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RV Parks In Kemmerer, Wyoming

41.7925° N, 110.5377° W

Quick Overview

Kemmerer is a small, historic town in the high desert of far southwest Wyoming, sitting around 6,900 feet along the old Lincoln Highway. It is the birthplace of JCPenney and the gateway to Fossil Butte National Monument, one of the richest fossil-fish sites on earth, which together make it a genuinely interesting stop. For RVers, Kemmerer is unusual for remote Wyoming in that it has real in-town RV parks with full hookups, backed up by lakeside and mountain camping nearby.

In town, the Kemmerer-Diamondville area has several RV parks, led by Riverside RV & Mobile Home Park on the Hams Fork River, which has served travelers for over 50 years with full water, electric, and sewer hookups. For a public option with services, Fontenelle Creek Recreation Area on Fontenelle Reservoir, about 30 miles north, offers 55 sites, potable water, and a trailer dump station, with excellent boating and trophy fishing right there.

If you want the mountains, the Bridger-Teton National Forest to the north delivers. Hams Fork Campground sits at 8,000 feet about an hour up a gravel forest road, a first-come base for fishing and hiking, and free dispersed camping is available across the forest with a 14-day limit for self-contained rigs. Just note the elevation and season: high-country camps often do not open until late June and close early.

The camping character here is wide-open, historic, and seasonal. Summer, mid-June through September, is the window, with warm days and cold nights; winters close the backcountry and belong to the snow. Nearby you have the fossils at Fossil Butte, the JCPenney Mother Store, blue-ribbon trout on the Hams Fork, and reservoir fishing. Below we cover access, costs, seasons, and what to see from this offbeat corner of Wyoming, along with honest advice on which sites suit big rigs and where to fill water and dump on the road.

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Traveling to Kemmerer by RV

Getting to Kemmerer means leaving the interstate for a bit. US-30, the historic Lincoln Highway, is the main route through town, and I-80 is about an hour south near Little America, with Evanston and Rock Springs the nearest larger towns for fuller RV service. US-189 heads north toward Fontenelle Reservoir and eventually the Tetons. The paved highways handle any rig, but the forest roads north to Hams Fork turn to well-maintained gravel better suited to shorter or self-contained rigs. Fuel, propane, and groceries are available in Kemmerer, so stock up here before heading out.

Think of Kemmerer as a hub for the Fossil Basin. Fossil Butte National Monument is just 15 miles west on US-30, an easy day trip from any campground, and Fontenelle Reservoir is about 30 miles north for boating and fishing. For tanks, the town RV parks offer full sewer hookups and Fontenelle Creek has a trailer dump station and potable water, while forest and dispersed sites have nothing, so service the rig in town or at the reservoir. Base once and day-trip to the fossils, the river, and the reservoir rather than moving camp constantly.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Kemmerer, Wyoming, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Check your RV insurance coverage

A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.

Know your roadside assistance options

RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.

Decide about an extended warranty early

Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.

Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees

A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.

RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.

Dump Station Costs in Kemmerer

Camping around Kemmerer runs from free to reasonable, with none of the resort pricing you find in tourist hotspots. Free dispersed camping in the Bridger-Teton National Forest is available for self-contained rigs, with just the 14-day stay limit, making it a great value for boondockers. Public developed sites are cheap: the Fontenelle Reservoir campgrounds charge low nightly fees, and Fontenelle Creek Recreation Area gives you water and a dump station at modest rates.

The town RV parks cost more because they provide full hookups and in-town convenience, but they remain mid-range and affordable for the region, well below big-city or national-park-gateway prices. Riverside RV & Mobile Home Park and the other Kemmerer-Diamondville parks are the choice when you want sewer at the site and easy access to Fossil Butte. Budget-wise, boondock in the forest or camp at the reservoir to save money, or pay for a town park when you want full hookups, and factor in the fuel for day trips given the distances between attractions out here.

