Top Glamping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Searching for the best camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, SD? Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Glamping Sites Near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, SD (7)

    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA

    1. Buffalo KOA

    17 Reviews
    25 Photos
    30 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $50 - $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Park Rv Park and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Park Rv Park and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Park Rv Park and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Park Rv Park and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Park Rv Park and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Park Rv Park and Campground

    2. Deer Park Rv Park and Campground

    6 Reviews
    24 Photos
    8 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $43 - $62 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

    3. Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

    18 Reviews
    71 Photos
    41 Saves

    Pitch your tent or park your RV along the shady banks of Goose Creek. The High Plains unfurl to the east, while the Big Horn Mountains loom to the west. Hike and ride horseback or make the hour's drive to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. You'll find other relics of the Indian wars near Sheridan, including the Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site and the Fetterman Battlefield. Shop Sheridan's galleries for antiques and artisans' leather goods. Turn the kids loose in KOA's big playground and get your fill of fishing and swimming. This KOA is big rig friendly. Enjoy world-class ATVing and snowmobiling in the Big Horn Mountains.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park Campground

    4. Island Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    42 Photos
    24 Saves

    Overview

    Island Park Campground is located in pine and spruce forest on West Tensleep Creek near West Tensleep Lake and the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Located 21 miles northeast of Ten Sleep, Wyoming, and 55 east of Worland, Wyoming, on US Hwy 16 this campground is nestled in the Bighorn National Forest offering a wide variety of activities including, hiking, fishing, scenic driving and a number of historic sites. The administering organization is Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds; e-mail: gccampgrounds13@gmail.com

    Recreation

    Meadowlark Lake is seven miles distant and allows motorized craft with a no-wake rule. West Tensleep Lake is a scenic, 125-acre lake open to non-motorized craft only, making it a perfect location for canoeing and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow, brown and brook trout in the cool waters of the lake. Off-road vehicle trails, scenic jeep roads, hiking and horseback riding trails and many fishing streams are available in the surrounding area.

    Facilities

    Meadowlark Lake is seven miles distant and allows motorized craft with a no-wake rule. West Tensleep Lake is a scenic, 125-acre lake open to non-motorized craft only, making it a perfect location for canoeing and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow, brown and brook trout in the cool waters of the lake. Off-road vehicle trails, scenic jeep roads, hiking and horseback riding trails and many fishing streams are available in the surrounding area.

    Natural Features

    West Tensleep Creek is adjacent to the campground and West Tensleep Lake is four miles away, along with other lakes and creeks. Hiking trails into the Cloud Peak Wilderness start about five miles from the campground. A forest of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir and spruce trees covers the area.

    Nearby Attractions

    The High Park Lookout is located just east of Meadowlark Lake. This old fire lookout was built by the CCC decades ago and is no longer active. A short hike leads to the lookout, where hikers are awarded panoramic views of the Cloud Peak Wilderness and the surrounding area. Deer Haven Lodge and Meadowlark Lodge are nearby, offering dining, lodging, guided horseback riding and fishing and camping supplies.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This cancellation processing fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation processing fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $19 / night

    • No image available

      5. Buffalo, WY

      1 Review

      Powder River Ranger District

      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Tent Cabin
      • Glamping
      Camper-submitted photo from Bighorn National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Bighorn National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Bighorn National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Bighorn National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Bighorn National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Bighorn National Forest

      6. Bighorn National Forest

      7 Reviews
      22 Photos
      27 Saves

      The Bighorn National Forest offers a wide array of sites for camping. Many sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and some may be reserved.

      Campground and cabin reservations may be made through Recreation.gov at 1-877-444-6777 or online at http://www.recreation.gov. Reservations are recommended for holiday weekends.

      Located in north-central Wyoming, the Bighorn Mountains are a sister range of the Rocky Mountains. Conveniently located halfway between Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park, the Bighorns are a great vacation destination in themselves.

