Free dispersed camping runs the length of Circle Park Road in Bighorn National Forest, starting about a half-mile from the highway and stretching roughly three miles to a paid campground and trailhead at the road's end. The access road is a single-lane dirt track with occasional potholes and limited passing areas, so expect some maneuvering. Most of the road is manageable in 2WD, though side roads branching left at the first fork require 4WD. After rain, mud can wash out some pull-offs and make turnarounds difficult for trailers over 26 feet.
Sites vary considerably depending on where you stop. The first mile or so runs through open meadow terrain with wide sightlines toward the Bighorn Range, giving campers room to spread out and, for those relying on solar panels or Starlink, unobstructed sky exposure. Farther in, near a creek and a trailhead, sites become more forested and enclosed. Many established spots have stone fire rings. Moose have been reported in the lower meadow area, and Milo D. notes "lots of birds, and there's a couple of fox families living in the rock formations."
Noise is a real consideration here. The road sees steady traffic from the paid campground beyond, and ATVs and dirt bikes are common, particularly on weekends. Weekdays tend to be noticeably quieter, with some campers reporting they had the area largely to themselves. Cell coverage is inconsistent. Verizon users report anywhere from zero to one bar of 4G depending on exact location, and some side roads drop signal entirely.
Water is available at the paid campground at the end of the road, though reviewers suggest leaving a donation if you use it. Toilets are also accessible there. For those planning longer stays, the town of Buffalo handles resupply and has a free dump station at a Cenex gas station. Dispersed camping near Bighorn National Forest follows standard 14-day stay limits. Nearby options include South Fork and Tie Hack Campground for campers who want developed sites in the same area.
This spot makes the most sense for self-sufficient campers in smaller rigs or tents who can handle variable road conditions and don't need reliable cell service, especially those willing to arrive on a weekday to avoid weekend traffic and noise.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCircle Road Dispersed Camping is located in Wyoming near Saddlestring
Coordinates
44.28805486 N
106.9587244 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/25/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
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 Circle Road Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 4 min from Casper, WY
- 3 hrs 7 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 44 min from Rapid City, SD
- 4 hrs 55 min from Bozeman, MT
