Sportman Lake: Gypsum Rockhounding in Albany County, Wyoming

Updated June 2026

Sportman Lake is a mapped rockhounding spot in Albany County, Wyoming. Reported finds include gypsum. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Albany County
State: Wyoming
Coordinates: 41.12259, -105.62324

Geology at Sportman Lake

This spot sits on ground mapped as Forelle Limestone that formed roughly 300 to 250 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Forelle Limestone
Age: 300–250 Ma (Permian)
Elevation: 7,420 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Sportman Lake

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 33°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 12°F. At about 7,420 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LARAMIE 4SE station (12 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

BLM Wyoming
Wyoming State Geological Survey
Fossil Butte National Monument
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Sportman Lake

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Gypsum Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Sportman Lake.

Across the state line from Sportman Lake

Sportman Lake is close enough to the Wyoming border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Sportman Lake FAQ

Where is Sportman Lake?+

Sportman Lake is in Albany County, Wyoming, at 41.12259, -105.62324.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Sportman Lake?+

Sportman Lake is reported to produce Gypsum.

Is collecting allowed at Sportman Lake?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Sportman Lake?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Sportman Lake?+

The most comfortable months at Sportman Lake are April to October. At about 7,420 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Sportman Lake?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.12259, -105.62324 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Wyoming

See all 82 Wyoming spots →

Open Sportman Lake on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.