      No region in Wyoming is provided with a more diverse landscape - from grasslands to alpine meadows, clear lakes to glacially-carved valleys and rolling hills to sheer mountain cliffs.

      Visit the Bighorn National Forest and enjoy the multiple reservoirs, 30 campgrounds, four group campgrounds, three scenic byways, 10 picnic areas, eight lodges, many miles of streams, 189,000 acres of Wilderness, 1,200 miles of trails, and much more.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from Powder River Campground & Cabins
      Camper-submitted photo from Powder River Campground & Cabins
      Camper-submitted photo from Powder River Campground & Cabins
      Camper-submitted photo from Powder River Campground & Cabins
      Camper-submitted photo from Powder River Campground & Cabins

      7. Powder River Campground & Cabins

      3 Reviews
      5 Photos
      6 Saves
      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Cabins

    Recent Glamping Reviews In Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

    64 Reviews of 7 Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Campgrounds


    • Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA
      August 12, 2024

      Buffalo KOA

      Our First KOA!

      Our first time staying at a KOA Journey and although right off the main road, the noise was not bad at all, amenities were terrific and although we were not right by the creek, we managed to get some decent fishing in, views were great, even though we caught no fish.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Deer Park Rv Park and Campground
      August 11, 2024

      Deer Park Rv Park and Campground

      Deer Park RV

      Nice little campground for stopover. Staff is super friendly and stayed past closing (7pm) to assist late arrivals. Sites are level and pull thru, although a bit narrow. No dog park but plenty of room to walk them. Cheaper than the KOA down the street

    • Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo, WY
      May 31, 2024

      Buffalo, WY

      No overnight parking

      Not too sure where it is intended for us to stop but all we saw were « no overnight parking » signs.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Island Park Campground
      September 9, 2023

      Island Park Campground

      Nice campground, beautiful surroundings

      Pulled into spot and two moose were browsing on the stream bank in front of us. Campground was well spaced out and host very friendly. Great views and walking paths along stream with meadow on opposite side and mountains in background. Easy access about 2 miles in on graded dirt road. Only drawback was no cell service (Verizon). Not first come first serve, but in early September mid-week, there were several sites available.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA
      July 31, 2023

      Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

      Average KOA

      Average KOA. Sites are level. Staff are friendly and helpful. Dog park a little on the small side but adequate. I did not check out the bath house so can’t comment on that. Bring bug spray, the mosquitos will tote you off in the evening.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Deer Park Rv Park and Campground
      July 21, 2023

      Deer Park Rv Park and Campground

      Only 1 night on our way west.

      We are here for only one night on our way to the east coast.  Lots of trees and with plenty of space for sitting in the shade.  Very level parking space in the #9 pull thru. Since we make a couple trips this way each year we will plan on being here again, maybe for 2 or 3 days so we can just relax and use the pool and walking trail. WiFi works great here also!

    • Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA
      August 22, 2022

      Buffalo KOA

      Great bathrooms & showers

      A bit lower key than most KOA’s (that’s a positive for me). Few kids, and VERY clean bathrooms and showers with appropriate hooks, dry shower entries (probably because they had great shower curtains). Sites had reasonable spacing and some shade. Nice pool.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Island Park Campground
      August 19, 2022

      Island Park Campground

      Stream runs behind it

      Decent, small campground. Few sites are level. Fire pit needed cleaning. Toilets were clean. Camp hosts on site, but never came by. Evidently there was a family reunion of sorts so some noise. They kayaked on the stream behind the camp sites.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Island Park Campground
      August 10, 2022

      Island Park Campground

      Beautiful setting

      Small but busy park. Best sites for views are along creek where you can watch moose beaver and trout in creek and meadow. Can get noisy before quiet hours. A lot of people drive through looking for campsite and kids were rambunctious when we were there. Great camp host

    • Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA
      June 22, 2022

      Buffalo KOA

      Good for an overnight

      Stayed here for a night on the way to Yellowstone. It was good for that purpose. It’s in the city, in fact there is a hotel right next door. Also close to a road, so you hear a good deal of traffic. Spots are quite close together. They do have free Wifi for streaming, which was nice. We didn’t use any of the facilities, so I can’t comment on those. Good for a stop but wouldn’t stay here for any length of time.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA
      June 12, 2022

      Buffalo KOA

      Family owned and very friendly!!

