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Camping near Bighorn National Forest

429 Reviews

You'll find several good camping areas throughout Bighorn National Forest, with options scattered across its pine-covered mountains. Circle Park Campground has lots of trees that block the wind and create space between sites, which keeps things quiet even when it's busy. South Fork Campground works well for both tent and RV camping with wider spots that don't feel cramped. If you want to hike right from your campsite, Tie Flume Campground puts you close to trailheads and has some good views of the surrounding area. The forest often has fire rules that change based on conditions, so check what permits you need before heading out. During summer weekends, you should probably book ahead since the best spots fill up fast. Since most camping areas sit at higher elevations, nights get cold even in summer, so bring warm sleeping gear. Remember to pack out all your trash and follow basic forest rules. Bighorn has good camping whether you prefer a tent or bring an RV.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bighorn National Forest (107)

    1. Shell Creek

    6 Reviews
    Shell, WY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $19 / night

    "Bighorn National Forest is one of my all time favorites to visit in the country. Dare I say that I enjoy it more than Yellowstone?"

    "Amazing creek behind the majority of the sites. Nice tent only walk in sites. Sites 1 & 2 share a parking area. Large turn around area for staging/unloading car/ATV haulers."

    2. Bighorn National Forest

    8 Reviews
    Wolf, WY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    "Driving through Bighorn National Forest we found TONS of free dispersed camping off route 20.

    Sites are primitive… No running water, no electric, no restrooms."

    "We dispersed camped north of MeadowLark Lake along FS Road 427 I believe! It was beautiful, and so peaceful. We did get stormed on but our tent held out really well!"

    3. Medicine Lodge Archaelogical Site Campground

    6 Reviews
    Hyattville, WY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 469-2234

    $11 - $20 / night

    "The Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site is maintained by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. I normally avoid campgrounds and prefer dispersed camping or backpacking, but I gladly camp here."

    "There was a deep hole next to the canyon face. In the afternoon the 60' canyon wall reflected the water. At night the fire flickered and projected our shadows across the whole face."

    4. Bighorn National Forest Tie Flume Campground

    15 Reviews
    Wolf, WY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $21 / night

    "Tie Flume Campground is located in the Bighorn National Forest, with scenery and wildlife all around you. You can't beat that! There are also so many activities to do here."

    "Make sure you get a spot near the bubbling mountain stream...sites 23 and 24 were right on the waters edge. The camp host and family were awesome. Great hosts."

    5. Shell Reservoir Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Shell, WY
    7 miles
    Website

    $17 - $28 / night

    "Beautiful campsites, brook trout fishing in the lake and the creek below, as well as a 4x4 trail that makes a large loop between shell reservoir and lake Adelaide. We’ll definitely be back!"

    "Stayed at a site right across from the lake on a hill in the pines."

    6. West Tensleep Lake

    9 Reviews
    Ten Sleep, WY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $19 / night

    "At first we couldn't find this place because Google Maps will take you to the entrance of Sitting Bull Campground down the road."

    "Campsite #9 is next to the outhouse and you can definitely smell it when the wind blows or if it is getting heavy use. That being said, you are camping in the high country."

    7. Medicine Lodge Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Hyattville, WY
    4 miles
    Website

    "there are also several lakes, paintrock lakes and medicine lodge lakes. there was a microburst a few weeks ago so there a lot of trees blown over, really cool to see."

    8. Island Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ten Sleep, WY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $19 / night

    "We were on our way to Yellowstone during a 10 day road trip through South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado and they insisted we stop and camp here at least one night and I’m so glad we did!"

    "Moose and deer frequently are seen walking through or near the campground. Close to lots of hiking and biking trails. The only downfall is it’s 3 miles down a bumpy dirt road."

    9. Lakeview Campground

    11 Reviews
    Ten Sleep, WY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $20 - $40 / night

    "The views of the lake were amazing. The CCC did a remarkable job here. I want to come back in the winter."

    "Camped here in July, our site had a path down to Meadowlark Lake. The trail and entire campground was surrounded by lupine and countless other wildflowers in bloom."

    10. Battle Park Trailhead

    1 Review
    Bighorn National Forest, WY
    11 miles

    "There are several corrals and high lines as well as a horse water trough fed by a nearby creek. There is also ample parking for horse trailers."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bighorn National Forest

127 Photos of 107 Bighorn National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bighorn National Forest

429 Reviews of 107 Bighorn National Forest Campgrounds

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Bighorn National Forest Sibley Lake Campground

    A good one night stay

    A pretty good campground, clean with clean Porta potty toilets, water at the campground, but not at campsites, electric and non-electric the drive to get here though is amazing

  • S
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Highway 16 Dispersed Site

    Roadtrip Stop

    Decent drive off I90 but worth it. Great views and a good place to stop if you’re on a roadtrip. The last bit of road is bumpy and the parking area is fairly exposed but a great spot nonetheless.

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Buffalo KOA

    Nicest KOA I’ve ever stayed at

    Stunning KOA location. Immaculately kept. Prime location. Level site. Lots of amenities, quiet, easy in and out proximity to I25. Would like to have stayed more nights. Our site had a patio and only one neighbor. Grass and trees. Walking distance to beach access.

  • Brent P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    Great spot

    Pretty nice spot right off 16, quite a few nice flat spots with plenty of room for trailer or rv. Had some neighbors but is plenty spread out. Also had some horses come visit.

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Shell Creek

    Paradise!

