Everyone makes a big deal about Wyoming's stunning natural wonders, like glacial lakes and thermal features. Those who have spent enough time exploring know that some of our man-made wonders are just as impressive - and they can be a lot easier to access, too! For a wonderful example, just take a look at the Pathfinder Reservoir, just south of Casper, Wyoming.
The Pathfinder Reservoir is a spot in Wyoming that's home to a true man-made wonder.
The dam that created the reservoir is an engineering marvel. It was built between 1905 and 1909, and it was one of the first projects that the new Bureau of Reclamation decided to take on.
The engineers and construction workers who poured their hearts into this remarkable dam certainly did an amazing job, as it stands strong and is still in use more than a century later.
There are multiple campsites around the Pathfinder Reservoir, and most of them are open year-round. There is a mix of sheltered and exposed sites, and they're all first come, first serve.
While camping through the Wyoming winter may not seem all too appealing, when you consider that the reservoir is a top-notch ice fishing destination, it's easy to see why the campgrounds stay open! Camping at Pathfinder Reservoir is a fantastic experience.
All four of the campgrounds that surround the Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir are first come, first served. Find a time that's right for you, grab your tent, and enjoy the great outdoors. You can find out more about the facilities and amenities of each campground, as well as directions and area maps, on the Natrona County Parks website. In the summer, Pathfinder is a popular spot for boating and fishing, but it's such a large area that crowds are almost never a problem.
If you love outdoor adventure, check out even more amazing spots for camping in Wyoming.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
When it comes to Wyoming, you will want to take in as much of nature as possible and there's no better way of doing this than immersing yourself in its stronghold 24/7. Camping offers a unique experience with the ways of the wild. Check out these 15 best campgrounds in Wyoming to gain a whole new appreciation for nature and a simpler way of life. You’ll want to visit each of them over and over again!
Canyon Campground is nestled among the trees and located within a mile of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. It's located at N. Rim Drive in Yellowstone National Park and has over 270 individual sites. Learn more about this awesome campground and the best places to stay on the official Yellowstone National Park website.
This is the view from the Horse Creek Campground, which is located in northwest Wyoming within the Shoshone National Forest on Horse Creek Road near Dubois. The campground is comprised of nine sites. This is bear country so be sure to practice safe food storage while camping here. The Forest Service has important information for you to know before you go.
If you're not into roughing it then the Devils Tower KOA Kamping Kabin is a great option. With stunning views and real beds, this is the place to be. You can even grab an ice cream or rent a bicycle while you visit! KOA offers some of the best camping in Wyoming.
Rex Hale Campground is located along the North Fork of the Shoshone River off of N. Fork Highway in Cody. This is considered a smaller campground with 30 spacious sites along the river. Book your reservations at this beautiful location on Recreation.gov.
Firehole Canyon Campground is located right at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir in McKinnon, Wyoming. The campground lies in a high desert area scattered with Russian olive trees and sagebrush. This stunning spot is in the Ashley National Forest, and there’s plenty of boating and fishing to enjoy.
The Island Lake Campground is a high mountain lake campground located in the Shoshone National Forest in Cody. This smaller campground offers 21 beautiful sites. Learn all the facts about your trip on the National Forest website.
Beartooth Lake Campground is located in the Shoshone National Forest in Cody. This is an absolutely gorgeous smaller campsite with 21 sites. Sites here are first come, first served, so arrive early for the best locations!
Two Moon Campground is located in Glendo State Park on a bluff overlooking the lake. With around 200 sites, the campground is made up of a lot of shade trees. There’s plenty of room, but you may still want to make reservations to guarantee the perfect spot.
Grant Village Campground is located in a pine forest on the southwest shore of Yellowstone Lake. There are over 400 sites at this popular campground. Right inside Yellowstone National Park, you’ll be camping high at 7,800 feet elevation!
Madison Campground is one of the largest campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park. It's located at the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers which form the Madison River. Be sure to try some fly fishing since it offers some of the best in the area. With 278 sites, there’s lots of room for everyone. This is one of the best places to camp in Wyoming.
Lizard Creek Campground is located among a spruce and fir forest in Grand Teton National Park in Moran. This is a less populated and developed campground. Even though this is a rustic campground, they recommend planning and reserving your space six months in advance to guarantee a spot.
Hunter Peak Campground is located in Shoshone National Forest along the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway and among the banks of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River. The less populated campground has 10 sites. There are so many great things to do outdoors in Wyoming, and we think camping at this campground hits the top of the list!
East Table Creek Campground is located in Bridger Teton National Forest in Jackson. The campsite runs along the shores of the Snake River. The campground boasts views of mountains and the river, and is nicely sheltered from the highway. This is a great place to stay in Wyoming.
This is the view from the Gros Ventre Campground which lies along the Gros Ventre River. The campground is rather large with more than 300 sites. It’s one of the largest campgrounds in Wyoming, and also offers some stunning views, too.
For one of the "best places to go camping near me," Norris Campground is located in Yellowstone National Park near the Norris Geyser Basin and Gibbon River. The campground is shaded by trees but there is also an open meadow just beyond the tree line where wildlife, especially bison, are spotted. The campground offers more than 100 sites. The National Park Service runs this campsite, and they recommend reservations months in advance to secure a site.
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What is your favorite camping spot in Wyoming? Have you visited any of the amazing camping spots in Wyoming that are on our list? Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, check out this incredible place to go glamping in Wyoming.
For those of you looking for new camping gear, look no further than REI! I happen to love all of the incredible outdoor brands they carry.