      Very clean campsites and facilities! Friendly family staff! Easy access to the creek! Also has a cute store!

    • Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA
      December 19, 2021

      Buffalo KOA

      Open All Year Round - Great Communication

      Needed a quick, last-minute spot in December and this KOA was perfect. Great communication (can just stop by w/o a reservation) and easy access.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Bighorn National Forest
      October 21, 2021

      Bighorn National Forest

      Incredible area!

      We camped way back below Freeze Out Point and woke up to a spectacular sunrise and 4 moose right in camp. This is an incredible area. Very busy due to hunting season, so hold off heading back there this time of year unless that's what you're here for. Fresh snow was gorgeous! Roads were pretty sloppy, especially once they melted in the afternoon.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Deer Park Rv Park and Campground
      October 11, 2021

      Deer Park Rv Park and Campground

      Nice Park

      Our RV GPS took us right to the campground(CG) about 1.5 miles east of I 90. As we entered the CG, we remembered that we’d stayed here almost exactly the same time in 2019. We picked this park based on recent reviews not noticing we’d stayed prior. Check in was quick and we were escorted to pull through 105 with FHUs. Also to our surprise, this was the same site. Utilities are smartly placed in the middle of most sites. Water pressure is very good, got 3 OTA channels, and their 24 channel cable worked okay but a little grainy on some channels(I swapped out coax and asked my neighbor to be sure). We got 3 bars on Verizon. They have 22 WiFi connections(not really sure how many are real) but connection 10 worked above average. There are a lot of mature trees here so satellite could be iffy. Our site and 106 should not have a problem connecting to satellite. 100 series sites are fairly well spaced with nice grass areas. The campground map is fairly accurate depicting site sizes, however, sites are not assigned until you arrive. We enjoyed our three night stay much better than last time.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA
      October 5, 2021

      Buffalo KOA

      Great KOA Experience!

      We stayed at the Buffalo Wyoming KOA in August 2021. This is a very nice KOA park and in fact was our favorite KOA that we have visited. This is a family run KOA that has done some pretty incredible upgrades to this resort. Upon arrival, we were placed in a private site along a babbling brook. It was fantastic sitting outside at any time of day or night and listen to the water running by just outside our door. This park offers FHU sites that are very spacious. A number of sites that even run right beside the river. There is river beach access for everyone. The best park WiFi we have ever used, a nice pool and awesome gated dog run. It was lovely walking around the park in the evening talking to our fellow campers. Wonderful family run park which we highly recommend. If you are interested in videos of this campground and others, check out our YouTube channel: Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA
      October 2, 2021

      Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

      Nicest park in area

      Older park that probably needs some updating, but nicest rv park in area. The other 2 are dirt parking lots. Lots of trees and greenery. The us here is the amazing staff. Couldnt be nicer or more accommodating! I mistakenly booked a site with water and power but NO sewer. This wasn’t going to work for us as we were there for 3 weeks. The staff worked their magic to get us into a full HU site.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo KOA
      September 21, 2021

      Buffalo KOA

      Great Cabins

      We arrived around 4pm with a reservation for a cabin. The host was great and a nice quiet place. Cabins are clean and the restroom/shower area is very well maintained. Stocked main office with good amenities. Our space heater in the cabin wasn’t working and was replaced quickly. There is a fire ban so no open fires or cooking. I opted to use my gas stove on the porch and there wasn’t a problem. Good location if your headed into Cody or Yellowstone within the next few days. TV also has a Roku adaptor. Laundry room/ shower open 24 hours.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Island Park Campground
      September 20, 2021

      Island Park Campground

      Country Tidings

      Reservable                877-444-6777 or recreation.gov 

      Fee area:    $18.50      Open: June      Limit stay: 14 days      Sites: 10 single 

      Potable water    pit toilet     trash     picnic table     fire ring/grill 

      This campground is fairly flat with gravel roadway and gravel sites. There is a nice blend of shade trees and evergreens. Some sites are great for solar and some well shaded. Very quiet. 

