Dispersed camping near Big Horn, Wyoming offers high-elevation backcountry experiences with dramatic temperature changes even in summer months. Most free camping sites sit between 7,000-9,500 feet elevation with unpredictable weather patterns common year-round. The Bighorn National Forest contains multiple established dispersed camping areas accessible via forest service roads of varying conditions.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Grouse Mountain Basecamp, campers regularly spot large mammals grazing in nearby meadows. "There were horses greeted us at the fence and I woke up to cows starring at me. The mountains nearby were snow capped," notes one camper. Another visitor mentions seeing "a large herd of Elk on the forest perimeter" at Meadow Camp during evening hours.
Wildflower photography: Seasonal wildflowers peak in many camping areas during June-July. "Wildflowers were beautiful," reports one Grouse Mountain camper. Another visitor called it a "Wildflower Paradise" describing it as "truly one of the most magical campgrounds I've ever been to."
Waterfall exploration: Crazy Woman Canyon Road offers creek-side camping with small cascades throughout the canyon. "It's right next to a river with rapids that are steep enough to be considered small waterfalls," notes a visitor. The water creates "great white noise" for sleeping according to multiple reviews.
What campers like
Cooler summer temperatures: The high elevation provides relief from summer heat. "The temperature got down to 45° which is perfect for me for sleeping," reports one Circle Road camper. Another mentions "9000 ft elevation" at Canyon Creek Dispersed camping as a key feature.
Established fire rings: Most sites have stone fire rings despite limited amenities. "Lots have stone fire rings," notes a Circle Road camper. At Schuler Park, a reviewer mentioned "Fireplaces set up at the sites" making campfire cooking more convenient.
Cell reception spots: Limited connectivity exists in specific locations. "There is only one place in all the area that has cell coverage," mentions one Elgin Park camper who "had traffic all day with people parking in and around our campers to use their phones." Another notes "Starlink is super fast for work" at Grouse Mountain.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements vary significantly: Road conditions change seasonally and by location. "The road on the left at the first intersection gets rough after a bit, but otherwise the sites are accessible for RVs and trailers," reports a visitor to Circle Road. At Canyon Creek Dispersed, campers should "scout the road the further you get into the camping area as it can be a bit rough (with water crossing at one point)."
Limited facilities: Most areas have no toilets or water sources. "Off the grid campsite with no service or bathrooms," notes a Schuler Park camper. One exception is Elgin Park where there's a "Vault toilet available once you drive a ways in on Elgin Park Road."
Weekend traffic increases: ATV and off-road vehicle activity spikes on weekends. "This place is a haven for SxS and ATV traffic on the weekend so it can get loud and very dusty," warns an Elgin Park visitor. Another camper observed "Weekend was busy with traffic down the dirt road but weekdays we had it all to ourselves."
Tips for camping with families
Best easy-access options: Some areas provide simpler access for family camping. "Very easy to find, we arrived pretty late and it was simple to locate and park," notes a Grouse Mountain visitor. Another mentions it's accessible "via an easy dirt road."
Weather preparation essential: Mountain weather shifts rapidly even in summer. One camper noted "it can get pretty moist at night with all the clouds" at Grouse Mountain, while another mentioned waking up "in a cloud" after camping there.
Free-range livestock awareness: Cattle and horses roam many camping areas. At Elgin Park Trailhead, a visitor warns about "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."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness challenges: Finding level spots requires scouting. "Site was not very level, so be prepared for that," warns a Circle Road camper. For larger rigs, one visitor notes "It's a level, smooth, dirt road where you pull off the side anywhere you choose" at Grouse Mountain.
Limited turnaround options: Some forest roads lack sufficient space for turning larger vehicles. A Circle Road visitor warns there are "no accessible turnarounds with the camper until Circle Pond Campground at the end of the road."
Seasonal closures occur: Road access changes throughout the year due to maintenance or conditions. "Currently closed about 10 minutes from where Google maps was taking us without an indication why," reported a Crazy Woman Canyon camper in spring 2024, while another noted "this spot is currently closed indefinitely due to construction" in summer.