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What RVers Are Saying About Kemmerer

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Best Time to Visit Kemmerer by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

10°F - 30°F

Crowds: Low

Cold and snowbound. Reservoir and forest campgrounds close; only town RV parks stay open for full-timers. Not an RV touring season.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

28°F - 52°F

Crowds: Low

Cold, muddy, and snowy at elevation. Higher campgrounds like Hams Fork often stay closed until late June, so early trips mean town parks or the reservoir.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

45°F - 80°F

Crowds: Medium

The main season: warm days, cold nights, afternoon storms. Fontenelle Reservoir and forest camps are open; reserve BLM sites for weekends, but solitude is easy to find.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

30°F - 60°F

Crowds: Low

Crisp and quiet with excellent fishing and hunting season. Nights freeze and early snow is possible; high-country camps begin closing.

Explore the Kemmerer Area

A few pointers for RVing the Kemmerer area. First, for full hookups, book a town park like Riverside RV & Mobile Home Park on the Hams Fork; it is the most convenient serviced base and stays open longer than the backcountry sites. Second, for a public stay with water and a dump station, Fontenelle Creek Recreation Area on the reservoir is the best choice, and it puts you on the water for fishing and boating. Third, do not skip Fossil Butte National Monument, just 15 miles west; it is the reason many people come.

Fourth, time it right. Mid-June through September is the season; the elevation means freezing nights even in summer, and high camps like Hams Fork often stay closed until late June. Fifth, come self-contained if you plan to boondock in the national forest, and carry extra water since services are far apart. Finally, stock up on fuel, propane, and groceries in Kemmerer before heading north or into the forest, and enjoy the dark skies and solitude that this offbeat, uncrowded corner of Wyoming does so well.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Kemmerer

What are the RV camping options near Kemmerer, Wyoming?

Kemmerer is a small high-desert town in southwest Wyoming with a surprisingly good range of camping. In town, several RV parks in the Kemmerer-Diamondville area offer full hookups, led by Riverside RV & Mobile Home Park on the Hams Fork River. For a public, water-oriented stay, Fontenelle Creek Recreation Area on Fontenelle Reservoir about 30 miles north has 55 sites, a trailer dump station, and lake access. Up in the mountains, Hams Fork Campground in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and free dispersed forest sites offer solitude at elevation. So you can pick full-hookup convenience, lakeside recreation, or backcountry quiet.

Are there full-hookup RV parks in Kemmerer?

Yes. The Kemmerer-Diamondville area has several town RV parks with full hookups, which is a nice change from the primitive camping common in remote Wyoming. Riverside RV & Mobile Home Park is the standout, sitting on the Hams Fork River and serving the town for over 50 years with full water, electric, and sewer hookups. Base Camp RV Park and a few others round out the in-town options. These make a comfortable, serviced base for visiting Fossil Butte National Monument and the surrounding country. If you want hookups every night rather than boondocking, the town parks are your reliable choice, and they typically stay open longer into the shoulder seasons.

Can I camp at Fossil Butte National Monument?

Not overnight at the monument itself; Fossil Butte National Monument is a day-use site with a visitor center and trails but no campground. The good news is it is only about 15 miles west of Kemmerer on US-30, so it is an easy day trip from any of the town RV parks or the Fontenelle Reservoir campgrounds. Plan to base your rig in Kemmerer or at Fontenelle Creek and drive over to see the world-class 50-million-year-old fossil fish and the exhibits. Give yourself a few hours for the visitor center and a hike, then return to camp. It is the signature attraction of the area and well worth the stop.

Does Fontenelle Reservoir have RV camping and a dump station?

Yes. Fontenelle Creek Recreation Area, a BLM site on the west side of Fontenelle Reservoir about 30 miles north of Kemmerer off US-189, has 55 campsites with covered picnic tables, grills, potable water, vault and flush restrooms, and importantly a trailer dump station. There are no hookups at the sites, so it is dry camping with services nearby, and it is a great base for boating and fishing the reservoir. A separate reservoir campground nearby is more primitive, with a dump site near the entrance and low fees. For public camping with water and a dump near Kemmerer, Fontenelle Creek is the best option.

When is the best time to camp near Kemmerer?

Summer, roughly mid-June through September, is really the only comfortable RV season. Kemmerer sits at about 6,900 feet and the forest camps are higher still, so even summer nights are cold, but the days are warm and dry, ideal for fishing, hiking, and touring Fossil Butte. Fall is crisp and beautiful with great fishing, but nights freeze hard and early snow arrives. Winter is cold and snowbound, closing the reservoir and forest campgrounds and leaving only town RV parks open. Spring comes late at this elevation, with mud and lingering snow keeping the high campgrounds closed often until late June. Target summer and pack for cold nights.

