Ocean Lake WHMA Northwest Campground Area

For many of us in Wyoming, the true essence of camping lies not in elaborate amenities but in the raw, untamed beauty of our natural landscapes. The Ocean Lake WHMA Northwest Campground Area, located on Missouri Valley Rd, Riverton, WY 82501, embodies this spirit. It's a primitive camping area situated within the vast Ocean Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA), offering a genuine slice of Wyoming wilderness. This isn't a resort; it's a place for those who appreciate the quiet solitude, abundant wildlife, and exceptional fishing and hunting opportunities that our state is famous for.

Managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), Ocean Lake WHMA is a significant resource for wildlife conservation and public recreation. The Northwest Campground Area specifically provides basic facilities for campers looking to immerse themselves in the environment. While reviews note the primitive nature – emphasizing that there's "no drinking water" and sites can be "rough and small" – they also highlight the positive aspects, such as being a "nice place to stop" and providing a "good campground" for those prepared for a rustic experience.

Its primary draw is the unparalleled access to Ocean Lake itself, renowned for its diverse fish species including crappie, ling, walleye, and trout. Beyond fishing, the WHMA is a haven for waterfowl and pheasant hunting, with thousands of pheasants released annually. For locals, this campground offers an accessible entry point to a rich ecosystem teeming with opportunities for outdoor pursuits, inviting us to connect with the wild heart of the Big Wind River Basin.

The Ocean Lake WHMA Northwest Campground Area is located on Missouri Valley Rd, Riverton, WY 82501, USA. This places it approximately 17 to 20 miles northwest of Riverton, Wyoming, within the expansive 11,505-acre Ocean Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Area. The WHMA itself is situated between the Owl Creek Mountains to the north and the Wind River Range to the south, offering picturesque views and a diverse landscape.

Accessibility to the campground is typically via U.S. Highway 26 or Wyoming Highway 134 and Eight Mile Road, leading to the Missouri Valley Road that serves the lake's perimeter. While the main roads are paved, access within the WHMA and to the specific Northwest Campground Area might involve well-traveled dirt or gravel roads. One reviewer mentioned "a long dirt road to drive to the point (boat ramp & camping area)," indicating that while accessible, the final approach might be unpaved and potentially dusty, especially during dry periods.

As a primitive area, there might not be prominently paved sites, and the specific spots for tents and RVs can be "rough and small." However, the location directly on Ocean Lake provides excellent access to the water for boating and fishing. Despite its primitive nature, its proximity to Riverton (a 20-25 minute drive) means that essential supplies and services are within reasonable reach, making it a viable option for locals seeking a convenient yet wild escape without venturing too far into deep wilderness.

• Primitive Campsites: The Northwest Campground Area offers a limited number of primitive campsites, suitable for both tent camping (approximately four places) and small to medium-sized RVs (about two places). These sites are generally rough and not highly developed.

• Vault Toilets: A vault toilet is available, though one reviewer noted it can be "a little difficult to find especially after dark," located about 200 feet north of the boat ramp on the west side of the road in a clump of trees. This provides a basic, non-flushing restroom facility.

• Boat Ramp Access: The campground is adjacent to a boat ramp, providing direct access to Ocean Lake for boating, fishing, and water sports. The lake itself provides untreated water at the boat ramp, which can be used for purposes other than drinking.

• No Drinking Water: It is crucial to note that no potable drinking water is available at the campground. Campers must bring their own supply of fresh drinking water.

• No Campfires Allowed: Reviews explicitly state "No campfires allowed." This is an important regulation to be aware of, likely due to fire risk, marshy conditions, or specific management goals for the WHMA.

• No Designated Picnic Tables/Shelters: Unlike some developed areas, this primitive campground is not explicitly noted as having picnic tables, windscreens, or shelters at each site. However, the broader Ocean Lake WHMA does offer group picnic shelters and some campsites with tables and windscreens at more developed sites around the lake.

