I’ve camped off-grid plenty of times in my life, but this was my first time doing it solo. No service, no GPS, no lifeline—just me, Dustcatcher, and a little forest road leading into the unknown.
Cottonwood Lake, tucked just 14 miles outside of Afton, WY, came highly recommended by locals. Their advice was spot on—but I’ll admit, driving in solo with no signal had me doing the classic “what if” spiral. What if I get a flat tire? Could I change it by myself on a remote dirt road with the camper on my truck? (Let’s be honest—I probably wouldn’t even try. I’d rather hoof it out and call a tow like a wilderness damsel in distress, lol)
But the deeper I got, the more my worries started to quiet. This is a popular spot with consistent traffic, and worst case, I have two legs and plenty of water and food. It was a good reminder: I’m more prepared and capable than I give myself credit for. And what was waiting at the end of that dirt road? Absolute magic.
How to Experience Cottonwood Lake
📍 Getting There:
- Location: Cottonwood Lake
- Distance from Afton, WY: ~14 miles
- Road Conditions: Last 6 miles are on a well-maintained dirt Forest Service road. AWD or 4×4 recommended.
- Vehicle Used: Dustcatcher (a 4×4 F350 with a lightweight camper) handled it like a dream—strong, steady, and smooth.
- The Drive: Scenic all the way up—river views, mountain peaks, wildlife sightings (deer, chipmunks, and more).
🏕 Setting Up Camp
Setting up camp was blissfully simple. I pulled into a spacious site, leveled out the truck in minutes, and just like that—home for the weekend. The site had its own fire pit and picnic table, and was perfectly spaced for both privacy and peace of mind. The scent of pine and the sound of nearby creeks created an atmosphere that was calming and grounding. One of the best parts? I never had to pack or unpack—one of the many joys of traveling with a truck camper. Cottonwood Lake was just a five-minute walk from camp, and every time I reached the water’s edge, I felt like I was stepping into a postcard.
🎣 Fishing Adventures (and Misadventures)
Before the trip, I asked Vance if I could borrow one of his rods. His response? “Why don’t you just get your own?” And honestly, that was exactly the nudge I needed. So I bought my very first fishing rod, then realized I had to spool the reel—something I had never done. Thankfully, I had the foresight to download a YouTube tutorial before losing cell service. I followed along in my camper that first night and was pretty proud of my handiwork. The next morning, however, I discovered the term “bird nesting”—a perfect (and frustrating) way to describe the tangled mess that kept forming with most of my casts. Turns out I overspooled it. I didn’t catch a single fish, but I gained a lot of respect for all the prep Vance has done for me over the years. It was a fun, humbling learning curve and made me even more excited to try again soon—hopefully with fewer tangles and maybe even a fish 😉
🥾 Slide Lake Hike:
- Trail Info: 2 miles round trip from Cottonwood Lake, <200 ft elevation gain.
- Trail Highlights: Meadows full of wildflowers, big mountain views, and a peaceful, remote feeling as you hike in.
- Safety: Hiked with others and carried bear spray.
- Wildlife Bonus: Watched a mama moose and her energetic baby frolic in the lake—pure joy and a total highlight.
🫎 Moose Encounters
Cottonwood Lake ended up being the ultimate moose-watching destination. One evening, I saw a bull moose wading along the edge of the lake, taking slow, deliberate gulps of water and scanning his surroundings like a quiet guardian of the forest. I sat and watched him for a good 30 minutes, completely mesmerized, until the sun started to dip behind the peaks. Then, that same night, I looked up from my camper window and saw him—again—walking through my camp, no more than 20 feet away. I didn’t even think to grab my camera; I was too caught up in the moment. That image, his presence, is something I’ll never forget.
🌲 Final Reflections
This trip gave me space—to reflect, to reset, and to reconnect with myself. I’ve always loved sharing adventures with Vance, our girls, and friends, but this solo trip reminded me that I’m good company too. I felt strong, capable, and grounded. The solitude wasn’t lonely—it was peaceful. And there’s something deeply empowering about facing the unknown and realizing you can handle it. Cottonwood Lake gave me that. It’s a place where the air is clearer, the thoughts are quieter, and everything just feels a little more real. If you ever get the chance to go, I can’t recommend it enough!
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