Camping sites near Wapiti, Wyoming sit at elevations of 5,500 to 6,000 feet along the North Fork of the Shoshone River in a valley surrounded by volcanic rock formations. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with nighttime lows dropping to 40-50°F. Strong winds frequently sweep through the area's campgrounds, particularly at lakeside locations, requiring campers to secure equipment and prepare for rapid weather changes.
What to do
Hiking near Sheep Mountain: Access the Sheep Mountain trail directly from the Sheep Mountain BLM dispersed camping area, offering wilderness hiking with minimal crowds. "There are horse corrals and trailer parking near. The sheep mountain hiking trailhead is right here and lots of off-roading trails for single and double track," notes one reviewer, while another adds it's "on the road to Yellowstone and you really can't beat the price unless you find a boondocking spot somewhere else."
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds provide direct river access for anglers targeting trout in the Shoshone River. At Wapiti Campground, "There are plenty of fishing opportunities adjacent to the campground. Be very bear aware when hiking and camping there. We saw fresh grizzly tracks and scat right outside the campground! Bear spray is a must when in this entire area."
Wildlife viewing: The corridor between Cody and Yellowstone offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. While camping at Big Game Campground, one visitor reported, "We did have a large bison stop by for a visit, so just be aware." The area is known for elk, deer, and occasional bear sightings, especially during morning and evening hours.
Historical exploration: Visit the Firefighter Memorial located 1.5 miles from Rex Hale Campground, which honors those who died fighting the Blackwater Fire of 1937. The Buffalo Bill Dam visitor center nearby provides historical context for the region's development.
What campers like
River sounds: Many campers appreciate the calming effect of being stationed near the Shoshone River. "We came here on Monday late afternoon and there were several spots available. We picked a spot where we could take a tiny trail through the brush to the creek that led to the river," notes a Wapiti Campground visitor.
Affordability: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the reasonable rates at Forest Service and BLM sites. "I stayed at the top by the trailhead. It had plenty of room for others but the road was rough up so no one came that way. There were two nice spots at the beginning of the road that were being used. The view was beautiful," reports a Sheep Mountain camper.
Camp host hospitality: Several campgrounds receive praise for their attentive hosts. A visitor at Rex Hale Campground mentioned, "An amazing camp host, Tom, made us feel welcome and gave good advice. Good view, electricity hookup, and fairly quiet, even though it is close to the road."
Cleanliness: Despite being primarily rustic campgrounds, visitors consistently note well-maintained facilities. "The vault toilets were clean throughout our stay," reports one Rex Hale camper, while another visitor to Wapiti Campground stated, "That was the cleanest (single) vault toilet restroom I have ever used in my life, which I can appreciate."
What you should know
Aggressive wind conditions: Wind is a significant factor at most Wapiti area campgrounds. A camper at Rex Hale Campground noted, "There is little to no tree cover throughout the campground, but worse than the lack of shade was the wind, which was bad even by Wyoming standards." At higher elevations, wind can make cooking and campfires challenging.
Bear safety requirements: All campgrounds in the corridor are in grizzly bear habitat. "GRIZZLY bear area so be bear aware bear spray is a very good idea and be prepared," advises a visitor to Elk Fork Campground. Bear boxes are provided at most established sites, but dispersed campers must bring appropriate food storage containers.
Limited water availability: Several campgrounds don't provide potable water. "Sites are flat but they are very small. Pets on a leash. The backdrop is amazing," notes an Elk Fork visitor, adding that services are discontinued from end of September through May.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area close by late September or mid-October. When open, campgrounds fill quickly, especially Friday through Sunday during peak season (July-August). Arriving by early afternoon on weekdays offers the best chance for securing first-come, first-served sites.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: For families wanting swimming options, Yellowstone Valley Inn & RV offers an indoor hot tub and outdoor pool. "Very nice Rv park with indoor hot tub, outdoor pool. Also nice showers. Think there were 6 individual showers with toilet and sink. So you can have complete privacy," reports a visitor.
Campsite spacing: Some campgrounds offer more privacy between sites than others. At Big Game Campground, "The sites were spread out nicely with nature in between each one. The bear boxes and bear proof trash dumpsters were great. There was an abundance of mosquitoes."
Bug preparation: Several reviews mention significant mosquito populations, especially near the river. During June and July evenings, bring plenty of repellent and consider head nets or screened shelters, particularly for young children.
Weather planning: Summer thunderstorms can develop rapidly in the afternoon. A camper at Big Game Campground advised, "Shelter from the wind helps, as the thunderstorms can be quite intense." Consider bringing backup indoor activities and rain gear even during clear forecasts.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Larger RVs should carefully research campground capacity before arriving. One visitor to Rex Hale noted, "Our site (#08) had electric as well, and was close to one of the restrooms," while an RVer at Wapiti Campground mentioned, "Our site was a tad too small for our 34' 5th wheel, so we had to forgo a campfire, as the fire pit was right under our bumper."
Dump station locations: While most campgrounds don't have onsite dump stations, "There is no dump station in the CG, but there is one in Buffalo Bill State Park near Cody," advises a Rex Hale camper. Plan your water and waste management accordingly for your stay.
Road access: RVers should note some access roads to dispersed sites can be challenging. At Sheep Mountain BLM, "We were able to haul our 45-ft fifth wheel and find level ground. There are some additional locations to park higher on the hill but the road to get there is a little more rough. I've seen smaller camper vans but we couldn't haul our big rig up there."
Generator restrictions: Check individual campground rules regarding generator use. While many Forest Service campgrounds permit generator operation during daytime hours, some locations have noise restrictions or complete generator bans.
