Worthen Meadow Reservoir Campground

If you are searching for "camping near me" in the scenic Lander, Wyoming region, Worthen Meadow Reservoir Campground, located off Forest Rd 300, Lander, WY 82520, USA, offers a delightful lakeside experience for outdoor enthusiasts. You can reach them at (307) 332-5460 or +1 307-332-5460 for inquiries and potentially reservations, although it's worth noting that many forest service campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Based on recent customer reviews, this campground provides a fun and beautiful setting for a day trip or an overnight stay, with some important considerations for planning your visit.

One reviewer highlighted Worthen Meadow Reservoir Campground as "a very fun place to play for the day." Their experience included fishing, playing in the water, and enjoying a campfire to roast hotdogs, indicating that the reservoir itself is a central feature for recreational activities. They also noted visiting on both a weekday and a Saturday, with the weekday being "understandably way less busy." This suggests that the campground's popularity can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, with weekends likely attracting larger crowds. For those seeking a more tranquil experience when looking for "camping near me," a weekday visit to Worthen Meadow Reservoir Campground might be preferable.

The same reviewer also pointed out that the campground is "much cooler than down in Lander," making it "a perfect way to escape the summer heat." This elevation difference and the presence of the reservoir contribute to a more refreshing environment during the warmer months, which is a significant advantage for those looking to escape the summer temperatures when considering "camping near me" in the area.

Another more detailed review provided valuable insights into the layout and atmosphere of the campground. It mentions "two separate loops." The first loop, believed to have 21 campsites, was humorously nicknamed "Party Cove" due to the presence of "super loud campers with little camping etiquette." The reviewer described instances of chainsaws starting early in the morning, metal detectors beeping, and loud adult conversations beginning by 9 AM, even on a Wednesday morning. This paints a picture of a potentially less serene experience in this particular loop, especially for those prioritizing peace and quiet during their camping trip. If you are sensitive to noise, it might be wise to inquire about the location of your campsite within the campground, if reservations are possible, or to assess the atmosphere upon arrival if it's a first-come, first-served system.

In contrast, the second loop, comprising 8 campsites on the southeastern part of the lake at a higher elevation, offered a completely different experience. The reviewer described it as a "complete night and day experience" after moving to this loop, with "super quiet and thoughtful neighbors." This significant difference between the two loops highlights the importance of site selection, if possible, or being prepared for varying levels of noise depending on where you are located within the campground. The second loop also boasted "better views," suggesting a more scenic setting.

Regardless of the loop, the reviewer praised the "absolutely beautiful setting" of Worthen Meadow Reservoir Campground overall. They also noted that "the campsites are very well established," implying defined and prepared areas for camping. A practical feature mentioned was the presence of "*at least* 3 pumps for potable water dispersed between all the sites," ensuring relatively easy access to drinking water throughout the campground. Additionally, the outhouses were described as "some of the cleanest I've ever been in," which is a significant positive for any campground facility.

For those concerned about wildlife, particularly bears, the reviewer noted that "the bear box in the site was surprisingly incredibly handy as an extra countertop space." Bear boxes are essential in bear country for safely storing food and scented items, and their presence indicates that Worthen Meadow Reservoir Campground is located in an area where bears may be present, requiring campers to take appropriate precautions. The dual functionality as extra countertop space is a bonus.

The reviewer primarily tent camped and found it "very comfortable." However, they also observed a significant number of RVs, stating, "I've camped for many years, never seen so many RVs gathered in one spot. We were most definitely the only tent campers." This suggests that Worthen Meadow Reservoir Campground is a popular destination for RVers. Tent campers should be prepared to potentially be in the minority and consider this when choosing their site, as RVs can sometimes generate more noise due to generators or other equipment.

An unfortunate incident occurred when the reviewer returned from fishing one evening to find an RV "backed into our campsite, family unloading and attempting to take over our spot which we'd been in for 3 days." While they acknowledged that "that's life" and it was "a little socially uncomfortable," this highlights the importance of clearly marking your campsite and potentially communicating with other campers to avoid such misunderstandings, especially in campgrounds that don't have strict site assignments or enforcement.

For anglers considering "camping near me" at Worthen Meadow Reservoir, the reviewer noted that "fishing good, but very small." They also found that there were "definitely more bites on the East end by the dam than any other part we explored." This provides valuable information for those planning to fish during their visit, suggesting the best area of the reservoir to try your luck and an expectation regarding the size of the fish.

Given that Worthen Meadow Reservoir Campground is located off Forest Road 300, it is likely managed by the US Forest Service. Forest Service campgrounds often have basic amenities and a focus on natural settings. Reservations may or may not be available depending on the specific campground and the time of year. It's advisable to check the Recreation.gov website or contact the local Forest Service office for information on reservations, fees, and any specific regulations for Worthen Meadow Reservoir Campground.

Promotional information is not provided in the reviews. Forest Service campgrounds typically have standard fees per night, which can vary depending on the amenities offered. Discounts might be available for senior citizens or holders of America the Beautiful passes. Information on fees and discounts would likely be available on the official Forest Service website or by contacting them directly.

In conclusion, Worthen Meadow Reservoir Campground offers a beautiful lakeside camping experience near Lander, Wyoming, with opportunities for fishing and escaping the summer heat. It features established campsites, potable water pumps, and clean outhouses. However, potential visitors should be aware of the potential for noise in the first loop, the popularity of RV camping, and the need to be mindful of campsite etiquette. The second loop offers a quieter experience with better views. Fishing is reported as good but yields smaller fish, with the east end by the dam being the most productive area. As a Forest Service campground, it's recommended to check for reservation policies and fee information through official channels. For those seeking "camping near me" with a focus on natural beauty and lake access, Worthen Meadow Reservoir Campground is a worthy option, keeping in mind the potential variations in atmosphere within the campground.

Worthen Meadow Reservoir Campground

Forest Rd 300, Lander, WY 82520, USA