Hams Fork Campground, Kemmerer District
Matt Peavler has spent his entire life in and around the Kemmerer District of the BTNF. “I grew up recreating on it, I worked for an outfitter, and have been on Lincoln County Search & Rescue for 23 years,” he says. 2026 is his second year as an Ambassador at the Hams Fork Campground. “I just enjoy it. I enjoy being in the mountains,” he says.
The Hams Fork Campground itself has 13 sites and there are an additional 18 dispersed sites nearby. Locals often use the dispersed sites while out-of-staters pay for the amenities of the campground—vault toilets, picnic tables, trash service, and potable water. Matt says it is his experience that campers in either area come well educated about backcountry camping. “Hams Fork Campground is 20 miles from the asphalt and 40 miles from the town,” he says. “Occasionally we get asked if we’ll cut firewood, but people generally understand the importance of putting their fires out and being bear aware.”
Fun fact: When he was a kid, Matt had an uncle involved in Search & Rescue. When he was an adult himself and looking for ways to be involved with the BTNF and outdoors, friends suggested Lincoln County SAR to him. He knew areas of the Kemmerer District that other SAR volunteers weren’t as familiar with. “I’ve been heavily involved ever since,” he says. Matt is currently the team’s Lieutenant. On average, the team responds to 8–12 call-outs over the summer. Winter is usually busier. “No two searches are ever the same,” he says.