BLM Boondocking•Fossil Butte

00:00     Title
00:15     Fossil Butte Scenic Drive
06:10     BLM Dispersed Camping
08:05     Historic Quarry Trailhead
09:38     Fin
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When doing a long tour of the west some people like to plan every overnight stay, while others tend to just go for the gusto and bed down wherever the cards may fall. When just a simple place to bed down for the night is all that is needed and no reservations were made, this is when the dispersed camping options come into play. Both the National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management offer designated areas for dispersed camping. Often times a dispersed camping area is conveniently located next to a national park that has no existing campground. 

Mapping systems are getting better at showing the location of dispersed camping areas, but this is not the best resource. Browsing the BLM or national forest websites for camping options is the best way to go when making plans ahead of time. There are also free camping websites, but cross referencing may be necessary. If not much information can be found on the web, then try looking for a ranger station near the planned destination and give them a call. The rangers often provide better dispersed camping information than what is listed at the official website. 

When I first visited the Fossil Butte National Monument in Wyoming, it was late in afternoon and the rain was pouring. Fossil Butte most definitely is way out in the middle of nowhere and the closest town is a long way down the road. There are no camping options inside this national monument and there are no commercial campgrounds nearby. While touring the Fossil Butte Visitor Center I asked the park ranger about nearby dispersed camping options. The ranger suggested a BLM dispersed camping area at the top of a hill that overlooks Fossil Butte. I mentioned that I drive a 4x4 and he responded by saying you will have a lot more options than the RV crowd!

The Fossil Butte BLM dispersed camping area is located about seven miles uphill from the visitor center. This road is the official scenic drive through the park, so this is a nice way to become familiar with this place. At the top of the hill just beyond the national monument welcome sign is an old cattle gate. The dirt access road goes through a hilltop meadow and this is where a few stone fire circles can be seen, which confirms this is the right place. The views of Fossil Butte and the rolling hills stretch out forever and this is a great place to stargaze at night.

On the downside, all of the BLM public lands surrounding Fossil Butte are leased to cattle ranchers. I noticed that the ground was plastered with cow pies outside the cattle gate, but for some reason the cattle did not seem to like the hilltop dispersed camping area. The hilltop meadow had only a few dung piles, so the flies were not a problem. This made the evening dining experience all the better. A weak data signal can actually be picked up on this hilltop, so I was able to get some work done and the sleep sure was comfortable in the cool air.

The first visit was pleasant at Fossil Butte and during my return trip from Grand Teton, I decided to camp at the BLM dispersed camping area once again. This time the full nature of Wyoming weather came to life in a big way. Sustained high winds over 60mph were blasting the hilltop campsite and I ended up sleeping inside the Jeep, which is a real drag. That was a rough night, so looking at the weather forecast is recommended before opting for this hilltop campsite.   

No reservations are needed at the Fossil Butte BLM dispersed camping area and there are no fees. There are no facilities, but a clean restroom is only seven miles downhill.  It is a very long drive to Fossil Butte National Monument no matter which direction a visitor comes from. Knowing that there is a cozy little hilltop BLM campsite with a great view will make the trip all the more worthwhile!