Morton Lake Campground

For local residents seeking camping opportunities near Kinnear, Wyoming, Morton Lake presents a location with both potential and important considerations. As a point of interest under the "camping near me" category, information regarding legal camping areas, available amenities, and potential hazards is crucial for planning a safe and enjoyable outing. Located off Pilot Butte Rd, Kinnear, WY 82516, USA, the area around Morton Lake offers some facilities and natural attractions, but it also comes with specific warnings from recent visitors that need careful attention.

One review from September 2023 provides valuable insights into the legalities and amenities of camping near Morton Lake. It clarifies that the map marker indicates an area where camping is "absolutely legal." In contrast, the area along the highway is described as a "grey zone," suggesting that the legality of camping there might be uncertain. The reviewer advises local users to be vigilant for any recently erected signs and to strictly adhere to county fire bans, which are common during the summer and fall seasons in Wyoming. For those unsure about the best location, the recommendation is to overnight north of the dam and utilize the area along the highway for daytime and evening recreation. This suggests a distinction between areas suitable for overnight stays and those better suited for day use.

In terms of amenities, the area along the highway at Morton Lake offers a "good vault toilet," which is a significant convenience for campers. Additionally, a "small picnic pavilion with a fire pit and charcoal grill" is available, providing a designated space for meals and campfires. However, it's important to note that the review explicitly states "no drinking water/electric" are provided. Therefore, campers must be self-sufficient in these essential resources. Despite the lack of potable water, the presence of the lake and a swimming beach are highlighted as attractions. However, a critical safety warning accompanies this: "Watch out for GLASS everywhere!" This indicates a potential issue with litter that could pose a risk, particularly to those using the beach or lake areas.

A separate and very serious review raises significant safety concerns about the Morton Lake beach along the highway to Kinnear. The reviewer recounts an encounter with "water snakes" while swimming, specifically identifying them as appearing to be "water moccasins." They strongly advise that unless the Fish & Wildlife Service has actively removed these snakes in the years since their encounter, they may still be present. This warning about potentially venomous snakes in the swimming area is a critical piece of information that local users must consider before planning any water-based activities at Morton Lake, especially along the highway.

The environment around Morton Lake is characterized by the lake itself and its surrounding terrain. The presence of a swimming beach suggests an area intended for recreational water use. The mention of a picnic pavilion indicates an attempt to provide some infrastructure for visitors. However, the warning about broken glass suggests a potential lack of upkeep or responsible use by some visitors, impacting the overall quality and safety of the environment. The distinction between the area north of the dam (recommended for overnighting) and the area along the highway (for day use) implies that the landscape and suitability for different activities might vary across the Morton Lake vicinity.

In summary, Morton Lake offers some basic amenities for local users interested in camping and recreation near Kinnear, including a vault toilet and a picnic pavilion with a fire pit and grill in the highway area. The lake and a swimming beach are also attractions. However, there are significant concerns that must be addressed. Firstly, the legalities of camping along the highway are unclear, with a recommendation to overnight north of the dam. Secondly, the presence of broken glass around the lake and beach poses a safety hazard. Most alarmingly, there is a direct warning about encountering potentially dangerous water snakes, specifically water moccasins, in the swimming area along the highway. The lack of drinking water and electricity also means campers need to be fully prepared.

For local users considering "camping near me" at Morton Lake, the information available suggests a need for extreme caution. While the map marker indicates a legal camping area (presumably north of the dam), the recreational area along the highway, which includes the swimming beach and some amenities, comes with serious safety warnings about both litter and potentially venomous wildlife. The lack of clear information about the legal camping area's specific amenities and environment further complicates planning. It would be advisable for local users to seek more up-to-date information from local authorities or recent visitors before deciding to camp at Morton Lake.

Given the conflicting information and the serious safety concerns raised, it is difficult to offer a straightforward promotional introduction. Instead, local users should approach Morton Lake with awareness of the potential legal ambiguities regarding camping locations, the lack of essential services like drinking water and electricity, the reported issue of broken glass, and, most importantly, the potential presence of water moccasins in the swimming area along the highway. The recommendation to overnight north of the dam might be a safer option for those choosing to camp here, while the highway area could be used for day recreation with extreme caution, particularly regarding swimming.

In conclusion, Morton Lake near Kinnear, Wyoming, presents a camping and recreational area with some basic facilities and natural attractions. However, local users must be aware of the potential uncertainties regarding legal camping spots, the absence of drinking water and electricity, the presence of litter, and the serious warning about water snakes in the swimming area along the highway. It is strongly recommended to exercise caution, seek further information from local sources, and prioritize safety if choosing to camp or recreate at Morton Lake. The advice to overnight north of the dam and recreate along the highway, while being mindful of potential hazards, might be the most prudent approach based on the available reviews. Always prioritize safety and be well-prepared when considering "camping near me," and in the case of Morton Lake, vigilance regarding wildlife and environmental hazards is paramount.

Morton Lake Campground

Pilot Butte Rd, Kinnear, WY 82516, USA