Are you planning a camping trip to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area with your dog? We've got you covered. Finding pet-friendly campgrounds in South Dakota is easier than ever. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area's most popular destinations.
$50 - $80 / night
Indian Campground & RV Park in Buffalo, Wyoming is located halfway between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park, at the junction of I-90 and I-25. We are an ideal stopping off point to visit the beautiful Big Horn Mountains, the Bighorn National Forest, and the Historic Bozeman Trail sites. We are also at the point where these two interstates meet up with the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway (also known as Highway 16). Easy off and easy on -- just 1/2 block west of I-25's exit 299. This is the shortest, safest and most scenic route to Yellowstone Park - with the least grade for those big outfits. We have over 200 large, mature shade trees - pruned and ready to accommodate your rig to protect you and your valuable equipment. We also have grassy tent sites right next to a stream and cabin rentals. Our large swimming pool is heated to a perfect 84 degrees!
The Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area is a county owned facility located on the south shore of Lake DeSmet 8 miles north of Buffalo, WY off exit 51 of I-90. Each year, Lake DeSmet is visited by locals and travelers from across the country who enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, camping and pristine views of the water and surrounding mountains. Camping is available on a first come/first serve basis at this site. Over 60 overnight camping spots ($15 per night) 8 camping sites with electricity ($20 per night) Available at no charge: 2 boat ramps Picnic areas for day use at beach area on south side 4 restrooms (1 open year round)
$15 - $20 / night
South Fork Campground is located 15 miles west of Buffalo, Wyoming on the east side of scenic Cloud Peak Skyway, near the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. The surrounding Bighorn National Forest offers 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
Tie Hack Reservoir is nearby, offering a great location for canoeing and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout in the lake. The Circle Park Trailhead is 3 miles from the campground. This beautiful trail accesses numerous alpine lakes and two 12,000' peaks within the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Many additional hiking trails are available in the area. Scenic off-road driving is available at nearby Elgin Park, Pole Creek and Crazy Woman Canyon Roads. Hiking and mountain biking are allowed on these roads as well.
The campground is situated on the banks of South Fork Clear Creek at an elevation of 7,800 feet. A dense forest of lodgepole pine covers the campground.
South Fork Lodge is located across the highway from the campground, offering dining options, lodging, guided horseback riding, a fishing pond and a small store with fishing and camping supplies.
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).
$20 / night
$43 - $62 / night
Circle Park Campground is located about 15 miles west of Buffalo, Wyoming, on the east side of scenic Cloud Peak Skyway, near the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. Part of the Bighorn National Forest, the area offers 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
Scenic off-road driving is available on nearby Elgin Park, Pole Creek and Crazy Woman Canyon Roads. Hiking and mountain biking are allowed on these roads as well. High Park Lookout, a short hike east of Meadowlark Lake, is an old fire lookout offering panoramic views of the area. There is fishing at nearby streams and lakes including Tie Hack Reservoir, a non-motorized lake, and Meadowlark Lake for rainbow, cutthroat, brown, and brook trout. Many additional hiking trails are available in the Cloud Peak Wilderness.
The campground sits at the edge of a meadow tucked in a dense forest of lodgepole pine and aspen with widely spaced sites. Circle Park Trailhead leading into the Cloud Peak Wilderness is nearby.
The adjacent Cloud Peak Skyway provides for scenic driving. Many additional hiking trails are available in the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Fishing is popular in the campground and nearby streams and Tie Hack Reservoir.
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).
$19 / night
Camping outside of developed campgrounds is permitted throughout much of the Forest. You are allowed to drive up to 300 feet off of an open road to set up camp, providing it will not result in damage to the land, is in an area that is not signed otherwise, or if restrictions are in place prohibiting that use.
Tie Hack Campground is located close to Tie Hack Reservoir, just 15 miles west of Buffalo, Wyoming on the east side of scenic Cloud Peak Skyway, near the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. The Bighorn National Forest offers 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
Tie Hack Reservoir offers a great location for canoeing and fishing. Anglers cast for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout. A short trail leads from the campground to the lake. The Circle Park Trailhead is 3 miles from the campground. This beautiful trail accesses numerous alpine lakes and two 12,000' peaks within the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Many additional hiking trails are available in the area. Scenic off-road driving is available on nearby Elgin Park, Pole Creek and Crazy Woman Canyon Roads. Hiking and mountain biking are allowed on these roads as well.
Tie Hack Reservoir offers a great location for canoeing and fishing. Anglers cast for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout. A short trail leads from the campground to the lake. The Circle Park Trailhead is 3 miles from the campground. This beautiful trail accesses numerous alpine lakes and two 12,000' peaks within the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Many additional hiking trails are available in the area. Scenic off-road driving is available on nearby Elgin Park, Pole Creek and Crazy Woman Canyon Roads. Hiking and mountain biking are allowed on these roads as well.
The campground is situated near the shore of scenic Tie Hack Reservoir at an elevation of 7,900 feet. A dense forest of lodgepole pine covers the campground. Rock outcroppings are found inside the campground and along the shoreline.
South Fork Lodge is nearby, offering dining options, lodging, guided horseback riding, a fishing pond and a small store with fishing and camping supplies.
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).
$20 / night
Traveler
Great experience easy to find and given the time we went no one was there.
Guide
We dispersed camped north of MeadowLark Lake along FS Road 427 I believe! It was beautiful, and so peaceful. We did get stormed on but our tent held out really well! These dispersed sites are developed and first come first serve. We enjoyed our coffee next to the river!
