Dispersed camping within Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area puts campers directly on National Recreation Area land near the lake, with no assigned sites, no hookups, and no developed facilities. Campers stage their own setup. The area draws visitors exploring the canyon corridor, and nearby options like Cottonwood Creek Trailhead/campground give a sense of how dispersed access is distributed across this stretch of Wyoming. Bring all water, and confirm current dispersed use rules with the NRA before arrival.
Description
Dispersed/ backcountry camping is allowed on Bighorn Lake anywhere below the high water mark of 3640 feet elevation in undeveloped areas. Remember to pack out everything you bring in. Some dispersed camping sites might not be available during high lake elevation levels. Fires are allowed below the high water mark (3640 feet). Please check fire restrictions before going out. Dispersed/ backcountry camping is free and does not require a permit. Camping is on a first come first serve basis. No reservations will be taken.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDispersed/ Backcountry Camping is located in Wyoming near Lovell
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
44.88265145574919 N
108.1659219576063 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/11/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/11/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Dispersed/ Backcountry Camping — Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 1 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs 42 min from Casper, WY
- 6 hrs 15 min from Idaho Falls, ID
