bear boxes are available for food storage. Proper food storage is required.

Weather at Big Sandy Campground

Reviews

3.5
14 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Big Sandy Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight that Big Sandy Campground is best suited for hikers and those prepared for a primitive camping experience. Common themes include the popularity of the trailhead, limited parking, and rough road conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the hiking options and natural beauty. One user wrote, "If hiking is your main objective, this is the place."
Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent criticisms include the crowded conditions, especially on weekends, lack of privacy, and rough road access. One user noted, "Always crowded, especially on holiday weekends. The road can get...
Show more
Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips provided by users include visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds and using vehicles with higher clearance for the rough road conditions. One user stated, "I came here on Tuesday and the campground...
Show more
Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during holiday weekends and summer months when the weather is most suitable for hiking and camping. Snow load and road conditions may impact accessibility in the early and...
Show more
Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Always crowded, especially on holiday weekends. The road can get pretty washboarded and rough towards the end." - Harrison Shotzbarger "Not enough parking space in my opinion, we had a hard time...
Show more
Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mention the main loop has 4 sites and one additional site near the Stock Trailhead. Users highlight limited parking and tight spaces.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention experiences related to pets or pet policies.
Based on 14 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Big Sandy Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Wyoming

Campgrounds
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Big Sandy Campground