Wild Iris or Lander Camping for the summer

It's been many years since I've visited Wild Iris and and I wanted to get some updated information. I'll be traveling solo and am fine camping solo but also don't mind being around others.

From what I can remember, there were 3ish areas to camp.

1. Near the main parking area (had a pit toilet?)

2. Going past the main parking area higher up to the the dispersed area on top (no services)

3. Near/in? the aspen glades parking (had a pit toilet)

So, onto my questions:

Is camping still free?

Cell service for the different areas (specifically verizon)

Online I've seen people mention the limestone quarry. Is this just area 1 or is this different?

Am I missing an area or is there 1 of these areas that you'd recommend?

If you're spending time out there, what's the closet potable water?

Bears and issue?

Any other beta is appreciated!

Sounds like it's still basically the same. IMO Aspen Glades > OK Corral > other areas for camping - haven't been since the end of the season last year, but I heard whispers of a proposed fee that would go toward pit toilet maintenance and whatnot.

Unless a tower has been installed, Verizon service is basically non existent. I think I got some service at Erratic/Remuda.

Fill up on water while in Lander. You can still camp at City Park for free for 3 days, I believe. If you're willing to drive ~30 minutes each morning and after your session, it's a nice place to hang out and obviously you'll have service, access to restrooms, water, groceries, etc.

Bears exist, but haven't been an issue for me personally. I've visited numerous times over the past few years. Store your food properly. Back in 2017 or 2018 I think there was a resident Grizz, but lately I don't know of any issues around the Iris.

Perfect.  Thanks for the beta!

The Shoshone National Forest has had a "Fee Change Proposal" in the works. Besides the forest service, too many people want to turn it into a Disneyland with admission. The "new" fees are listed in the link. A modest $5 charge for dispersed camping. $10 Per Night at Wild Iris, and you can read the rest.

Thanks for the update.

Are these proposed fees or are they going to be in place this summer?

There hasn't been an update to the Shoshone NF site, so assume the "proposal" has not been enacted yet. Signage at the actual campgrounds may tell you otherwise, but it seems like Aspen Glade and Wild Iris are still $0.

Luke Lindeman wrote:

There hasn't been an update to the Shoshone NF site, so assume the "proposal" has not been enacted yet. Signage at the actual campgrounds may tell you otherwise, but it seems like Aspen Glade and Wild Iris are still $0.

Every time I rode my bike up Sinks last year, the sign said there's a fee at the previously free dispersed camping site. And fees went up in other districts on the Shoshone, like the Clark's Fork in Cody.

Wind River wrote:

Every time I rode my bike up Sinks last year, the sign said there's a fee at the previously free dispersed camping site. And fees went up in other districts on the Shoshone, like the Clark's Fork in Cody.

Great to know! I wonder if maybe they're just not updating the site because the vast majority of users aren't looking? Either way, if there's a fee associated with a camping area, it's probably affordable. If Aspen Glades is $5/night, it's totally worth it. My 2cents, and thanks for the heads up!