Camping at Lake DeSmet
Lakeside sites on the south shore for $15 a night, steps from the boat ramps. First come, first served. Bring your own water.
Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area
| Run by | Johnson County |
|---|---|
| Where | South shore, about 8 miles north of Buffalo, I-90 Exit 51 |
| Sites | More than 60 overnight sites at $15 a night; 8 electric sites at $20 |
| Reservations | None. First come, first served. Pay on the honor system. |
| Water and dump | No potable water. No dump station. |
| Stay limit | 14 days in any 20-day period |
| Local passes | Johnson County residents: 7-day $84 or 14-day $168 non-electric; $120 or $252 electric, sold at Road and Bridge, 325 Butte St, Buffalo |
| Also here | 2 boat ramps, south-side beach, day-use picnic areas, 4 restrooms (1 open year-round) |
| Contact | (307) 684-2262, mp@johnsoncowy.gov |
[Johnson County, Mikesell-Potts]
Commercial vendors need a county permit to sell at Mikesell-Potts. [Johnson County]
Before you go
- Fill fresh water and dump tanks in Buffalo. Nothing on site.
- Fire rules change through the year. Johnson County had restrictions in place from March 7 to October 20, 2026. Check the county's notices before you light anything. [Johnson County]
- In summer, check WyoHCBs.org before swimming. [Wyoming DEQ]
- No camping at Monument Point, and Game and Fish land there can be under its own fire ban (it showed one in October 2026). [WGFD]
Prefer a cabin?
See owner-listed places to stay. Buffalo also has several RV parks and campgrounds, and the Bighorn National Forest has campgrounds up US 16 such as South Fork, Middle Fork and Tie Hack. [RVing Life]
FAQ
Can you reserve a campsite at Lake DeSmet?
Not at the county campground. Mikesell-Potts is first come, first served with honor-system payment.
How much is camping at Lake DeSmet?
At Mikesell-Potts: $15 a night for standard sites and $20 for the 8 electric sites. Johnson County residents can buy 7- and 14-day passes.
Is there water or a dump station at Mikesell-Potts?
No. There is no potable water and no dump station. Fill tanks and empty them in Buffalo before you come.
How long can I camp at Lake DeSmet?
The county limits stays to 14 days in any 20-day period.
Can I camp at Monument Point?
No. Monument Point is a Game and Fish day-use access with a ramp and dock. Camping is not allowed there.
The lake, four times a year
Ice-on and ice-off notes, what Game and Fish is saying about the fishery, events worth the drive and new places to stay. One email a season.