Big Sandy Reservoir Recreation Area

We needed a place to stay for the night heading to Yellowstone! The road looked muddy but was pretty solid, If a lot of rain came in it might be little muddy! Readying reviews went to the west side turned left when we got to the sign that said big sandy reservoir. The water was really high when we stayed no beach spots. Road was a little washboard like but nothing terrible if you take it easy! We hand a class c 32ft with car pulled behind stayed at a sight right on the end of the circle drive by the water. There are a few spots there, there is a wood fence around the center of the circle drive area which would be fine to squeeze in if you have a smaller camper or tenting. Some camping sites were under water. Over all was a good place to stay for the night was quite and clean! There were a few bugs but nothing terrible!

The GPS coordinates will send you to the east campgrounds across the dam. This campground is closed (9/22/2022) it looks like they are doing work on the dam so it might be closed for some time. The west campground is open. If you take a left at the road closed sign there are two other campgrounds. A larger site on the right and a smaller loop at the boat ramp at the end of the road.

I did some SUP on the lake, The shore is muddy and the water is cloudy but it is doable. I think the water was really low since the boat ramp did not make so it might be higher when construction is complete. I also did some mountain biking on the gravel roads around both campsites.

Horses will also stop by to graze near the campsite. There is an open water spigot on the west side of the larger campground. Probably non-potable. Sunrises and sunsets are amazing. You can watch the colors spread across the edge of the Tetons across the desert to the north. With some powerful binoculars you can also see antelope on the plain.

Verizon coverage is spotty. Between 1 bar to emergency cell service only. With a booster I had no issues.

Update on the road condition: it seems to have been graded since the previous reviews. Rather smooth actually.

We stayed here on our way from Breckenridge to Jackson and it was a great stop. Camped right by the water. Spot was on the left a little ways after the bridge. Beautiful sunset and great dirt road to walk or run on. They are doing some construction back there now but it wasn’t in the way or an issue.

Went for a run this morning and came across a wild horse drinking at the water’s edge. We will return!

I had the entire west campground to myself for several days. A herd of wild horses came near one day. Lots of birds. Wind was bad some days, bugs were bad when the winds slowed. The road is wash boarded but not the worst I've seen. I would not worry about bringing any size rig. No water, but toilets available. The campground is not managed but there are trash cans being emptied. I personally loved this place and would come back if in the area.

The road in was not the best for our 37' fifth wheel. But it was well worth the effort. It is Early June of 2022. We were going to go to the "East Sandy Reservoir" campground, however there was construction there and that side was closed down. The bridge over the dam was very tight for our fifth wheel. I would NOT recommend going on this side with a big rig. We had to be very careful and go very slow.

We ended up going to the east side. The road was a little over a mile more, and very much wash boarded. However, when we got there we were treated to spectacular views and solitude. Great view of the snow capped mountains and the lake. Lots of birds, wild horses, pronghorn, and cows.

There are not a lot of spaces available, but when we got here on a Thursday afternoon, no one else was here. We did end of with one neighbor, a great young couple from Germany RV'ing the US with a 1 year old baby.

There was two pit toilets and lot of fire pits and picknick tables.

The road in was not the best for our 37' fifth wheel. But it was well worth the effort. It is Early June of 2022. We were going to go to the "East Sandy Reservoir" campground, however there was construction there and that side was closed down. The bridge over the dam was very tight for our fifth wheel. I would NOT recommend going on this side with a big rig. We had to be very careful and go very slow.

We ended up going to the east side. The road was a little over a mile more, and very much wash boarded. However, when we got there we were treated to spectacular views and solitude. Great view of the snow capped mountains and the lake. Lots of birds, wild horses, pronghorn, and cows.

There are not a lot of spaces available, but when we got here on a Thursday afternoon, no one else was here. We did end of with one neighbor, a great young couple from Germany RV'ing the US with a 1 year old baby.

(Stayed here 8/12/21): A great find along the highway. Easy access - road is a bit bumpy but any vehicle can pass. We stayed at a corner spot, across the bridge, near bathrooms. The area had tables, fire pits, trash cans and bathrooms. There is a lot of room for any size RV. Beware that the area is open and expansive, without much privacy from neighbors. That said, you can park far enough from your neighbor that this isn’t so much of an issue. Quiet and clean. Only downer is the mosquitos; they’re out in masses.

Many have fire rings, picnic tables and trash cans. Pretty area and roads decent. Most sites can accommodate any size rig. Didn’t see a site that wasn’t on the water or either had a view of the water. The water isn’t accessible by most sites but pretty views and some Verizon signal. Quiet. Be careful as some sites have broken glass and rusty nails. I would recommend getting out and looking at a site before pulling in.

Great spot for boondocking. Fire pit, tables and trash cans. Decent vault toilets. We went straight at the big sign and parked abour 3rd from the last campsite. The sunsets were absolutely incredible. The kids loved skipping rocks and road their bikes to a sandier section. Saw pronghorns, white pelicans, possibly wild horses in the distance. Definitely would stay again.