Looking for tent camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area with tent camping. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area's most popular destinations.
Powder River Ranger District
Free Dispersed camping outside of Bighorn National Forest's Powder River Ranger District. No reservations. First come, first served. This is a high elevation location.
Battle Park Trailhead is popular with horse users. A camping area with facilities is located across the road. This trailhead provides access to Battle Park Trail #173 and nearby access to Cloud Peak Wilderness via Long Park Trail #164 and Middle Paintrock Trail - #066. This trailhead also provides access to Lily Lake Cut-off Trail - #120 (Non-wilderness trail) which begins at Long Park Trail #164 and heads southeast to Lily Lake where it connects to Middle Paintrock Trail #066, outside of the Cloud Peak Wilderness boundary.
Cross Creek Campground is located near the southeast end of Park Reservoir. Numerous large and small lakes are nearby, making it an excellent location for fishing enthusiasts.
Provides access to: Coffeen Park Trail - #592 which accesses Cloud Peak Wilderness . Ample parking available.
The Lower Paintrock Lake Campground is located in a remote setting on Lower Paintrock Lake. Nearby trailheads offer access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness.
Guide
This is a one of those secret locations that you look for, the one you don't want to give away but show all your friends pictures of it. If this was a fishing spot you wouldn't tell other anglers about it. If it was a special hunting location you would keep your lips sealed.
Crazy woman canyon gets it's name from a few different legends, but that's not the point of this gem. The tranquility, peace, towering canyon walls that make you feel so small, the freedom of the outdoors and back country quietness, that's what this place should be known for.
We saw wildlife, we relaxed with the sound of the river, this was an unforgettable experience.
Keep in mind there are no facilities here, no toilets, no potable water, no showers, you need to pack in and pack out. This is true back-country camping. The roads are narrow and traffic goes both ways, we had to pass another truck and were just inches from the edge with rushing water below. But this is Wyoming, this is the wild west, one of the great frontiers of the American expansion.
Come here, it's worth it.
Guide
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.
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.
TravelerGreat 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!
GuideThe 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
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.
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.
TravelerNot too sure where it is intended for us to stop but all we saw were « no overnight parking » signs.
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.
Tent camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in South Dakota offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is Crazy Woman Canyon Road - dispersed camping with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
