Dispersed camping opportunities around Bighorn National Forest offer free sites at elevations ranging from 6,000 to over 9,000 feet. Weather can change rapidly in this mountain environment, with summer nighttime temperatures often dropping below 45°F even during July. The terrain varies from open meadows to dense forest, with numerous unofficial campsites established along Forest Service roads throughout the region.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Grouse Mountain Basecamp, visitors frequently spot large mammals in early morning hours. "The temperature got down to 45° which is perfect for me for sleeping. There were several other people but we were all spread out. Some horses greeted us at the fence and I woke up to cows starring at me," notes Lisa D. about her stay at Grouse Mountain Basecamp.
Hiking accessible trails: Many rustic camping areas near Bighorn National Forest connect directly to hiking trails. At Canyon Creek Dispersed, campers can access mountain trails at 9,000 ft elevation. "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," according to The Wandering Shores.
Wildflower photography: Spring and early summer bring exceptional wildflower displays to the mountain meadows. "Wildflowers were beautiful," notes ekastroll from their visit to Grouse Mountain Basecamp, while Liona L. described their campsite as a "Wildflower Paradise" with "a gorgeous sunset and woke up in a cloud!"
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Many campers appreciate finding private areas away from crowds. Crazy Woman Canyon Road offers particularly secluded options. "Crazy Woman Canyon Road starts high on an open hilltop and then descends deep into a lush and beautiful canyon. The road follows the river with large boulders stacked upon each other to make up the canyon walls," shares GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
Natural water features: Camping near rivers and streams rates highly among visitors. Art S. describes Crazy Woman Canyon: "We loved this spot! It's right next to a river with rapids that are steep enough to be considered small waterfalls. There are 5 fire pits here that are spaced around the outside of the area."
Designated structures at free sites: Castle Gardens provides unexpected amenities for a free site. "There are 4 sites in a loop, each with a shade structure, picnic table, grill, and fire pit. Spot #1 is better suited for tent campers, as you park your car along the loop and then walk a little bit up to the camp area," reports Laura M.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically across the forest. Patrick N. notes at Circle Road Dispersed Camping, "Verizon coverage is decent along the road, but I turned off on FR 375 and the Verizon died where I was... I spent time looking for moose, but never saw one until one triggered my security camera."
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful driving. "The road was dirt but it was easy to navigate but take it slow and be careful as there are a couple of rough spots. Hesitate travel on this road after a heavy rain, as any kind of washout or slick conditions could make travel hazardous," advises GoWhereYouAreDraw N. about Crazy Woman Canyon Road.
Weather unpredictability: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Heather S. at Castle Gardens reports, "One of the nights we got caught in a light shower with lightening and thunder. So beautiful to see! Even saw lightening strike the ground."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Families should consider ease of access when selecting rustic camping near Bighorn National Forest. "Nice, quiet with good view and fire pit. Camping right next to the creek, listen to water and birds humming, perfect white noise to sleep with," suggests Layla M. about her family-friendly experience at Crazy Woman Canyon Road.
Wildlife education opportunities: Prepare children for animal encounters with safety information. Bruce P. from Circle Road Dispersed Camping notes, "The road goes through a large open meadow. This gives the sites excellent views of the bighorn range. There were also two moose grazing in the meadow for the entire time we were there."
Look for established fire rings: For family safety, use existing fire rings. At Schuler Park, Kale R. mentions, "Great experience! Off the grid campsite with no service or bathrooms. Fireplaces set up at the sites. Dirt road to the sites but it is in good condition."
Tips from RVers
Scout before committing: Large rigs should scout roads before proceeding too far into dispersed camping areas. Amy D. reports about Grouse Mountain Basecamp, "We love dispersed camping but hauling a 25' airstream makes a lot of sites inaccessible despite our lift and rugged tires! But not here! It's a level, smooth, dirt road where you pull off the side anywhere you choose."
Watch for uneven terrain: Many dispersed sites require leveling. Laura M. notes at Castle Gardens, "None of the sites were very level," while recommending specific sites by number for different vehicle types.
Weekend congestion awareness: RVers should plan for increased traffic on weekends. "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," reports Daniel S. about Circle Road Dispersed Camping.
