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Best Dispersed Camping near Big Horn, WY

55 Reviews

Dispersed camping is common near Big Horn, Wyoming, with several free sites located throughout the Bighorn National Forest. Circle Road Dispersed Camping, Crazy Woman Canyon Road, Grouse Mountain Basecamp, and Canyon Creek Dispersed are among the established primitive camping areas. These sites typically feature no amenities and follow standard U.S. Forest Service regulations for dispersed camping on public lands. Most locations are situated along forest service roads with varying degrees of accessibility, offering campers scenic mountain views and creek access.

Many areas are reachable via unpaved routes, though road conditions vary significantly by location and season. Circle Road provides relatively easy access with some potholes and mud during wet periods, while Crazy Woman Canyon Road features steeper terrain with a single-lane dirt road that can be challenging for larger vehicles. Most dispersed sites have established fire rings, but no toilets, trash service, or potable water. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in most areas. Cell phone reception is limited or non-existent in many locations, particularly in canyon areas. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote sites.

The dispersed camping experience near Big Horn provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation in a relatively uncrowded setting. Campers report seeing moose, fox, and pronghorn in various locations. Elevation in these areas ranges from 7,000 to 9,500 feet, providing cooler temperatures even during summer months. Water access varies by site, with some locations situated near creeks or streams. "The road is about 3 miles long and ends at either a campground or a trailhead parking area depending on which way you go. Multiple off-shoots of various dirt roads, most accessible with 2wd, some requiring more," noted one camper about Circle Road. Another mentioned that Canyon Creek Dispersed camping is "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."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Big Horn, Wyoming (15)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Big Horn, WY

38 Photos of 15 Big Horn Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Big Horn, WY

55 Reviews of 15 Big Horn Campgrounds

  • Janelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Circle Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot, better for rent or car camping

    We ventured out here in our 26’ bumper pull camper for the night of 6/19. Several trailers and campers looked like they had been posted up there for a while. 

    Pros:

    -Lots of pull off spots accessible for car camping and very small campers

    -Beautiful wildflowers at this time of year-remote and peaceful!

    -main dirt was mostly manageable with our camper, some potholes and mud though 

    Cons:-

    very rainy, hence lots of mud, when we went

    -most of the campsites seemed to be washed out right now and unaccessible with our camper

    -no accessible turnarounds with the camper until Circle Pond Campground at the end of the road

    -bugs were really bad

    -no Verizon cell signal

    -single lane dirt road just had a couple sporadic pull offs to allow for passing vehicles from other direction

  • Milo D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2025

    Circle Road Dispersed Camping

    Awesome views with lots of space!

    Turn onto Circle Park Road and the dispersed camping spots start about a half-mile down an easy dirt road. The road is about 3 miles long and ends at either a campground or a trailhead parking area depending on which way you go. The campground is paid, but the entire access road (Circle Park) is dispersed. Multiple off-shoots of various dirt roads, most accessible with 2wd, some requiring more.

    About a mile from the entrance is where the "established" dispersed sites start, you'll easily tell by the gate entrance. It was open, but does appear to close occasionally. The first fork you come to you can go left which will require 4wd, or you can continue right on the road. About another mile or so you'll reach the second fork. If you go right the dispersed camping ends and the entrance to the campground begins. If you go left it ends at a trailhead, but has some great dispersed spots before that. No matter what vehicle you drive there are multiple spots for you to enjoy.

    A decent amount of traffic due to the campground, I saw about a dozen vehicles an hour on average until the sun set. Cell phone reception is hit-or-miss depending on your location and carrier, Verizon had 0-1 bar of 4g where I stayed. There is water available at the campground if you absolutely need it, though I would slip a couple dollars in the self-pay box as a thanks if you do use it.

    Lots of awesome established and rough trails depending on what you're looking for. Lots of birds, and there's a couple of fox families living in the rock formations.

    It can be a bit noisy depending on where you stay, but the mountain views during sunset are absolutely stunning. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Canyon Creek Dispersed

    Canyon Creek Dispersed

    The 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! 

    https://youtu.be/ztjOGUjNkfo

    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

  • Lords C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    Wide Open Spaces

    I stumbled on Grouse Mountain Dispersed Camping last Fall and made sure I visited again upon return this Summer.

    Great little town of Buffalo is down the mountain, the views are amazing and spots are spaced out very well here.

