Sinks Canyon State Park and Campground: A Hidden Gem Near Lander, Wyoming

During our Wyoming travels, we spent a few nights at the Sinks Canyon National Forest Campground just outside of Lander. The campground sits along the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River in a beautiful canyon surrounded by towering rock walls and forested slopes.

The campground itself was quiet, shaded, and well-spaced. We could hear the river from our campsite, and it felt surprisingly remote despite being only a short drive from town and nearby historical sites.

While camping in the national forest, we spent our days exploring nearby Sinks Canyon State Park. The park is named for one of Wyoming’s most unusual natural features. At “The Sinks,” the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River (pronounced POH-poh SHEE-uh) disappears underground into a limestone cavern before reappearing about a quarter-mile downstream at “The Rise.” Scientists have conducted dye tests and confirmed the water travels underground, although the exact route remains a mystery.

Within the State Park we explored a couple of easy loop hikes, including Moose Gulch that follow the Popo Agie River through the pines and aspens. We found the trails to be a great introduction to Sink Canyon and the trail lived up to its name as we spotted a moose and her calf in the late afternoon.

If your Wyoming road trip is taking you toward Jackson and Grand Teton National Park, consider spending a day or two in Sinks Canyon. We found it to be a peaceful stop with beautiful scenery, interesting hikes, and far fewer visitors than many of Wyoming’s better-known destinations

Popo Agie Falls Trail and Other Area Hikes

One of our favorite hikes in the area was the trail to Popo Agie Falls. The route climbs above the canyon and rewards hikers with impressive views of the river, waterfalls, and surrounding mountains. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check out our post to Popo Agie Falls for trail details and hiking tips.

Sinks Canyon also sits on the eastern edge of Wyoming’s beautiful Wind River Range. Although many visitors access the range from the Pinedale side, we enjoyed seeing these mountains from a different perspective while staying near Lander.

The Wind River Range is one of Wyoming’s premier hiking destinations, and we’ll be sharing additional adventures from the region, including Intermittent Springs, Dry Canyon, and Photographer’s Point.

Summary

If you’re looking for a scenic campground near Lander, Wyoming, Sinks Canyon is worth a stop. Between the unique geology, excellent hiking, wildlife viewing, and peaceful camping, it turned out to be one of our favorite camping places in the area.

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Have you explored the Wind River Range, visited Sinks Canyon, or discovered another hidden gem in the state? Let us know in the comments. We’re always looking for ideas for our next adventure.