Battle Park Trailhead serves primarily as a horse camp near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, featuring multiple corrals, high lines for tethering horses, and a water trough fed by a nearby creek. The campground provides ample parking specifically designed for horse trailers. Located on National Forest land in Wyoming, the site offers both tent and RV camping options with vault toilets available. The access road to the campground is long and narrow in spots, making two-way traffic challenging, though generally maintained in passable condition that occasionally becomes rutted.
The campground connects directly to the surrounding trail system, allowing horse owners immediate access to riding opportunities in the Bighorn Mountains. Doyle Creek Campground offers additional equestrian camping options in the region with access to a scenic trail that loops through meadows and ponderosa pine forest. Most equestrian sites in the area are primitive with limited amenities—typically only water and vault toilets. The campgrounds experience seasonal closures, with many operating from late May through September. The equestrian areas often feature more spacious sites than the standard camping areas. Campers regularly encounter wildlife including moose, deer, and elk while staying at these horse-friendly facilities.
"Quite a few people bring their horses and/or off road toys. Great mountain views! Worth the trip every time."
"This is a tiny campground in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area near the popular Circle Park Trailhead."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 / night
"The campground was full nutrition non-horse campers can also camp here. It is also a trailhead. The road is long - at the fork stay left."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
"Well-managed site in ponderosa stand with scenic drive .. very scenic quiet trail along Doyle creek starting from backside of campground that turns into a loop through meadows and ponderosa."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 / night
"The sites are pretty spaced out and some of them are actually really nicely tucked in the pine trees."
"This campground is an amazing off grid location for those looking to escape for a little while."
"This camp is primarily a horse camp. There are several corrals and high lines as well as a horse water trough fed by a nearby creek. There is also ample parking for horse trailers."
TravelerExcellent and remote site for those looking to get away. The weather is warm, the creek is ice cold, and the tent areas are nice and flat. The only downside is there is a herd of cows that comes through and poops everywhere. With them also comes a lot of biting flies.
GuideThe campground was full nutrition non-horse campers can also camp here. It is also a trailhead. The road is long - at the fork stay left.
GuideThis is a review for the Campground, which costs to stay at. Currently the price is $20 per night and $10 per extra vehicle. A cash or check self-pay dropbox is available at the entrance. Firewood available for $6 a bundle at the host site. 10 sites total, there is a map at the entrance to show the sites. There is dispersed camping along the access road for free, and a separate Dyrt entry for that type of camping.
The campground is about 3 miles off of paved road. The first 2/3rds of the dirt road was great, last little bit might get tricky after a rain. I can see this campground becoming muddy. With that said, my fwd vehicle made it with no issues. No electric or water hookups, but there is public drinking water and toilets. Cell service is 0-1 bar of 4G on Verizon on a good day, don't plan on having service. It's a no outlet loop road so there is some quiet traffic that ends at night, I saw about a dozen vehicles an hour on average during a beautiful Friday afternoon.
As other reviews have pointed out, this is a great location for kids to explore and enjoy nature. A short hike quickly gets you away from any noise. The snow-covered mountains in the backdrop are truly stunning. The sites are mostly shaded and uneven, but there is a decent variation to choose from. There were 3 sites available mid-afternoon on Friday.
Due to how easy it is to access, everyone should have this campground (or the dispersed camping along the road) on their to-visit list!
GuideThis camp is primarily a horse camp. There are several corrals and high lines as well as a horse water trough fed by a nearby creek. There is also ample parking for horse trailers.
The road getting to the camp was pretty good but can get pretty rutted up at times. The road in is also really long and narrow in some spots. Which, makes two way traffic difficult.
GuideTons and tons of spaces. No Verizon service. The sites are pretty spaced out and some of them are actually really nicely tucked in the pine trees.
Traveler44°35'22.4"N 107°07'30.4"W
These are from Google Maps..