    It's on my 'starred' list on my Google maps of best places to boondock. Only downside here is there is no shade, the access road gets a little busy with campers and a private camp down below. All in all? Top tier Boondocking spot from my view.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Canyon Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, Free and Relief from the Heat of Summer

    The specific location given is about 4.5 miles in from hwy 16, and there are numerous areas to set up your camper on the way in. The farther you go, the more private it is. The dirt roads are well maintained, but still a fair amount of rock, so slower speeds are safer. The entire Bighorn NF area is saturated with dispersed camping.

    The limit is 2 weeks, and Ranger request that you move about 5 miles, if you want to stay longer. There are locals who come to ride their dirt bikes and ATV's in the area, more so on the weekends, but has not been too much of a nuisance. There is plenty of deadwood in the areas to gather as firewood, and Canyon Creek has a brisk stream of water flowing. Satellite images show it dry.

    Elevation of this area is about 9500', so temps are cool and comfortable even in August.

    Very dark and clear night sky is great for star gazing. And there is a park dump/fresh water station a very short distance away. Not sure about other cell services, but Zero T-mobile signal, but I had just purchased the Starlink system before heading this way and I'm getting high-speed internet and Wi-Fi calling, in the middle of nowhere! This is my favorite boondocking area so far. Note, this area is suitable for most Big Rigs

  • Connor M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2024

    Crazy Woman Canyon Road - dispersed camping

    Best kept secret, beautiful bolders, fast moving river

    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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2022

    Circle Road Dispersed Camping

    Easy in and out

    Stayed down this road in an open meadow for a few days. Weekend was busy with traffic down the dirt road but weekdays we had it all to ourselves. 2 people had parked their trailers there and never showed up, so I don't know what that was about. If you go here, please only park or drive in designated areas. Several vehicles went off road which is not allowed and forces the Rangers to limit camping spots. Saw plenty of big rigs, but this is a dirt road and is suited to smaller trialers. Site was not very level, so be prepared for that.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2025

    Crazy Woman Canyon Road - dispersed camping

    Awesome river campsite

    Visited in August 2024

    The Bighorns have an abundance of great dispersed camping, but this site stands out as being much more protected from road noise and general traffic. Bonus points for the gorgeous creek running through. Several camping locations along a steep but 2WD-friendly road, some of them suitable for large groups.

Guide to Big Horn

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Big Horn, Wyoming, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Big Horn, Wyoming

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Circle Road Dispersed Camping, provide ample space for both tents and RVs, making it a versatile choice for different camping styles.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Tongue River Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, so bring your own supplies.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife; the area is known for its free-range cattle and other animals that may wander through your campsite.

Top activities while free camping near Big Horn

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to trails, especially near Elgin Park Trailhead, where you can explore the stunning landscapes of the Bighorn National Forest.
  • Fishing opportunities abound in nearby rivers and lakes, providing a perfect way to relax after setting up camp at spots like Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403.
  • For those who enjoy stargazing, the open areas around Meadow Camp on Forest Road 231 offer breathtaking views of the night sky, free from light pollution.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent an RV for dispersed camping in Big Horn, Wyoming?

While you can rent RVs in Wyoming for dispersed camping in the Big Horn area, you'll need to ensure your rental company allows off-grid use. Some sites like Canyon Creek Dispersed can accommodate rigs of all sizes, though be prepared to scout ahead as roads get rougher deeper into the camping areas. Road conditions on many dispersed sites require slower speeds due to rocks and uneven terrain. Check your rental agreement carefully as many companies restrict travel on unpaved roads or require additional insurance for dispersed camping.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Big Horn?

Dispersed camping in Big Horn National Forest typically allows a 14-day stay limit. At Circle Road Dispersed Camping, you must park and drive only in designated areas to prevent resource damage. Forest Service staff regularly patrol areas like Elgin Park Trailhead to enforce regulations. No trash service is provided, so pack out all waste. Campfires are permitted in established fire rings when no fire restrictions are in place. Be aware that some locations show evidence of extended stays despite regulations limiting camping duration.

Where are the best dispersed camping locations in Big Horn, Wyoming?

Crazy Woman Canyon Road offers stunning dispersed camping with protection from road noise and features a gorgeous creek running through. The road is steep but 2WD-friendly with multiple camping spots. Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403 provides well-spaced sites with amazing views, and the town of Buffalo is conveniently located down the mountain. Schuler Park offers established fire rings at off-grid sites, though the access road is dirt but in good condition.

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