    Beautiful little campground with 15 spots. Each have a picnic table, fire ring and a charcoal grill. Some tent only sites and a few large enough for rvs. We're in 15 with plenty of space to not have to unhook our 26 foot trailer. Water is available and clean vault toilets. Campfire wood available at host for $6. Host is awesome! We spent a decent amount talking about the area and solar power stuff. Aside from the creek its mostly dead quiet here besides a group has some dirt bikes that come and go once in a while and the occasional camper or side by side coming down the road. 10/10 would recommend. Beautiful scenery and people seem to enjoy fishing here as well. There is a couple spots to park for just fishing. There is a couple bear boxes for tents campers as well. We havnt seen bears in the immediate area but we did see a mother and baby black bear about 10 miles down the road. Beautiful dear in the area. Chipmunks and birds too. Host said there are moose and coyotes in the area but we havnt seen any yet. Definitely lots of mosquitos so bring your spray or thermacells. It's mid August and it's starting to cool down. About 75 during the day and low 50s at night. No electric or rv dump here you must go to Burgess station to dump. (No posted price/donations appreciated) no dumpsters here but a few bear resistant trash cans for small amounts of trash. The water spigots dont have threads either and not meant to fill rv tanks.

  • chris M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Ten Sleep Rock Ranch

    Climbers home

    Great climbers campground. Not suitable for RVs.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Tongue River Campground

    Great spot

    Rolled in around 7 and was able to snag a riverside spot. Bear boxes and picnic table at my site. Beautiful, quiet, and not too far off the beaten path.

Guide to Bighorn National Forest

Camping near Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are great spots to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. For example, at South Fork Campground, a short 1.5-mile trail leads to a beautiful reservoir, perfect for all ages. One camper mentioned, "There is a short trail... that ran along the creek."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Tie Hack Campground, are near water bodies where you can fish. A visitor shared, "This site opens onto a rocky hill and forested area... the Tie Hack reservoir can be found if you go far enough."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose and elk. Campers at Island Park Campground enjoyed seeing wildlife, with one stating, "Best sites for views are along the creek where you can watch moose, beaver, and trout."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Circle Park Campground are well-maintained. A reviewer noted, "The pit toilets are fairly new and very clean."
  • Secluded Spots: Many campers appreciate the quiet and privacy. At Bighorn National Forest Tie Flume Campground, one visitor said, "This campground is set into a bit of a level bowl... giving you the impression of seclusion."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A camper at Tie Hack Campground mentioned, "Host Peggy was very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • No Cell Service: Many areas, like Lakeview Campground, have limited or no cell service. One camper warned, "Only drawback was no cell service (Verizon)."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at West Tensleep Lake Campground advised, "If you are not reserving a spot ahead of time, make sure that you show up early."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crazy Woman Canyon Road - dispersed camping, lack basic facilities. A reviewer noted, "NO drinking water, NO toilets, NO trash."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Circle Park Campground, which has plenty of space for kids to play. One parent shared, "Found a great site with a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A camper at South Fork Campground mentioned, "The tent sites made us wish we were still tent campers."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand is essential for family trips. A visitor at Lakeview Campground noted, "Sites were well spaced that provided a tent pad, picnic table, and fire pit."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds, like Worland RV Park & Campground, can accommodate larger rigs. A reviewer said, "Some of the spots were recently added. The sites are gravel."
  • Be Prepared for Dirt Roads: Many campgrounds are accessed via gravel roads. A visitor at West Tensleep Lake Campground mentioned, "The long 7-mile gravel road on cruiser motorcycles is a pain."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some areas lack amenities, it's wise to stock up on essentials. A camper at Tie Hack Campground noted, "You’ll have to go to Leigh Creek Dump station... or go to the town of Buffalo at the Cenex fuel station."

Camping near Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming, is a great way to enjoy nature, but being prepared can make your experience even better!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Bighorn National Forest?

Bighorn National Forest offers several exceptional campgrounds for nature lovers. Tie Flume Campground stands out for its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, making it a favorite among visitors. Shell Creek is another top choice, with beautiful surroundings that rival even Yellowstone according to frequent visitors. Other noteworthy options include Island Park Campground for its stunning setting, West Tensleep Lake for lakeside camping, and Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site for its well-spaced sites along Medicine Lodge Creek. Each offers a unique experience with varying amenities, from primitive sites to those with more facilities, all surrounded by the forest's spectacular mountain landscapes.

When is the best time of year to camp in the Bighorn Mountains?

The prime camping season in the Bighorn Mountains runs from late June through early September when mountain roads are fully accessible and most campgrounds are open. July and August offer the warmest temperatures and lush wildflower displays, though these months can be busier. Island Park Campground is particularly beautiful during this peak season. Early fall (September) brings stunning autumn colors and fewer crowds, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site Campground remains pleasant into early fall. Weather changes quickly in the mountains, with possible snow as early as September, so always check conditions before traveling. Most campgrounds close by mid-September, though some lower elevation sites remain accessible longer.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Bighorn National Forest?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed and popular throughout Bighorn National Forest. Circle Road Dispersed Camping offers excellent sites with beautiful mountain views and untouched forest to explore. Route 20 through the forest has numerous free dispersed camping options, as mentioned by visitors to Bighorn National Forest. Standard dispersed camping rules apply: camp at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when possible, and practice Leave No Trace principles. No facilities are available at dispersed sites (no running water, electricity, or restrooms), so come prepared for primitive camping. The 14-day stay limit is enforced throughout the forest. Always check for seasonal fire restrictions before establishing camp.

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