ScoutFound it closed, no idea if indefinite. 6 Sept 2023
GuideCircle Park is an awesome spot. It’s so close and easy to get to from Buffalo, and there are plenty of different spots so you can find something you like. Shaded areas, more sunny spots, more private or close to the road. My family and I stayed here for about a week in late July. Nice spot to go when it’s super hot in town.
RangerFound a great site with a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on. Good views and quiet. Some sites might be tough with bigger trailers. Mosquitoes got pretty bad.
The Bighorn Canyon area offers equestrian-focused recreation opportunities beyond just Battle Park Trailhead. Located in the Bighorn National Forest at elevations ranging from 4,000-13,000 feet, this region contains multiple horse-friendly campgrounds connected to extensive trail networks. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with significant cooling at night, even during peak season.
Trail riding from established camps: Circle Park Campground provides direct access to riding trails with mountain views. "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 stayed at Circle Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many equestrian camping areas feature nearby stream access. At Doyle Creek Campground, visitors report good fishing conditions. "There is a stream for good fly fishing and we always see a bunch of wildlife!" according to Kailey A., highlighting the dual recreation possibilities.
Wildlife viewing: The Bighorn Mountains support diverse wildlife populations accessible from horse camps. Carl S. describes the "scenic drive... very scenic quiet trail along Doyle creek starting from backside of campground that turns into a loop through meadows and ponderosa," ideal terrain for spotting animals while riding.
Spacious equestrian sites: Horse-friendly campgrounds typically offer more room than standard sites. Teresa H. from Doyle Creek explains, "Lot of space which you may share with a wandering cow from rangeland. We loved it here. Beautiful country with room to wander after dinner with the dogs!"
Reliable water sources: Many riders appreciate consistent water for their animals. At Little Goose Campground, Shawn O. found "a beautiful creek filled with trout" that provides water for camping needs, noting the area has "nice little hiking trails [that] followed the river."
Mixed-use options: Even dedicated horse camps welcome non-equestrian visitors. Audrey F. observed at Hunter Campground that "the campground was full nutrition non-horse campers can also camp here. It is also a trailhead."
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to equestrian sites often require appropriate vehicles. Shawn O. warns about Little Goose Campground: "We had the whole campground to ourselves... However... we weren't sure how we would make it out if it were to snow or rain... You wouldn't want anything less than a stock Wrangler or equivalent to take this road."
Seasonal closures affect planning: Most horse camps operate during summer months only. Circle Park operates from "May 25 to September 30" while Doyle Creek Campground runs "June 10 to September 5," requiring advance planning for equestrian trips.
Limited services: Expect basic facilities at most locations. Carl S. describes Doyle Creek as having "No services only water and clean loo," which typifies the equestrian camping experience throughout the region.
Boulder exploration for children: Some sites offer natural playgrounds. At Circle Park, Patrick W. found "a great site with a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on. Good views and quiet."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy animal sightings from camp. Annie C. reports that at Circle Park Campground, "My neighbors saw a moose with twins on the edge of the meadow the morning I showed up... the wildflowers and birds were plentiful."
Insect preparation essential: Summer months bring increased insect activity. Patrick W. warns, "Mosquitoes got pretty bad" at Circle Park, suggesting families pack appropriate repellent and protective clothing.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all equestrian campgrounds accommodate bigger rigs. Glen B. notes that at Doyle Creek, sites "are rocky and small. However the equestrian area at the back has some beautiful spots," suggesting RVers specifically request those locations.
Weather contingency planning: Mountain weather changes rapidly, affecting road conditions. Shawn O. explains, "We were able to crawl our way back out of the camp area after an overnight steady rain, we kept in in 4 low and made it safely," emphasizing the need for traction equipment and flexible departure plans.
Fire restrictions awareness: During dry periods, established campgrounds may offer advantages. Leni K. notes that at Circle Park, "The best advantage over dispersed was with dedicated fire rings we were permitted fires during a fire ban. Firewood was $6."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is Circle Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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