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$15 - $20 / night

$15 - $20 / night

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Established Camping

Mikesell Potts Recreation Area

9 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Mikesell Potts Recreation Area, near Buffalo, Wyoming, is a fantastic spot for those looking to unwind in nature. With its spacious sites and a laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts.

This area boasts picnic tables and fire pits, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors and gather around the fire at night. Visitors have raved about the stunning sunsets and the peaceful atmosphere, with one camper noting, “Beautiful sunset. Has picnic tables and firepits.” Just keep in mind that there’s no drinking water available, so be sure to bring your own.

Wildlife is a highlight here, with pronghorn sightings being a common delight. The campground is also conveniently located between Badlands and Yellowstone, making it a great stop for travelers. As one happy camper put it, “Great little spot between Bad Lands and Yellowstone.”

While the amenities are basic, the clean vault toilets and the honor system for check-in add to the charm. Some campers have mentioned that it can get a bit windy at night, especially if you're in a tent, but that’s all part of the outdoor experience. Whether you're just passing through or planning a longer stay, Mikesell Potts offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.

Fee Info

Overnight camping fees are paid on the “honor ” system. Fees are $20 per night for sites with electricity and $15 per night for sites without electricity.

Off months are still "pay" of $15 - November through April

Reservation Info

Reservations are not accepted.

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Location

Mikesell Potts Recreation Area is located in Wyoming

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.45230685 N
106.74430027 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Last on 5/29/25
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Last on 8/23/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Circle Road Dispersed Camping

Circle Road Dispersed Camping

24 min away

Little Goose Campground

Little Goose Campground

1 hr 2 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Last on 5/29/25
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Last on 8/23/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Geeios1 The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2025

Nice place

Semi private. It appears there are long term campers here.

Site5
Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
D
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2025

Pronghorns

Nice lake front camping spots and some in the back with prong horns visiting. Great place to walk around.

The vaults are clean and well stocked. We had a spot with no neighbors and trees on three sides.

There are only a few spots with power, so get there early.

Site48
Month of VisitJuly
Maria S.
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2024

Beautiful site

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.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mikesell Potts Recreation Area by Maria S., October 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Mikesell Potts Recreation Area by Maria S., October 10, 2024
BThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2024

serene and scenic

Paid $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.

Site11
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Mikesell Potts Recreation Area by Becky , June 6, 2024
N M.
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2023

Spaced out and simple

Check in is via honor system. Most sites have some from between them. Saw lots of pronghorn. Did get a bit windy in the night, especially in a tent. Bathrooms were closed.

Site27
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mikesell Potts Recreation Area by N M., October 4, 2023
  • Review photo of Mikesell Potts Recreation Area by N M., October 4, 2023
K
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2022

Peaceful overnight with skipping stones and cows

Great little spot between Bad Lands and Yellowstone. Pulled in late, had no problem finding a spot and paying. Vault toilets that are clean. Just a few other campers. Beautiful lake for skipping stones. Cows that occasionally block the road.

Site12
Month of VisitOctober
r
Reviewed Sep. 10, 2022

Gem for travelers

Stay here before staying at Lake Stop just before it. There is no contest which is more enjoyable and sweet of a spot. We were passing through and were happy to find this quiet place. We didn’t spend any daytime here as we arrived later and left early.

Site123
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mikesell Potts Recreation Area by rachel , September 10, 2022
mildred O.
Reviewed May. 12, 2022

Lake De smit

Beautiful lake . You can camp next to the lake . There doing improvements to the campground.

Site16
Month of VisitMay
Showing results 1-9 of 9 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area?

Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area offers lakefront and back camping spots with picnic tables and fire pits (note: fire pits don't include cooking grates). The campground has clean vault toilets, a playground for children, and a mix of tent and RV-suitable sites. Most RV sites feature gravel surfaces, and a limited number of powered sites are available. Camping costs $15 per night using an honor system payment method. The area offers semi-private sites with some having trees on three sides for added privacy.

Where is Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area located in relation to Bighorn National Forest?

Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area is strategically positioned as a convenient stopping point between the Badlands and Yellowstone, making it a great base for exploring the region. While specific mileage to Bighorn National Forest isn't detailed, the campground serves as an excellent alternative to nearby Lake Stop and provides a quiet resting place for travelers passing through the area. The surrounding landscape features open country where visitors can frequently spot pronghorn antelope.

Can I make camping reservations for Lake DeSmet near Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area?

Lake DeSmet camping at Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. Payment is handled via an honor system where you'll need to complete an envelope at check-in (bring a pen). For the limited powered sites, early arrival is recommended as these fill quickly. While some campers appear to stay long-term, there are typically spots available for travelers passing through. For the most current reservation policies, it's best to contact the recreation area directly before your trip.

What are the best photo opportunities at Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area?

The beautiful lake at Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area offers stunning sunset photography opportunities with vibrant colors reflecting off the water. Wildlife photography enthusiasts will appreciate the frequent pronghorn sightings in and around the campground. The natural setting with lakefront views provides excellent landscape composition possibilities. For those staying overnight, the open skies create opportunities for night photography when conditions are clear. The mix of water, wildlife, and wide-open spaces creates a diverse range of photo possibilities.

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