      Directions: From Ten Sleep, WY, take Highway 16 for about 21.2 miles to FSR 27, turn left and drive 3 miles to the campground

      LNT

      Better than when you found it

      Stay safe Happy travels

    • Camper-submitted photo from Deer Park Rv Park and Campground
      September 10, 2021

      Deer Park Rv Park and Campground

      Lovely campground minus the barking dogs

      The staff are very sweet and helpful. The campground is large, super charming and very clean except for the pile of dog crap that was left near our spot. Mostly quiet during the day but there is a mobile home park behind us where dogs were barking off and on half the night. The spots are not too close to each other and there are lots of pretty trees between and throughout. There is currently a fire ban so no fires but that was to be expected. Large clean laundry room with 4 washers and 4 driers. Small shop in the office with some rv necessities, beverages and ice cream novelties. You have to buy the local honey they sell, it's amazing and jarred right across the street...chances are you may have met a bee there that made that delicious honey. I did not use the pool but it was very clean. There are pull throughs and back ins for Rvs with plenty of room to maneuver for the back ins. Spots are small sized gravel and quite level with a grassy area and picnic table for each. Wifi is terrible but you can hook up to get several cable stations included in your fee. They also have a great walking trail to stretch your legs. Super excited to walk out the rv in the morning and get greeted by several beautiful wild turkeys passing through. Just a short drive into Buffalo for great food and shopping. If it weren't for the barking dogs I'd give 5 stars!

    • Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA
      September 6, 2021

      Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

      Typical KOA

      Staff here is wonderful...friendly & helpful. Campground is cleaner than most, showers & bathrooms also were clean. Big Goose Creek runs alongside the campground, and downtown Sheridan is just a few miles away. But it's expensive (almost $60 for water/electric only), the campground is between the freeway and train tracks, & RV spaces are stacked together like sardines. But sometimes a night at a KOA is necessary, and the welcoming staff makes it bearable.



    Guide to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

    Camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, South Dakota, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

    What to do:

    • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby waters. One visitor at Buffalo KOA mentioned, "We managed to get some decent fishing in, views were great, even though we caught no fish."
    • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. A reviewer at South Fork Campground shared, "There is a short trail, about 1.5 miles to a reservoir which was very nice."
    • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Tie Hack Campground noted, "We explored the off-road trails and saw a couple moose and elk."

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Indian Campground said, "Very clean bathrooms and showers with appropriate hooks."
    • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Buffalo KOA mentioned, "Friendly family staff! Easy access to the creek!"
    • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the sites. A reviewer at Circle Park Campground stated, "Beautiful solitude! Very well maintained."

    What you should know:

    • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Indian Campground noted, "There is some road noise, but trees help."
    • Site Spacing: Sites can be close together. A visitor at Buffalo KOA mentioned, "Spots are quite close together."
    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at South Fork Campground pointed out, "No cell service. This campground is set into a bit of a level bowl."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with pools or play areas. One family at Buffalo KOA enjoyed the "nice pool."
    • Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. A camper at Middle Fork Campground advised, "The rushing creek just behind the site is beautiful but requires caution."
    • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes. A visitor at Tie Hack Campground mentioned, "We enjoyed camping at Tie Hack... Plenty of trees and shade."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Indian Campground noted, "Hookups needed some attention."
    • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Buffalo KOA said, "Big rig friendly."
    • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Tie Hack Campground mentioned, "You’ll have to go to Leigh Creek Dump station at the summit on highway 16."

    Camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, South Dakota, provides a great escape into nature. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is Buffalo KOA with a 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find glamping camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?

      TheDyrt.com has all 7 glamping camping locations near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.