The Bighorn National Forest extends across northern Wyoming covering 1.1 million acres with elevations ranging from 4,000 feet to over 13,000 feet at Cloud Peak. The area's diverse ecosystems transition from sagebrush-grassland to alpine meadows and dense pine forests. Campgrounds in surrounding communities provide easy access to both mountain and valley terrain, with most forest roads rutting after precipitation due to clay-based soil composition.
What to do
**Trail exploration: Near Tie Flume Campground, several hiking and ATV options await just steps from your site. "The Tie Flume trail just a quarter mile down the road. Follow that road and go on a dirt road trip. Black Mountain fire tower is 10 miles down," explains camper Art S. This historic area offers remnants of old flumes once used for log transportation.
**Wildlife viewing: Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site offers exceptional wildlife observation opportunities along its creek. "We had water access along the whole site. My toddler and 9 year old played in the shallows for hours," notes Preston Y., who also mentions the impressive 60-foot canyon wall that reflects water during afternoon hours.
**Historical sites: Medicine Lodge features Native American petroglyphs dating back 2000 years along its 700-foot sandstone bluff. As one visitor explains, "The petroglyphs were in remarkable shape and worth the long drive out to the campground." The site combines archaeological interest with natural beauty, making it educational for all ages.
What campers like
**Clean facilities: Worland RV Park & Campground maintains exceptionally tidy grounds and amenities. "This park is very well ran it is quite and clean FHU's with great water all of the water in Worland comes from an artesian well," notes Gary K., who adds that "The power was very good and stable. We had 50 amp both legs showing 120volts."
**Privacy between sites: Many reviewers appreciate the spacing at Tie Flume Campground. "Sites are very spaced out, so it is very private and quiet. Lots of wildlife and pine forest," reports Hannah T. This natural separation provides a more secluded experience than many developed campgrounds.
**Water features: Multiple campgrounds offer creekside camping opportunities. "We stayed here the weekend after July 4th. Sites were all nicely mowed with very clean fire pits and new picnic tables. We had water access along the whole site," writes a Medicine Lodge visitor, highlighting how water access enhances the camping experience.
What you should know
**Limited services: When camping near Bighorn National Forest, prepare for minimal amenities. "Be aware that you will have to arrive with water in your tank if you are in an RV. The hand pumps at the campground do not allow you to attach a hose," notes Kathi V. about Tie Flume. She adds, "There is NO cell service within 18 miles of the campground. Additionally, there is no grocery store or even stocked service station within miles."
**Elevation considerations: Bighorn National Forest campsites sit at high elevations, affecting temperatures and camping conditions. "This campground is over 8000 feet with no electric. There are several sites that are great for solar," explains a Tie Flume reviewer, highlighting the need to prepare for cooler nights even in summer.
**Seasonal closures: Most forest campgrounds operate on limited schedules. One reviewer notes about Tie Flume: "Open: June - September end of season. Water during season stays open but geared down services." Check campground availability when planning trips outside peak summer months.
Tips for camping with families
**Stream play areas: Creekside camping offers natural entertainment for children. At Medicine Lodge, one camper shared, "My toddler and 9 year old played in the shallows for hours. There was a deep hole next to the canyon face." These natural water features provide hours of entertainment.
**Wildlife viewing opportunities: Ten Sleep RV Park and surrounding areas offer excellent wildlife sightings. "Great little campground that's perfect for a stop before or after exploring the Bighorns and Ten Sleep Canyon," writes Tim R., noting the family-friendly atmosphere and amenities.
**Winter activities: For cold-weather camping, some areas remain accessible. "Many opportunities such as biking, hiking, GEOCatching, wildlife viewing, horseshoes, fishing and even winter sport during the winter," explains a reviewer about Medicine Lodge, which remains open year-round for $17 per night ($10 additional for electric).
Tips from RVers
**Water quality varies: When RV camping near Bighorn National Forest, water sources differ significantly. "This park is very well ran it is quite and clean FHU's with great water all of the water in Worland comes from an artesian well," notes a Worland RV Park visitor, highlighting the high-quality water available at this location.
**Solar potential: For boondockers, Shell Campground and forest sites offer varying sun exposure. "A small and simple campsite for an overnight near Bighorn National Forest," notes Adam N. about Shell Campground, which offers year-round RV sites with 30-amp hookups for those needing power.
**Site maneuverability: RV sites require careful navigation, especially after rain. "Sites are gravel and level," reports Kim H. about Peter D's RV Park, though other reviewers note limited space between sites at some campgrounds, requiring caution when positioning larger rigs.