• 14-Day Camping Limit: Camping is permitted in designated camping areas within the WHMA with a 14-day camping limit, allowing for extended stays for those who wish to fully explore the area.

• Waste Management (Implied "Pack It Out"): Given its primitive nature, it's highly likely that campers are expected to "pack it in, pack it out," meaning all trash must be carried out of the area upon departure to maintain the cleanliness of the WHMA.

• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: Ocean Lake is renowned as a premier fishing destination, famous for its crappie and ling, and also home to trout, walleye, perch, bluegill, and green sunfish. This is a significant draw for anglers.

• Abundant Wildlife and Waterfowl: The Ocean Lake WHMA is a critical habitat for a wide array of wildlife, especially waterfowl. It serves as an essential breeding ground for migratory birds, and visitors can observe thousands of geese, ducks, and sandhill cranes during migration. It's a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

• Pheasant Hunting: The area is well-known for pheasant hunting, with between 1,500 and 2,000 pheasants released annually to supplement native populations, offering a unique opportunity for hunters.

• Direct Lake Access: With its boat ramp, the campground provides direct and easy access to Ocean Lake for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports.

• Primitive, Authentic Wyoming Experience: For those seeking a genuine, less commercialized camping experience, this area offers a rugged and natural setting, allowing for a true escape into the Wyoming wilderness.

• Beautiful Scenery: Situated between the Owl Creek Mountains and the Wind River Range, the campground offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes, providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities.

• Year-Round Access (with restrictions): The Ocean Lake WHMA is generally open year-round, although a half-mile area around the aeration system is closed to human presence from December 15 through March 10, particularly relevant for winter recreationists.

The Ocean Lake WHMA Northwest Campground Area is managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). For specific inquiries regarding the campground, current conditions, fishing regulations, or hunting seasons, it is best to contact the relevant WGFD regional office or the main headquarters.

Address: Missouri Valley Rd, Riverton, WY 82501, USA (Physical location within Ocean Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Area)

General WGFD Contact Information:

Wyoming Game and Fish Department - Lander Regional Office (often oversees areas in this region)

Address: 260 Buena Vista, Lander, WY 82520

Phone: (307) 332-2688

Wyoming Game and Fish Department - Cheyenne Headquarters

Address: 5400 Bishop Blvd, Cheyenne, WY 82006

Phone: (307) 777-4600

It is highly recommended to check the official Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or call the Lander Regional Office directly before your visit for the most up-to-date information on rules, conditions (such as fire restrictions, water levels, or mosquito advisories), and any specific guidelines for primitive camping in the WHMA.

For those of us who live in Wyoming, the Ocean Lake WHMA Northwest Campground Area offers a truly authentic and accessible escape into the heart of our state's incredible natural heritage. We understand that not every camping trip needs to be about fancy amenities; often, the greatest value lies in the direct connection to the land, the wildlife, and the sheer vastness of our skies. This primitive campground perfectly embodies that ethos.

Its primary appeal for locals lies in the abundant recreational opportunities it provides right on the shores of Ocean Lake. As Wyomingites, we cherish our fishing and hunting traditions, and this WHMA is a prime destination for both. Whether it’s chasing walleye and crappie on the lake or partaking in the renowned pheasant hunting, this area caters directly to our outdoor passions. The sheer volume of waterfowl and other wildlife makes it an exceptional spot for birdwatching and photography, reminding us of the rich biodiversity within our own state.

While the campground is primitive, with no drinking water or campfires allowed, this simply means it calls for a bit more preparation – something many of us are well-accustomed to when heading into Wyoming's wild spaces. The easily accessible boat ramp and the basic, but clean, vault toilet are practical amenities that make a rustic stay comfortable enough. For a local looking to spend a weekend fishing, hunting, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the peaceful solitude of a genuine Wyoming lake, the Ocean Lake WHMA Northwest Campground Area is an invaluable resource that offers an unvarnished, unforgettable experience.