1 campground with availability next weekend
Battle Park Trailhead serves primarily as a horse camp in Bighorn National Forest, featuring several corrals and high lines for securing horses, plus a dedicated horse water trough fed by a nearby creek. Ample parking accommodates horse trailers, making this an accessible option for equestrians traveling with their animals. The campground includes vault toilets, fire rings, and allows both tent and RV camping. Circle Park Campground provides additional horse-friendly camping options with dispersed sites along the access road that accommodate equestrians. The road to Battle Park can be narrow in some spots with occasional rutting, which makes two-way traffic difficult during peak seasons. Both locations maintain primitive facilities focused on practical equestrian needs rather than luxury amenities.
Hunter Campground connects directly to forest trails suitable for horseback riding, offering multiple sites that work well for both horse owners and non-equestrian campers. Riders access miles of backcountry trails from these camping areas, with routes extending throughout the Bighorn Mountains. Water access for horses varies by location, with Battle Park offering the most reliable water source through its creek-fed trough. Forest Service roads provide access to these camping areas, though conditions can vary seasonally with some requiring high-clearance vehicles after rain. The dispersed camping areas along Circle Park Road have become particularly popular with riders seeking more solitude. Several campers report wildlife sightings including moose and elk in these areas, making these horse campsites a strong choice for trail riders wanting a true wilderness experience.
"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."
"Lots of trails for atv riding, hiking, horse back riding, you name it. Great place for a family camp or reunion. Cleaniest campground I've ever been in and my family camps a lot....highest ratings."
Available next weekend
from $10 - $200 / night
"This camp is primarily a horse camp. 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."
"Quite a few people bring their horses and/or off road toys. Great mountain views! Worth the trip every time."
"This is a tiny campground in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area near the popular Circle Park Trailhead."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 / night
"This campground is an amazing off grid location for those looking to escape for a little while."
"Best way I know to describe it) Sites are very close to each other. Trees all over. Park is on edge of town—great location."
"Walking distance into the small town."
from $23 - $150 / night
"The campground was full nutrition non-horse campers can also camp here. It is also a trailhead. The road is long - at the fork stay left."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
"This horse friendly RV park is right outside the Bighorn Mountains, which offers beautiful views (check out Crazy Woman Canyon!) and recreational opportunities."
"Well-managed site in ponderosa stand with scenic drive .. very scenic quiet trail along Doyle creek starting from backside of campground that turns into a loop through meadows and ponderosa."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 / night
"The sites are pretty spaced out and some of them are actually really nicely tucked in the pine trees."
TravelerExcellent and remote site for those looking to get away. The weather is warm, the creek is ice cold, and the tent areas are nice and flat. The only downside is there is a herd of cows that comes through and poops everywhere. With them also comes a lot of biting flies.
TravelerThis is nothing like I thought it would be. An oasis. Nothingness and then down a dirt road and then it opens up to green grass, beautiful stream, late week spaced sites. Super well maintained. Historical sites are great and many walking paths. Several swimming holes. Shocked there were not more ppl. Highly recommend!
GuideThe campground was full nutrition non-horse campers can also camp here. It is also a trailhead. The road is long - at the fork stay left.
GuideTen Sleep RV Park is a great little campground that's perfect for a stop before or after exploring the Bighorns and Ten Sleep Canyon. It’s a small, well-kept park with full hookup RV sites and a few camping spots without services. The staff is very friendly and welcoming, which adds to the laid-back atmosphere. If you're into craft beer, be sure to check out Ten Sleep Brewery— it's a local favorite and well worth the visit. Whether you're looking for a convenient overnight stop or a base to enjoy the area, this park fits the bill. No T-Mobile service.
GuideThis is a review for the Campground, which costs to stay at. Currently the price is $20 per night and $10 per extra vehicle. A cash or check self-pay dropbox is available at the entrance. Firewood available for $6 a bundle at the host site. 10 sites total, there is a map at the entrance to show the sites. There is dispersed camping along the access road for free, and a separate Dyrt entry for that type of camping.
The campground is about 3 miles off of paved road. The first 2/3rds of the dirt road was great, last little bit might get tricky after a rain. I can see this campground becoming muddy. With that said, my fwd vehicle made it with no issues. No electric or water hookups, but there is public drinking water and toilets. Cell service is 0-1 bar of 4G on Verizon on a good day, don't plan on having service. It's a no outlet loop road so there is some quiet traffic that ends at night, I saw about a dozen vehicles an hour on average during a beautiful Friday afternoon.
As other reviews have pointed out, this is a great location for kids to explore and enjoy nature. A short hike quickly gets you away from any noise. The snow-covered mountains in the backdrop are truly stunning. The sites are mostly shaded and uneven, but there is a decent variation to choose from. There were 3 sites available mid-afternoon on Friday.
Due to how easy it is to access, everyone should have this campground (or the dispersed camping along the road) on their to-visit list!
GuideThis camp is primarily a horse camp. 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.
The road getting to the camp was pretty good but can get pretty rutted up at times. The road in is also really long and narrow in some spots. Which, makes two way traffic difficult.
GuideTons and tons of spaces. No Verizon service. The sites are pretty spaced out and some of them are actually really nicely tucked in the pine trees.
Traveler44°35'22.4"N 107°07'30.4"W
These are from Google Maps..
ScoutFound it closed, no idea if indefinite. 6 Sept 2023
Equestrian camping near Bighorn National Forest offers access to over 1,500 miles of trails across elevations ranging from 4,000 to 13,000 feet. The terrain features a mix of alpine meadows, dense forests, and rocky outcroppings where temperatures can drop dramatically at night even during summer months. Most equestrian-focused sites are accessible from late May through early October, though early and late season camping can experience unexpected snowfall.
