Dispersed camping spots near Buffalo, Wyoming range from remote forest roads to organized sites with basic amenities. The Bighorn Mountains offer camping at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet, where temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees cooler than in town. Several camping areas require navigating gravel roads that become challenging after rainfall, with some sites situated along creeks providing natural white noise for sleeping.
What to do
Hiking at Circle Park: Access numerous trails from Circle Park Campground into the Cloud Peak Wilderness, with paths suitable for various skill levels. "The Circle Park trail is incredible, with a hike up to a great lake (several fellows were hooking decent sized fish)," notes Annie C., who appreciated the trailhead's proximity to camping areas.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer the best opportunities for wildlife sightings, particularly at meadow edges. "We saw wildlife, we relaxed with the sound of the river, this was an unforgettable experience," shares Connor M. about his time at Crazy Woman Canyon Road, where canyon walls and rushing water create a dramatic backdrop for nature watching.
Creek exploration: Several campgrounds feature creeks that children can wade in during summer months. At Middle Fork Campground, Casey L. reports, "We loved it here! Very quiet and lots of trees for shade. It looked like most of the sites were creek-front, ours was. We set up our hammocks and enjoyed the cool breeze and sound."
What campers like
Cooler temperatures: The significant elevation change between Buffalo and mountain camping areas provides natural air conditioning during summer. "At 7800 feet it was 100F in Buffalo and 70 here, in the morning it was 44, wonderful weather," shared one visitor about conditions in the mountains.
Open spaces with privacy: Many dispersed camping areas offer substantial distance between sites. Amy D. noted about Grouse Mountain Basecamp, "It's a level, smooth, dirt road where you pull off the side anywhere you choose... Views were breathtaking and most of the land is level. It's far enough off the main road that there isn't any road traffic."
Well-maintained facilities: Forest Service campgrounds receive consistent maintenance. "South Fork was perhaps the most pleasant surprise I've ever had as I pulled into a campground. Beautiful creek, clean, spatially distanced sites, tall Ponderosa pines at each site. USFS had invested great thought and resources into this campsite," remarked Mac M. about South Fork Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest roads become challenging after rainfall. At Crazy Woman Canyon Road, Connor M. warns, "The roads are narrow and traffic goes both ways, we had to pass another truck and were just inches from the edge with rushing water below."
Temperature swings: Pack layers as mountain temperatures fluctuate significantly between day and night, even in summer. Lisa D. reports from Grouse Mountain, "The temperature got down to 45° which is perfect for me for sleeping."
Reservation timing: For established campgrounds, plan ahead during peak season. Milo D. notes about Middle Fork Campground, "This quaint campground is only a mile off a main road, very easy to get to. Appears to be 9 sites, no wifi, and no cell service."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack water and toilets. "Keep in mind there are no facilities here, no toilets, no potable water, no showers, you need to pack in and pack out. This is true back-country camping," advises Connor M. about Crazy Woman Canyon Road.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly exploration: Look for campgrounds with natural play areas and short hiking loops. "We found a great site with a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on," shares Patrick W. about his family's experience at Circle Park Campground.
Wildlife education opportunities: The area offers excellent wildlife viewing chances that can become learning experiences. David W. noted at Mikesell Potts Recreation Area, "Nice lake front camping spots and some in the back with prong horns visiting. Great place to walk around."
Accessible water features: Creeks and small lakes provide entertainment for children. Lori W. describes Middle Fork as having "campsites far apart and all of them are next to a serene mountain river."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Some forest roads have limitations for bigger RVs and trailers. "We ventured out here in our 26' bumper pull camper... very rainy, hence lots of mud, when we went... most of the campsites seemed to be washed out right now and unaccessible with our camper," cautions Janelle K. about Circle Road Dispersed Camping.
Leveling considerations: Many dispersed sites require additional leveling equipment. Daniel S. notes, "Site was not very level, so be prepared for that."
Services in town: Buffalo provides essential RV services not available at campsites. At Indian Campground, Debra M. appreciates that "They provide AAA, Good Sams and Military discounts... Right across the street is the creek trail that is very peaceful and a quicker way to town."
