Best Tent Camping near Sheridan, WY
Tent camping near Sheridan, Wyoming provides access to the rugged landscapes of the Bighorn Mountains with several primitive and established sites. Crazy Woman Canyon Road offers highly-rated dispersed tent camping along a scenic canyon with multiple walk-in tent sites situated beside a rushing creek. Shell Reservoir Camping Area provides established tent campsites with basic amenities, while Cross Creek Campground in Sheridan offers seasonal tent-only camping from June to September. Coffeen Park in nearby Buffalo features additional tent camping options with toilet facilities.
Primitive tent camping in the Sheridan area requires careful planning. Crazy Woman Canyon Road features a steep, narrow dirt road that becomes impassable during or after heavy rain. Most tent campsites along this route have stone fire rings but no potable water or toilet facilities. Shell Reservoir Camping Area provides drinking water and toilets for tent campers, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for access. Cross Creek Campground prohibits fires and pets at its tent sites. The camping season for established tent campgrounds typically runs June through September, with winter camping possible at some dispersed sites. All backcountry tent camping requires pack-in, pack-out practices.
The tent camping experience near Sheridan offers exceptional natural settings. Campers at Crazy Woman Canyon Road enjoy tent sites positioned along a creek with small waterfalls and large boulders, providing natural white noise for sleeping. According to reviews, "The river provided the perfect white noise to fall asleep to. No cell service for AT&T when in the canyon." Walk-in tent sites throughout the area offer varying degrees of privacy and protection from elements. One visitor noted, "The Bighorns have an abundance of great dispersed camping, but this site stands out as being much more protected from road noise and general traffic." Tent campers at Shell Reservoir enjoy lakeside settings with opportunities for brook trout fishing and access to nearby hiking trails.