Big Sandy Campground
05 reviewsBig Sandy Campground
$7.00 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
The fee for a single campsite is $7 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites only. Payment needs to be made in cash or check.
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceNull
Weather and SeasonsThe 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.
ElevationNull
Natural Features and SceneryBig Sandy Campground sits like a jewel in the crown of the Bridger Wilderness, where the melodic rush of Big Sandy Creek provides a constant soundtrack to your outdoor adventures. The surrounding landscape unfolds in layers of rugged Wyoming beauty – from the riparian corridor along the creek where willows dance in the breeze, to the distant peaks that pierce the sky like ancient sentinels. Morning light transforms the wilderness into a photographer's dream, while evening alpenglow paints the surrounding ridges in shades of rose and gold. This is the Wyoming that lives in dreams and postcards, raw and magnificent in its untouched splendor.
Geological RegionPerched at the northern gateway to Big Sandy Opening, the campground occupies a strategic position where Big Sandy Creek has carved its path through the landscape over millennia. This corner of the Bridger-Teton National Forest showcases the geological drama of the Wind River Range, where ancient granite peaks and glacially carved valleys tell the story of ice ages past. The Big Sandy Opening itself serves as a natural amphitheater, surrounded by the towering walls of the Bridger Wilderness – one of the largest intact ecosystems in the lower 48 states.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were noted in the authoritative or user-provided descriptions.
Sites SizeThe campground features 4 campsites in the main loop and one additional site near the Stock Trailhead suitable for visitors with horses.
Sites PrivacySome reviews noted a lack of privacy, with one user stating, 'Extremely tight campsites by an extremely busy trailhead. No privacy.'
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull
Best CampsitesNull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Group camping is not specifically mentioned, and most descriptions emphasize individual sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 4 sites in the main loop and an additional site near the Stock Trailhead for visitors with horses.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is usually between June/July and early September, depending upon snow load and road conditions.
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first come, first serve. 'No reservations for this campground' as noted in authoritative sources.
Cancellation PolicyNull
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.
Hiking
The 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."Fishing
Fishing is available at the nearby Big Sandy Creek, as indicated in the authoritative source.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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
Winter activities are not mentioned, and the campground is typically open only from June to early September, depending on weather conditions.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking and canoeing, are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsNo cell service and no potable water available. Wildlife and rugged terrain also pose challenges, as noted in authoritative content and reviews.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest is Pinedale Ranger District for forest-specific emergencies. General emergency services are likely located in Pinedale, WY.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out their own trash as there are no trash disposal facilities available.
Proximity to water featuresBig Sandy Creek is adjacent to the campground.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include the campground being 'always crowded, especially on holiday weekends,' as noted by Harrison Shotzbarger. Other users mention 'not enough parking space' (Angus Bennion) and 'extremely tight campsites by an extremely busy trailhead' (Thomas Clark).
HostNull
Campground Map
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
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Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Big Sandy Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 5 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 5 reviewsCommon 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...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
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 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention experiences related to pets or pet policies.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025