Trout fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide quick access to stocked streams and natural fishing holes. At Doyle Creek Campground, campers can enjoy "a stream for good fly fishing" according to Kailey A., who also mentions they "always see a bunch of wildlife" in the area. The creek runs directly behind the campground with easy access points.
Hiking from campgrounds: Most equestrian camping areas connect to hiking trails suitable for non-riders too. At Little Goose Campground, Shawn O. found "nice little hiking trails followed the river" and noted the campground had "about 3 sites available for truck and trailer" plus additional tent sites.
Explore nearby breweries: When taking a break from trail riding, local breweries offer relaxation options. Kimberly L. recommends visiting from Ten Sleep RV Park: "It is right in the little town of Tensleep with a couple restaurants/bars and evening entertainment (when I stayed on a weekend, there was live music playing right down the road)."
Wildlife viewing: Many equestrian sites throughout Bighorn National Forest offer opportunities to spot native animals. Carl S. describes Lower Doyle Creek as a "Well-managed site in ponderosa stand with scenic drive... very scenic quiet trail along Doyle creek starting from backside of campground that turns into a loop through meadows and ponderosa."
Seasonal wildflowers: The mountain meadows bloom with wildflowers during summer months. Annie C. found Circle Park Campground delightful, noting "the wildflowers and birds were plentiful" and mentioning nearby hiking where "the Circle Park trail is incredible, with a hike up to a great lake (several fellows were hooking decent sized fish)."
Mountain vistas: The elevated position provides expansive views. At Circle Park Campground, Lanna M. states: "It's so close and easy to get to from Buffalo, and there are plenty of different spots so you can find something you like. Shaded areas, more sunny spots, more private or close to the road."
Road conditions: Access roads to many horse camps can become challenging. Shawn O. warns about Little Goose: "The directions in the description is correct, however the GPS coordinates are not... this led us down a nice easy dirt road that eventually lead to a pretty rough Jeep trail. You wouldn't want anything less than a stock Wrangler or equivalent to take this road."
Weather preparation: Temperature swings can occur rapidly in the Bighorns. Steve & Ashley G. note about dispersed camping near Circle Park: "The shear beauty of this spot makes it a good option for those who like dispersed camping and no camping fees."
Seasonal availability: Most equestrian camping facilities have limited seasons. According to Patrick W., some sites at Circle Park might be "tough with bigger trailers" and "Mosquitoes got pretty bad" during certain periods.
Boulder play areas: Some sites feature natural play features for children. Patrick W. found at Circle Park Campground "a great site with a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on. Good views and quiet."
Swimming options: During summer months, families can combine horse camping with swimming. Annie C. mentions being not far from "the cute town of Buffalo, WY, home of the largest free public pool in the state" when staying at Hunter Campground.
Accessible exploration: Even young children can enjoy short trails from many horse camps. Sam found Hunter Campground offered "Stunning mountain views and lots of areas to explore. Water and bathrooms were available, fire ring and picnic table at each site spot."
Size considerations: Horse trailers combined with RVs require careful site selection. Glen B. notes about Lower Doyle Creek: "Small but beautiful campground located in the Bighorn Mtns of Wyoming. Off hwy 16 a little ways this campground is big on scenery if not amenities. Although tree covered they are rocky and small. However the equestrian area at the back has some beautiful spots."
Utility hookups: Most equestrian-focused campgrounds have minimal services. Teresa H. explains about Doyle Creek: "Lot of space which you may share with a wandering cow from rangeland. We loved it here. Beautiful country with room to wander after dinner with the dogs!"
Laundry facilities: For extended stays with horses, some nearby facilities offer services. At Ten Broek RV Park, natalie S. found "Nice shaded fhu site. Very clean restroom and shower facilities. Laundry facilities are a little dated but worked. Owners were personable and attentive. Walking distance into the small town."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best horse camping areas in Bighorn National Forest?
Bighorn National Forest offers several excellent horse camping areas. Battle Park Trailhead is primarily designed for equestrians, featuring multiple corrals, high lines, and a horse water trough fed by a creek. There's also ample parking for horse trailers, though the access road can be rutted at times. Doyle Creek Campground is another good option, with a beautiful equestrian area at the back of the campground that offers some exceptional spots. For those seeking additional options, Hunter Campground serves as both a campground and trailhead that accommodates both horse and non-horse campers.
What facilities are available at Ten Sleep Horse Camp in Bighorn National Forest?
Ten Sleep RV Park is a horse-friendly facility located just outside Bighorn Mountains. The park offers clean bathrooms with showers and 24-hour laundry facilities. There's a small grassy area designated for tent camping. The location provides convenient access to the mountains with their recreational opportunities and scenic views like Crazy Woman Canyon. For those seeking an alternative in the area, Ten Broek RV Park is located near rodeo grounds and features full hookup sites, clean restroom and shower facilities, and laundry options. The park also has a small store and cabins, with shaded sites arranged along small streets.
How close are campgrounds to the Little Bighorn Battlefield from Bighorn National Forest?
The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is located in southern Montana, approximately 90-120 miles north of Bighorn National Forest, depending on your starting point within the forest. Circle Park Campground in the northern section of Bighorn National Forest makes a good base camp, offering ten sites bordered by aspen groves and meadows. From there, you can expect a 2-3 hour drive to reach the battlefield. Little Goose Campground is another off-grid option in the northern portion of the forest that would position you closer to the Montana border for a battlefield visit. Always check road conditions before traveling, especially during winter months.
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