Can big rigs camp near Kemmerer?

Yes, at the right spots. The town RV parks, especially Riverside RV & Mobile Home Park, handle standard RVs and big rigs with full hookups and easy paved access, making them the best big-rig base. Fontenelle Creek Recreation Area is accessible off US-189 and works for larger rigs, with a trailer dump station on site. The place to be cautious is the national forest: Hams Fork Campground sits at 8,000 feet at the end of a gravel forest road about an hour north, better suited to shorter or self-contained rigs than to a large motorhome. Route big rigs on the paved highways and confirm site size before heading into the forest.

Is there free dispersed camping around Kemmerer?

Yes. The Bridger-Teton National Forest north of Kemmerer allows free dispersed camping, with a 14-day limit within any 30-day period, after which you must move at least 5 miles away. Your rig should be fully self-contained, since these sites have no facilities or water. There is also boondocking on BLM land in the area. The reward is genuine solitude in the Wyoming Range foothills and along the Hams Fork. Access is by well-maintained gravel forest roads that can be affected by weather, so check conditions and carry plenty of water and supplies. For self-sufficient RVers, this is some of the quietest free camping in southwest Wyoming.

What is there to do around Kemmerer?

More than you might guess for a small town. The headline is Fossil Butte National Monument, 15 miles west, with world-class fossil fish and a fine visitor center. In town, the JCPenney Mother Store, the original 1902 shop on the town triangle, and the JCPenney home mark the birthplace of the retail chain. For the outdoors, Fontenelle Reservoir offers boating and trophy fishing, the Hams Fork is a blue-ribbon trout stream, and the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Wyoming Range to the north bring hiking and scenic backways. Some outfitters even let you dig your own fossils. It is a genuinely interesting stop blending natural history, Western heritage, and mountain recreation.

How far is Kemmerer from the interstate and other towns?

Kemmerer is off the interstate grid, which is part of its quiet appeal. US-30, the historic Lincoln Highway, is the main route through town, and I-80 is about an hour south near Little America. Evanston is roughly an hour southwest and Rock Springs a bit over an hour east, both on I-80 with fuller services and RV repair. To the north, US-189 leads toward Big Piney and eventually Jackson and the Tetons, several hours away. This means Kemmerer works as either a fascinating detour off I-80 or a base for exploring the Fossil Basin and the southern Wyoming Range, but plan fuel and services around the distances.

Are the campgrounds near Kemmerer open in winter?

Mostly no. The high elevation and heavy southwest Wyoming winters close the Fontenelle Reservoir campgrounds and the Bridger-Teton National Forest sites, and dispersed access is limited by snow. The area turns cold, white, and quiet. The exception is the town RV parks in Kemmerer-Diamondville, some of which stay open through winter, largely for workers and full-timers, though water service can be affected by hard freezes. If you are passing through in the cold months, plan on a town park and confirm it is open and winterized. For any trip focused on the outdoor attractions, stick to the summer season when the reservoir and forest camps are actually accessible.

Do I need to be self-contained to camp here?

It depends on where you stay. If you book a town RV park like Riverside, you get full hookups and do not need to be self-contained. But if you head to the national forest or dispersed sites, a self-contained rig with its own water, holding tanks, and power is essential, since those sites have primitive or no facilities. Even Fontenelle Creek, while it has potable water and a dump station, offers no hookups at the sites, so you camp dry there. The practical approach is to arrive with full water and empty tanks, use the town parks or Fontenelle Creek dump station to service the rig, and be prepared for dry camping in the backcountry.

Is Kemmerer good for fishing?

Very much so, and it is a real draw for the area. The Hams Fork River, which runs right through Kemmerer and up into the Wyoming Range, is a blue-ribbon trout stream popular with fly anglers. Fontenelle Reservoir about 30 miles north is known for trophy trout and kokanee salmon, with boat access at Fontenelle Creek Recreation Area. Up in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, mountain streams and the upper Hams Fork offer more classic Western fishing. Base at a town RV park or the reservoir campground, and you can fish the river and the lake on the same trip. Bring your Wyoming license and expect cold, clear high-country water.

