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Best Dispersed Camping near Bighorn National Forest

59 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas surround Bighorn National Forest on Forest Service roads, with Circle Road offering numerous established sites accessible for most vehicles. The main dirt road has some potholes but remains manageable for RVs and trailers, with sites spread along a 3-mile stretch ending at either a paid campground or trailhead. Castle Gardens, about 5 miles off Highway 16 on gravel roads with occasional washboarding, provides four designated sites with shade structures, picnic tables, grills, and fire rings, plus a vault toilet.

Most dispersed areas enforce a 14-day stay limit and operate on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no trash service. Cell coverage varies significantly by location—some campers report finding isolated hills with good reception while most areas have limited or no service. Visitors should prepare for wildlife encounters, including moose, elk, and free-range cattle. As one camper noted, "If you drive for a bit you can find yourself a nice little private out of the way camping spot to set up tent." Weekend ATV traffic can create dust and noise in popular areas, particularly near Elgin Park Trailhead.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Bighorn National Forest (18)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bighorn National Forest

51 Photos of 18 Bighorn National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bighorn National Forest

59 Reviews of 18 Bighorn National Forest 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

  • Connor N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Circle Road Dispersed Camping

    Stunning views, very serene

    Had a great one-night stay while passing through Bighorn National Forest. Cold, but the mountains were beautiful and the surrounding area was largely untouched with tons of forest to explore. Would absolutely stay again if passing through.

  • 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.
    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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    Easy boondocking with plenty of space

    This is about as easy and convenient as dispersed camping gets. Plenty of room for big rigs, but also good for tents. It’s a dirt road off a paved highway (which is convenient to the route to Yellowstone). Just pull off the dirt road into the field to camp. There’s a gate before the road turns south, but right before the gate it’s a cleared space to turn around if you don’t want to turn around in the field. The only con is that there’s a significant amount of cow pies.

  • R
    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.

Guide to Bighorn National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming, where nature lovers can enjoy stunning landscapes and a sense of solitude. This area offers a variety of spots for camping enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Bighorn National Forest

  • Experience breathtaking mountain views at Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403, where the open space allows for peaceful stargazing and wildlife sightings.
  • The picturesque landscapes at Circle Road Dispersed Camping are enhanced by vibrant wildflowers, making it a perfect backdrop for photography and relaxation.
  • Enjoy the tranquility of Castle Gardens, a secluded area that offers a serene environment for those seeking a quiet retreat in nature.

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Explore the nearby hiking trails accessible from Elgin Park Trailhead, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Bighorn National Forest.
  • The scenic routes leading to Tongue River Campground provide opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Visit Canyon Creek Dispersed for its stunning views and the chance to encounter wild horses, adding an adventurous touch to your camping experience.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Circle Park Road

  • The diverse camping options along Dispersed Camping Circle Park Road cater to various preferences, whether you prefer a wooded area or an open meadow.
  • Be prepared for a bit of a drive to find the perfect spot, as some areas may be busier, but the effort is worth it for the peaceful surroundings.
  • This location is known for its accessibility, making it suitable for both tent and RV camping, ensuring a comfortable stay for all types of campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you dispersed camp anywhere in the Bighorn Mountains?

No, you cannot dispersed camp just anywhere in the Bighorn Mountains. While the national forest offers extensive dispersed camping opportunities, there are restrictions. At Canyon Creek Dispersed, camping is limited to designated areas, particularly as you travel further into the camping area where roads can become rough with water crossings. Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403 offers well-spaced spots, but camping is restricted to established sites. Generally, you should only camp in previously used areas, stay at least 100 feet from water sources, and avoid camping in meadows or fragile ecosystems. Always park and drive only on designated routes to minimize environmental impact, and respect private property boundaries within and adjacent to the forest.

Where can I find dispersed camping areas in Bighorn National Forest?

Bighorn National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping areas along forest roads. Circle Road Dispersed Camping provides multiple pull-off spots about half a mile down an easy dirt road, with options continuing for about 3 miles. Another popular area is Crazy Woman Canyon Road, which features beautiful canyon views and stream access. Additional dispersed camping can be found along Canyon Creek Road, Grouse Mountain on Forest Road 403, and near Schuler Park. Most sites are accessible via dirt roads that are generally well-maintained but may require slower speeds due to rocks and occasional rough conditions. The higher elevation areas (around 9,000 ft) offer cooler temperatures and spectacular mountain views during summer months.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Bighorn National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Bighorn National Forest is generally allowed for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. At Schuler Park, like other dispersed areas, campers must pack out all trash as there are no garbage services. When camping at sites like Elgin Park Trailhead, you must camp in previously used areas and keep vehicles on established roads only. Campfires are permitted in existing fire rings when no fire restrictions are in place. All sites require practicing Leave No Trace principles, including proper human waste disposal at least 200 feet from water sources. Cutting live vegetation is prohibited. Some areas have seasonal closures, particularly during winter and spring melt. Be aware that many dispersed areas have no cell service, potable water, or restroom facilities, so come prepared with all necessary supplies.

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