Sweetwater Guard Station Campground
02 reviewsRock Springs Field Office, 280 Highway 191 North, Rock Springs, WY, 82901, USA
Sweetwater Guard Station Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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 campground is described as a non-fee area with no charge for use.
About this campground
Discover a hidden gem where history meets wilderness at Sweetwater Guard Station Campground, home to the region's first Fire Guard Station. This peaceful retreat offers eleven thoughtfully spaced campsites—three intimate walk-in sites for those seeking a more secluded experience and eight standard sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for classic camping comfort. Fully ADA accessible and operating as a free campground, Sweetwater remains refreshingly uncrowded, making it an ideal sanctuary for those who cherish tranquility and authentic mountain solitude far from the bustling tourist trails.
The Sweetwater Guard Station Campground accommodates both tent campers and those seeking walk-in camping experiences. It is not reservable and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this historically significant site, where the region's very first Fire Guard Station once stood watch over these pristine mountain forests. This pioneering outpost played a crucial role in protecting the Wind River wilderness, and today's campground honors that legacy while offering modern adventurers a chance to connect with the area's rich conservation heritage.
Weather and SeasonsPack your warmest sleeping bag for this high-country adventure! Sweetwater's mountain location brings dramatic temperature swings that seasoned campers describe as 'really cold at night.' During peak cold snaps, nighttime temperatures can plummet to a crisp 11°F, while daytime highs hover around a chilly 25°F. These bracing conditions create stunning frost patterns on morning landscapes and crystal-clear night skies perfect for stargazing—just be sure to layer up and bring cold-weather gear to fully enjoy this alpine experience.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await confirmation, the campground's mountain setting provides that distinctive high-altitude experience cherished by outdoor enthusiasts seeking crisp air and expansive views.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Wind River Mountains, where jagged peaks frame your campsite and pristine streams whisper through the valleys. Visitors consistently rave about the stunning landscapes, with one declaring it simply 'Beautiful!' while another aptly describes the experience as 'camping in the middle of nowhere.' This rugged mountain paradise offers endless opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and soul-stirring moments of natural wonder.
Geological RegionThe Wind River Mountains create a dramatic backdrop for your camping adventure, showcasing nature's architectural prowess through towering peaks, carved valleys, and tumbling mountain streams. This geological wonderland offers endless exploration opportunities, from scrambling over ancient rock formations to following crystal-clear waterways through meadows bursting with wildflowers, all while surrounded by some of Wyoming's most spectacular and unspoiled mountain vistas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is ADA accessible as stated in the authoritative description.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of three walk-in access campsites and an additional eight sites. Details on the exact dimensions of the campsites are not provided.
Sites PrivacyDetails about campsite privacy are not provided, but one user mentioned that the area is "camping in the middle of nowhere," suggesting a remote and potentially secluded setting.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers suggest being prepared for cold nights and hauling gear for the walk-in sites up the trail.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days
Groups
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of three walk-in access campsites and eight sites with picnic tables and fire rings. There are additional walk-in sites up a trail where vehicles are not allowed, requiring gear to be hauled in.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews confirm that 'sites are on a first-come, first-served basis.'
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made as the campground is first-come, first-served. No specific cancellation policies apply here.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sweetwater Guard Station Campground offers basic outdoor experiences suitable for those seeking a solitary or peaceful setting. User reviews highlight activities such as camping near the river and exploring nearby trails.
Hiking
There are additional campsites up a trail that requires hauling gear as vehicles are prohibited. This indicates the presence of hiking opportunities. One user noted, "There are additional campsites up a trail, but you have to haul in your gear since vehicles aren't allowed back there."Water Sports
nullCampground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated fire rings at each site.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include extreme cold at night, as noted by users, and remote access requiring careful navigation of dirt roads.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2 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
Emergency services are likely based in Rock Springs or Lander, approximately 73 and 69 miles away respectively. Specific emergency service locations not detailed.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingDetails about trash and recycling facilities are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near a stream, as noted by users: 'Outhouse down the hill by the stream' and 'Right on the river.'
Common complaintsUser reviews mention the lack of cellular service: 'Be aware that you will literally have no service.'
Campground Map
Rock Springs Field Office, 280 Highway 191 North, Rock Springs, WY, 82901, USA
Driving directionsOff State Highway 28, turn north onto County Road 5-13/ Continental Divide Road. Continue for 15 miles and turn east onto BLM Road 4105/Sweetwater Gap Ranch Road for 6 miles. Staying left, travel down BLM Road 4112 for 2.3 miles to the campground loop road.
Access requires driving approximately 23.3 miles on dirt roads, including County Road 5-13 and BLM roads. One user review notes, 'About an hour drive on dirt roads but I had no problem getting there with a front-wheel drive car in dry conditions.'Nearby places
Rock Springs (73 miles), Lander (69 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies would need to be obtained in Rock Springs or Lander, located 73 miles and 69 miles away respectively. No immediate supply locations near the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Sweetwater Guard Station Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe the Sweetwater Guard Station Campground as a serene and scenic escape located in a remote setting. Many visitors appreciated the no-fee policy and the peaceful environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive highlights include the no-fee policy, scenic location near a river, and the presence of fire rings and picnic tables at each site. One review states, "Beautiful campground! No fee. Right on...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaint is the lack of cell phone service at the campground. One user stated, "Be aware that you will literally have no service." Another noted the cold nighttime temperatures.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend being prepared for cold nights and bringing all necessary supplies since the campground is remote and does not offer many amenities. One user noted, "Gets really cold at night."
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest the campground is most enjoyable in dry conditions, as one user with a front-wheel drive car mentioned, "I had no problem getting there with a front-wheel drive car in dry conditions."
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful campground! No fee. Right on the river," "Be aware that you will literally have no service, which might be just what you want," "Gets really cold at night," "Camping in the middle of...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews are not provided, but one user mentioned that there are additional campsites up a trail that require hauling in gear.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground is ADA accessible, as noted in the authoritative description. No specific user reviews address accessibility experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, and one user specifically mentioned, "Allows dogs."
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025