Is Kemmerer a good stop on the way to the Tetons or Yellowstone?

It can be a worthwhile one, though it is not right on the doorstep. Kemmerer sits in far southwest Wyoming, and Jackson and the Tetons are several hours north via US-189, so it works better as a fascinating detour or an overnight than as a park-front basecamp. Many travelers crossing on I-80 pop up to Kemmerer to see Fossil Butte National Monument and the JCPenney store, then continue on. If you are routing to the Tetons from the south, an overnight at a Kemmerer RV park breaks up the drive and adds a genuine highlight in Fossil Butte. Plan fuel and groceries here, since services thin out as you head north.

What are the RV camping options near Kemmerer, Wyoming?

Kemmerer is a small high-desert town in southwest Wyoming with a surprisingly good range of camping. In town, several RV parks in the Kemmerer-Diamondville area offer full hookups, led by Riverside RV & Mobile Home Park on the Hams Fork River. For a public, water-oriented stay, Fontenelle Creek Recreation Area on Fontenelle Reservoir about 30 miles north has 55 sites, a trailer dump station, and lake access. Up in the mountains, Hams Fork Campground in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and free dispersed forest sites offer solitude at elevation. So you can pick full-hookup convenience, lakeside recreation, or backcountry quiet.

Are there full-hookup RV parks in Kemmerer?

Yes. The Kemmerer-Diamondville area has several town RV parks with full hookups, which is a nice change from the primitive camping common in remote Wyoming. Riverside RV & Mobile Home Park is the standout, sitting on the Hams Fork River and serving the town for over 50 years with full water, electric, and sewer hookups. Base Camp RV Park and a few others round out the in-town options. These make a comfortable, serviced base for visiting Fossil Butte National Monument and the surrounding country. If you want hookups every night rather than boondocking, the town parks are your reliable choice, and they typically stay open longer into the shoulder seasons.

Can I camp at Fossil Butte National Monument?

Not overnight at the monument itself; Fossil Butte National Monument is a day-use site with a visitor center and trails but no campground. The good news is it is only about 15 miles west of Kemmerer on US-30, so it is an easy day trip from any of the town RV parks or the Fontenelle Reservoir campgrounds. Plan to base your rig in Kemmerer or at Fontenelle Creek and drive over to see the world-class 50-million-year-old fossil fish and the exhibits. Give yourself a few hours for the visitor center and a hike, then return to camp. It is the signature attraction of the area and well worth the stop.

Does Fontenelle Reservoir have RV camping and a dump station?

Yes. Fontenelle Creek Recreation Area, a BLM site on the west side of Fontenelle Reservoir about 30 miles north of Kemmerer off US-189, has 55 campsites with covered picnic tables, grills, potable water, vault and flush restrooms, and importantly a trailer dump station. There are no hookups at the sites, so it is dry camping with services nearby, and it is a great base for boating and fishing the reservoir. A separate reservoir campground nearby is more primitive, with a dump site near the entrance and low fees. For public camping with water and a dump near Kemmerer, Fontenelle Creek is the best option.

When is the best time to camp near Kemmerer?

Summer, roughly mid-June through September, is really the only comfortable RV season. Kemmerer sits at about 6,900 feet and the forest camps are higher still, so even summer nights are cold, but the days are warm and dry, ideal for fishing, hiking, and touring Fossil Butte. Fall is crisp and beautiful with great fishing, but nights freeze hard and early snow arrives. Winter is cold and snowbound, closing the reservoir and forest campgrounds and leaving only town RV parks open. Spring comes late at this elevation, with mud and lingering snow keeping the high campgrounds closed often until late June. Target summer and pack for cold nights.

Can big rigs camp near Kemmerer?

Yes, at the right spots. The town RV parks, especially Riverside RV & Mobile Home Park, handle standard RVs and big rigs with full hookups and easy paved access, making them the best big-rig base. Fontenelle Creek Recreation Area is accessible off US-189 and works for larger rigs, with a trailer dump station on site. The place to be cautious is the national forest: Hams Fork Campground sits at 8,000 feet at the end of a gravel forest road about an hour north, better suited to shorter or self-contained rigs than to a large motorhome. Route big rigs on the paved highways and confirm site size before heading into the forest.