No water or Toilets so plan accordingly, and check out the Bighorns USDA Website for any burn bans or camping information you may need!
There are bears out in this forest, recommend putting all food in your hard sided truck, Car, or camper! A human fed bear is a dead bear!
Traveler
Found this by chance en route to custer state park. Lots of pitches. Quiet and had spot right by lake. Clean toilets. Make sure to take a pen to be able to check in/complete envelope.
Traveler
Totally agree with person who said this is in top 5 sites. Awesome views, level ground, easy access, lots of room for many. However, it's county road 402 not 403!
Ranger
Wonderful staff and friendly. Got my laundry done, showers, and lovely shady spot and they have a pool!
Guide
The breathtaking Bighorn Mountains at 9000 ft elevation, good for rigs of all sizes but be advised you may want to scout the road the further you get into the camping area as it can be a bit rough (with water crossing at one point).
We overview the camping options as well as the amenities available in the area in our video review!
Useful Information: Location: Canyon Creek Dispersed, Ten Sleep, Wyoming
GPS Coordinates(Canyon Creek Dispersed): 44.160758,-107.128481
Maximum Stay: 14 Days
Dump/Water(Cenex): https://maps.app.goo.gl/b44MFQ4ne9h3DpE2A
Leigh Creek Dump/Water: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SfJmMrKekzLyTKFNA
Guide
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.
LegendNice 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
Guide
We enjoyed our stay here, many spots to pick from, but a few things to be advised about.
1. When we arrived it looked like a lot of the locals"dropped" their campers there for storage to avoid paying storage fees. However, while we were there the National Forest staff came in several times and started tagging these RVs and most of them were removed within a week or so.
2. This place is a haven for SxS and ATV traffic on the weekend so it can get loud and very dusty
3. Hundreds of free-range cattle, so if you are not comfortable with them walking in and through your campsite you may want to pick another location.
4. There is only one place in all the area that has cell coverage and turns out we camped on that hill without knowing it so we had traffic all day with people parking in and around our campers to use their phones.
We did a video review of this spot if you are interested here is the link https://youtu.be/gpm9THujEow
We enjoyed our stay even with those items we listed above, would stay here again for sure. Thank you to the National Forest Staff for patrolling this area!!!
Guide
Tons 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.
GuideSo amazing. Peaceful and quiet, even with some other campers here. The cell phone service with Verizon is perfect and the view is to die for. You can also hear the cows across the road, which I love. The road in is so easy, no rigs should have any issues.
GuideThis is a great spot. Wide open area for camping so you’re not right on top of anyone. The views were amazing. Pretty windy as others stated, but was nice during the hot days. Nights were a tad chilly. Downside is there’s absolutely no shade and horseflies are in plenty. Thankfully I have a screen tent that provided some shade and relief from the flies. Overall a great spot, not too far from town. Better if you have a camper over a tent.
Guide
Good showers. Helpful and friendly staff. We got last available site because it was Longmire Days in Buffalo. Decent site although hookups needed some attention. Needed about 25’ of hoses to get to water hookup. Quiet at night. Level sites.
Ranger
Stopped here for an overnight on our drive home to Florida. Great owners who were very nice and helpful. Clean and well run park. Great stop.
GuideSites are narrow but doable. Not a place to hang out all day but a nice base close to town at a reasonable price. It is near a hill so trucks engines can get loud if your site is near the road. We were away from the road and it wasn’t an issue. Easy access to I-90 but no noise from the interstate.
RangerBeautiful views. Be prepared for tall grass and horse flies. We parked at the end by the private fence and by morning several hikers with dogs came and parked right next to our site. Good Verizon service.
LegendSpectacular views and wildlife. Easy to find a level spot. Wild horses.
TravelerBy far one of the most beautiful places I’ve camped. The field is in bloom right now (June 15) with purple and yellow flowers. We’re definitely up in elevation and can see lush forests and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Super lush green field to camp in. Super easy to get to from main road. No road traffic sounds. Chilly at night.
Scout
Stayed for just one night. Great sites and a beautiful area with plenty of trails to hike. Had a big bull moose sitting in our site upon arrival and he stayed nearby all day and night so caution with pets is recommended.
Scout
The owner was kind, and willing to accommodate us last minute. The spaces are small and tight. People appear to live here year round.
TravelerPaid $15 to camp. Had a park for playing that was a big hit. A store right near by had some supplies including wood for $7.50
Beautiful sunset. Has picnic tables and firepits but no grate for cooking. A few sites are good for tents and more are good for RVs because they have gravel.
GuideThe gravel drive and lots are compacted and easy to maneuver with an electric wheelchair. I think a manual could do it as well. Shower and toilets are not accessible unless you can stand and walk short distances. Washer and driers are accessible but the main door into the office has a2” lip that can stop you if you’re not at speed. Great feeling to the overall area. Right by freeway so some noise but trees help.
TravelerWe came in and got a last minute tent site on Memorial Day weekend and were treated very well with good recommendations for ice cream and willingness to help us out when we realized we left things at home. Our spot was a beautiful little tent spot right along the creek.
Guide
We arrived without reservations and Peter D was a great and have us a lot of good recommendations around town. Sites are gravel and level.
Traveler
44°35'22.4"N 107°07'30.4"W
These are from Google Maps..
GuideHe was very nice!
ScoutCurrently closed about 10 minutes from where google maps was taking us without an indication why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly 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 dog-friendly camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 dog-friendly camping locations near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