Is there free dispersed camping around Kemmerer?

Yes. The Bridger-Teton National Forest north of Kemmerer allows free dispersed camping, with a 14-day limit within any 30-day period, after which you must move at least 5 miles away. Your rig should be fully self-contained, since these sites have no facilities or water. There is also boondocking on BLM land in the area. The reward is genuine solitude in the Wyoming Range foothills and along the Hams Fork. Access is by well-maintained gravel forest roads that can be affected by weather, so check conditions and carry plenty of water and supplies. For self-sufficient RVers, this is some of the quietest free camping in southwest Wyoming.

What is there to do around Kemmerer?

More than you might guess for a small town. The headline is Fossil Butte National Monument, 15 miles west, with world-class fossil fish and a fine visitor center. In town, the JCPenney Mother Store, the original 1902 shop on the town triangle, and the JCPenney home mark the birthplace of the retail chain. For the outdoors, Fontenelle Reservoir offers boating and trophy fishing, the Hams Fork is a blue-ribbon trout stream, and the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Wyoming Range to the north bring hiking and scenic backways. Some outfitters even let you dig your own fossils. It is a genuinely interesting stop blending natural history, Western heritage, and mountain recreation.

How far is Kemmerer from the interstate and other towns?

Kemmerer is off the interstate grid, which is part of its quiet appeal. US-30, the historic Lincoln Highway, is the main route through town, and I-80 is about an hour south near Little America. Evanston is roughly an hour southwest and Rock Springs a bit over an hour east, both on I-80 with fuller services and RV repair. To the north, US-189 leads toward Big Piney and eventually Jackson and the Tetons, several hours away. This means Kemmerer works as either a fascinating detour off I-80 or a base for exploring the Fossil Basin and the southern Wyoming Range, but plan fuel and services around the distances.

Are the campgrounds near Kemmerer open in winter?

Mostly no. The high elevation and heavy southwest Wyoming winters close the Fontenelle Reservoir campgrounds and the Bridger-Teton National Forest sites, and dispersed access is limited by snow. The area turns cold, white, and quiet. The exception is the town RV parks in Kemmerer-Diamondville, some of which stay open through winter, largely for workers and full-timers, though water service can be affected by hard freezes. If you are passing through in the cold months, plan on a town park and confirm it is open and winterized. For any trip focused on the outdoor attractions, stick to the summer season when the reservoir and forest camps are actually accessible.

Do I need to be self-contained to camp here?

It depends on where you stay. If you book a town RV park like Riverside, you get full hookups and do not need to be self-contained. But if you head to the national forest or dispersed sites, a self-contained rig with its own water, holding tanks, and power is essential, since those sites have primitive or no facilities. Even Fontenelle Creek, while it has potable water and a dump station, offers no hookups at the sites, so you camp dry there. The practical approach is to arrive with full water and empty tanks, use the town parks or Fontenelle Creek dump station to service the rig, and be prepared for dry camping in the backcountry.

Is Kemmerer good for fishing?

Very much so, and it is a real draw for the area. The Hams Fork River, which runs right through Kemmerer and up into the Wyoming Range, is a blue-ribbon trout stream popular with fly anglers. Fontenelle Reservoir about 30 miles north is known for trophy trout and kokanee salmon, with boat access at Fontenelle Creek Recreation Area. Up in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, mountain streams and the upper Hams Fork offer more classic Western fishing. Base at a town RV park or the reservoir campground, and you can fish the river and the lake on the same trip. Bring your Wyoming license and expect cold, clear high-country water.

Is Kemmerer a good stop on the way to the Tetons or Yellowstone?

It can be a worthwhile one, though it is not right on the doorstep. Kemmerer sits in far southwest Wyoming, and Jackson and the Tetons are several hours north via US-189, so it works better as a fascinating detour or an overnight than as a park-front basecamp. Many travelers crossing on I-80 pop up to Kemmerer to see Fossil Butte National Monument and the JCPenney store, then continue on. If you are routing to the Tetons from the south, an overnight at a Kemmerer RV park breaks up the drive and adds a genuine highlight in Fossil Butte. Plan fuel and groceries here, since services thin out as you head north.

Are there free dump stations in Kemmerer?

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Kemmerer.